Lanaar Elementary School, Aventura, FL | Multiple Positions
February 24, 2026
Head of Judaic Studies (ECC/LS, N–4)
The Head of Judaic Studies is a senior member of the Early Childhood Center / Lower School (ECC/LS) Leadership Team, responsible for articulating and advancing a compelling vision for Judaic learning and religious life for students in Nursery through Grade 4.
This role combines spiritual leadership, faculty supervision, curricular oversight, and partnership with parents, while collaborating closely with divisional and school leadership to support the growth of the whole child.
In addition to the faculty and staff overseen by the Head of Judaic Studies, the head of Hebrew Language for the ECC/LS reports directly to the Head of Judaic Studies.
Schoolwide & Leadership Responsibilities
- Serve as a full member of the Lower School Leadership Team, participating in strategic planning and daily collaboration.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of the school’s mission and strategic priorities as they relate to Judaic Studies and religious life.
- Promote and model a mission-driven culture rooted in derech eretz and menschlichkeit.
- Serve as an ambassador of the school’s mission to parents, visitors, and external constituencies.
- Ensure the safety, well-being, and supervision of students (N–4), including shared responsibility for arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, discipline, special events, and safety drills.
- Share leadership responsibilities and coverage with the ECC/LS Leadership Team and ensure staff coverage responsibilities are fulfilled.
- Anticipate and proactively address potential challenges affecting students, faculty, or programming, and respond effectively and calmly to sensitive or crisis situations.
- Communicate proactively and responsively with parents, including periodic summative and inspirational messages.
- Ensure timely, thoughtful communication and responsiveness among Judaic Studies faculty.
- Liaise with the Parents Council on Judaic initiatives and present at meetings as appropriate.
- Participate in faculty meetings.
- Support the Admissions team as needed. Participate in school tours, visitor meetings, and Admissions conversations when appropriate.
Judaic Vision, Curriculum, and Faculty Leadership
- Provide spiritual leadership and articulate a coherent vision for Judaic Studies and religious life in the Lower School.
- Participate in the development and stewardship of Judaic-related school policies.
- Supervise, support, and evaluate Judaic Studies faculty in non-Hebrew language disciplines (Grades 1–4), including Chumash, tefillah, chagim, mitzvot, and general Judaic knowledge.
- Lead hiring decisions for Judaic Studies faculty (Grades 1–4).
- Cultivate a positive, collaborative faculty culture that strengthens morale, professionalism, and growth.
- Collaborate with the ECC Director to support religious growth and continuity in Nursery through Kindergarten.
- Manage and evaluate Judaic Studies curricula and assessments (non-Hebrew language), including selecting materials and working with curriculum vendors.
- Continuously evaluate and refine Judaic curricula and assessments to meet evolving student needs.
- Coordinate and collaborate with Hebrew-language consultants and specialists to ensure alignment and efficiency across Judaic disciplines.
- Plan and lead professional development for Judaic Studies faculty, including orientation and ongoing growth opportunities.
- Teach periodically in the Lower School, modeling excellence in Judaic pedagogy.
Student Growth, Religious Experience, and Programming
- Monitor student progress in Judaic Studies, identify students requiring support, and develop strategies for growth in collaboration with teachers, specialists, and the Lower School Leadership Team.
- Oversee the Judaic Studies report card process (Grades 1–4).
- Support Judaic Studies–related Parent-Teacher Conferences and student placement conversations, as appropriate.
- Plan and lead grade-wide Judaic celebrations, including Chag HaSiddur (1st), Chag HaChumash (2nd), Havdalah (3rd), and Shabbat Shirah (4th).
- Develop and implement twice-weekly Shabbat Onegs (Grades 1–4).
- Design and oversee Judaic programming for the Jewish calendar, including chagim, fast days, and national days such as Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut.
- Develop new initiatives that enrich the spiritual, educational, and communal life of the Lower School.
- Plan and manage Judaic Studies–related trips (Grades 1–4).
Parent, Rabbinic, and Community Partnership
- Build and maintain relationships with KJ clergy involved in the Lower School.
- Liaise with parents and clergy to plan and attend six grade-level Shabbat celebrations at KJ (N–4).
- Partner with parents as co-educators in nurturing students’ Jewish identity and religious growth.
- Coordinate, as needed, with school support teams such as the Business Office, HR, Facilities, and Security to ensure effective implementation of Judaic programming.
Professional Growth
Engage in ongoing professional learning and reflection to strengthen leadership practice and approach constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $130,000–$180,000, commensurate with experience and education.
For more information or to apply for this position, please contact Rabbi Heshy Glass at hglass@cojds.org or 516.368.3333