Sha’arei Bina Torah Academy for Girls, Hollywood, FL
October 1, 2024Lower School Principal (Grades 1-5)
Job Overview:
The Principal of the Lower School plays a key leadership role in shaping the Judaic and general studies education and overall religious/yeshiva environment for students in grades 1-5. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Principal will ensure that the school’s Torah values and overall centrist/religious philosophy are integrated into the curriculum and daily life. This individual will be responsible for supervising Judaic Studies teachers and General Studies teachers along with a Director of General Studies, developing curriculum, the day to day management of the Lower School, and fostering a warm, caring, child-centered atmosphere. The Principal will work in collaboration with the rest of the Elementary and Early Childhood leadership team to create a holistic educational experience for students, while engaging families and the broader community.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Administration:
- Actively lead the Lower School leadership team consisting of the Director of General Studies of the Lower School and the heads of the Learning Center, Guidance Department, Blended Learning Program and other key administrators.
- Oversee the daily operations of the Lower School Judaic Studies department, ensuring a structured and inspiring learning environment.
- Collaborate with the Head of School and other administrators to develop and implement school-wide goals, programs, policies, and strategic initiatives that align with the yeshiva’s mission.
- Provide supervision and mentorship to teachers, ensuring high-quality, age-appropriate pedagogy and content delivery.
- Lead the recruitment, professional development, and evaluation of Lower School faculty members.
- Cultivate a strong connection between students, teachers, and parents, fostering a community grounded in Torah values and Jewish practice.
- Act as a Torah role model, reflecting HALB values in all aspects of school life.
Curriculum Development:
- Develop, oversee, and regularly evaluate the curriculum in conjunction with the Director of General Studies.
- Coordinate the teaching of Tefillah, Kriah, Chumash, Navi, Torah She’ba’al Peh, Ivrit, Jewish holidays, and other key components of the curriculum, adapting the content to the developmental levels of the students.
- Ensure that curriculum integration and cross-curricular projects with general studies are implemented when appropriate, emphasizing the holistic development of students.
- Work closely with Middle School and Early Childhood leadership to ensure curricular coordination.
Student & Parent Engagement:
- Foster an environment that encourages religious growth, love for Torah, middot, and a strong sense of connection to Israel and the Jewish people.
- Maintain open lines of communication with parents, keeping them informed of their children’s progress.
- Address any student behavioral or academic concerns with sensitivity, support and seriousness.
- Create and organize events and programming around Jewish holidays and other key days and events to enhance the student and family experience.
Spiritual & Community Leadership:
- Serve as a visible leader in school-wide events and programs.
- Encourage participation in extracurricular programming, including chesed/community service projects and other mitzvah-related initiatives.
- Collaborate with other local religious leaders, community members, and guest educators to bring dynamic religious experiences and learning opportunities to the students.
- Actively engage with parents and the broader school community to reinforce the school’s mission, promote parent involvement, and enhance school-home collaboration.
Qualifications:
- Proven ability to lead and manage a team of educators.
- Advanced degree in Jewish education and administration.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of teaching and administrative experience in a Jewish educational setting.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with students, teachers, parents, and community members.
- Familiarity with modern educational practices, curriculum design, and instructional methodologies (including Blended Learning).
- Deep commitment to Torah values and to fostering a love for Jewish learning among students.
Work Environment:
- Full-time position based at the Lower School campus.
- Regular participation in school events, holiday programs, and religious services.
- Occasional evening or weekend events in line with Jewish holidays or community programs.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and
references to the Head of School, Rabbi Adam Englander, at aenglander@halb.org or Rabbi Heshy Glass
at hglass@cojds.org