Career Opportunities

Director of Development

Bernard Zell is an independent, progressive Jewish day school in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago serving over 450 students in nursery through eighth grade. Founded in 1946, the school combines the best of Jewish learning and traditions with innovative educational practices in a rigorous and nurturing learning environment. Dedicated educators partner with families to fulfill the goal of raising children to be their best selves and good citizens of their communities. 

Bernard Zell features a multidisciplinary, layered curriculum of general studies and Jewish studies that builds on each previous year’s learning, an approach that cultivates confidence, creativity, leadership and empathy. Graduates possess a strong foundation, an intrinsic curiosity for continued learning and are exceedingly well-prepared for high school and life beyond. 

Now entering its 75th year, Bernard Zell seeks an experienced Director of Development to advance the mission of the school and achieve a $2M+ annual fundraising goal as well as endowed and capital giving efforts. This position reports to and collaborates closely with the Director of External Relations, serving as a key member of the advancement team focused on guiding the school’s strategic development efforts. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of relevant nonprofit fundraising experience, preferably in a Jewish environment. The Director of Development will be charged with designing, implementing, and managing all fundraising activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with professional and lay leadership to develop fundraising strategies, campaign plans and initiatives  
• Manage a portfolio of major donors; create and implement individualized solicitation, cultivation and stewardship plans
• Supervise a development team of 2 – 4 members; work collaboratively with members of the advancement team to develop virtual and in-person events to engage and educate donors
• Manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors while also overseeing a portfolio of middle-tier donors and prospects
• Develop and oversee annual, capital, endowed and legacy donor recognition programs, events and communications
• Oversee Bernard Zell’s Endowment Growth initiative, Legacy Society, and the final phase of the school’s capital Campaign to Transform Bernard Zell
• Partner with and coordinate volunteers, board members and committee leadership who support development 
• Oversee all restricted giving and foundation relationships, including grant applications and reporting
• Develop and implement strategies for securing funding for key school initiatives
• Manage the departmental budget for all development related activities 
• Oversee the routine updating of donor profiles; record all donor touchpoints and progress notes in the donor database management system 
• Report on and analyze campaign progress, results and giving trends

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 10+ years professional fundraising experience 
• Experience and comfort working with high-level donors and philanthropists
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; highly organized
• Skilled at developing relationships with lay leadership and donors; motivating volunteers to meet goals
• Proven ability to secure major gifts of $5,000+
• Project management expertise; ability to manage a budget, prioritize multiple requests and meet deadlines
• Knowledge and understanding of the Chicago Jewish philanthropic community
• Goal-oriented and data-driven with strong follow-through
• Energetic team player with a can-do attitude
• Demonstrated ability to work with and maintain confidential information
• High level of comfort working with business technology including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite; experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred
• Ability to work evenings, weekends or irregular hours as necessary
• Passion for Jewish education and the Bernard Zell mission

Compensation Range: $90,000-$110,000

How to apply: https://evolvegivinggroup.com/current-searches/bernard-zell-job-director/  

Head School Nurse

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning, and deep commitment to humanity develop engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. A pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied levels of religious observance. The school combines Jewish learning and tradition with the best of innovative educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment.

Primary Job Responsibilities: 

The School Nurse fills a key role in supporting our students and families. The nurse is responsible for ongoing, daily care of students as well as communicating with families, ensuring compliance with mandated paperwork, and leading efforts to promote health and wellness across the school. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct professional nursing services, First Aid, illness and emergency care to students and staff in accordance with professional standards, school policy and procedures, and state and local mandates
• Administer appropriately documented medication to students in accordance with law, policy, and school regulations
• Provide data management, communication, and participation in COVID-19 related protocols and procedures
• Respond to parent concerns when students have symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19
• Track absences related to illness or quarantine, including siblings, cohort mates, and staff members impacted
• Ensure the smooth communication around absences to Operations, teachers, and Division Heads
• Perform intake and contact tracing in the event of a positive case
• Keep up to date with emerging guidance from the CDC, IDPH, CDPH as well as from the Association of School Nurses along with other professional organizations
• Exercise clinical judgment in areas of ambiguity in returning or excluding a student or sibling to campus
• Perform or oversee specimen collection if an onsite testing solution is made available
• Support students with allergies and/or other conditions, and share appropriate action plans with families
• Train all staff in the use of Epipens
• Maintain ongoing communication with parents/guardians, teachers, and other school personnel regarding the health and safety needs of students
• Share relevant information about students and families with teachers and department heads as needed (and as appropriate)
• Recommend policies and procedures that promote a healthy and safe school environment
• Plan and implement health protocols and screenings, such as coordinating on-site vision and hearing screening per Illinois school guidelines
• Attend required staff meetings and serve as a resource to teachers on comprehensive health-related instruction
• Attend student-centered meetings as needed
• Prepare and distribute Emergency Contact/Health information to the main office and all faculty at the beginning of the school year
• Prepare and submit state immunization and medical examination reports to IWAS (ISBE)
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all school and health related issues
• Provide needed materials and medications for off site trips
• Maintain records to be in full compliance with state and other mandates
• Proficient with and/or willing to learn Magnus Health Portal

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or related medical field
• Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Illinois
• Experience in pediatric medical care required; experience in school/camp setting preferred
• Completion of First Aid and CPR programs and up-to-date certification
• Computer literacy and competency in use of existing technology
• Possess effective oral and written communication skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to establish positive rapport with students, families and staff
• Demonstrated competency in technology skills (Google Docs, word processing, email, spreadsheets)
• Familiarity with electronic medical databases and tools
• Clear, professional, effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

General Information

• Work is performed on site, i.e. Bernard Zell does not offer a telecommuting option
• Health benefits include along with reduced parking or public transportation subsidy; breakfast and lunch
• Paid sick and flex (personal) leave commensurate with length of tenure and position

Logistics 

• Work day is 7:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.; must be available for calls and email outside of these times 
• We anticipate that the work is on-site, although some tasks may be performed remotely 
• Kosher breakfast and lunch served daily. 

How to Apply: 

• Please send cover letter and resume to employment@bernardzell.org. As a condition of employment, all applicants must successfully pass a criminal background screening 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship. 

Bernard Zell recruits, hires and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students. 

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions or privileges of employment, including transfer, compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based  on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship.  Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.

 

Substitute Teacher

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning, and deep commitment to humanity develop engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. A pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied religious beliefs and observance. The school combines Jewish learning and tradition with the best of innovative educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment.

Job Summary and Scope of Responsibility:

Bernard Zell seeks an experienced, creative, and passionate substitute educator to instill knowledge and love for learning through both academic and social-emotional learning. Qualified candidates will be able to work collaboratively across grades and disciplines with a team of exceptional faculty & staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·  Carry out lesson plan instructions from the classroom teacher, and/or create lesson plans in absence of a prepared lesson; ensure all material is covered.

·  Communicates with the absent teacher at the end of the day thru written communication about what was accomplished that day (were the lessons covered, how did the day go, be as specific as possible.)

·  Create and maintain a discipline and classroom control that fosters a safe and productive learning environment in accordance with school policies.

·  Create and maintain a climate of respect and fairness for all students.

·  Observe and assess student performance.

·  Participate in teacher training sessions and other professional development as necessary.

·  Support and contribute to curriculum development to enhance the program.


·   Fulfill all teacher duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Bernard Zell Faculty Handbook.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

·  Bachelor’s degree in education preferred.  

Experience:

·  Minimum of one (1) year school teaching experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·  Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administration to support and extend the objectives of the curriculum.

·  Appreciation of a diverse, pluralistic Jewish community.

·  Ability to embrace technology and new ways of extending students' learning and creative capacities; knowledge of interactive whiteboard technology, iPads and Chromebooks.

·  Experience providing a nurturing, creative, and inclusive environment for students and to create a strong classroom community.

·  Excellent communication and organizational skills.

How to apply: Email a copy of your resume and cover letter to employment@bernardzell.org.

Middle School Math Specialist 

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning, and deep commitment to humanity develop engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. A pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied levels of religious observance. The school combines Jewish learning and tradition with the best of innovative educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment.

Job Summary and Responsibilities: 

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks a warm, passionate Math Specialist to work with students with diverse learning needs in 5th through 8th-grades. We are seeking a candidate with a strong math background and experience supporting diverse learners. The teacher will be part of the Student Services Team and will collaborate regularly with grade-level teams within Middle School. Classes and grade levels will be determined by the Director of Student Services. The qualified candidate will have experience working with diverse learner populations, with a focus in math instruction, will possess strong written and oral communication skills, be able and willing to jump into a collaborative planning and teaching process, and be an active member of the life of the school.  The position will require a deep understanding of curriculum and content, a strong ability to differentiate, and a creative and flexible mindset. Strong collaborative skills are essential for this position, including regular communication with teachers, families, and private providers. This teacher should be prepared to differentiate learning for a wide range of children’s abilities and interests.

Job Summary and Responsibilities: 

• Plan and implement curriculum based on individual student needs
• Take part in collaborative planning with teacher teams
• Support students and teachers with curriculum modifications and accommodations
• Utilize school resources to plan supplemental instructional programs for individuals or small groups of students
• Understand how to integrate general education curriculum into small group lessons
• Demonstrate effective classroom management strategies; experience with Responsive Classroom is preferred
• Work collaboratively with teacher teams and departmental heads
• Communicate thoughtfully, respectfully, and clearly with parents and colleagues
• Demonstrate a love of working with children, nurturing the whole child in developmentally appropriate ways
• Differentiate curriculum and instructional methods as appropriate to support students of all levels
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor and evaluate student progress.
• Give specific feedback to support student growth
• Participate actively in team meetings with families and private providers
• Posses strong technology skills, including familiarity with google classroom and other online learning platforms

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement curriculum based on individual student needs
• Take part in collaborative planning with teacher teams
• Support students and teachers with curriculum modifications and accommodations
• Utilize school resources to plan supplemental instructional programs for individuals or small groups of students
• Understand how to integrate general education curriculum into small group lessons
• Demonstrate effective classroom management strategies; experience with Responsive Classroom is preferred
• Work collaboratively with teacher teams and departmental heads
• Communicate thoughtfully, respectfully, and clearly with parents and colleagues
• Demonstrate a love of working with children, nurturing the whole child in developmentally appropriate ways
• Differentiate curriculum and instructional methods as appropriate to support students of all levels
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor and evaluate student progress.
• Give specific feedback to support student growth
• Participate actively in team meetings with families and private providers
• Posses strong technology skills, including familiarity with google classroom and other online learning platforms

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in math or in special education with LBS1 certification required; master's degree is preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of teaching experience in middle school grade levels with diverse learners
• Have an understanding of the different developmental stages of learning
• Have an understanding of formative and summative assessments as well as other authentic strategies
• Experience with research-based interventions and data-driven decision making
• Experience with supporting executive functioning skills within a school setting
• Experience in teaching through distance learning

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of best practices in education
• Willingness to keep current through appropriate professional development
• Proven ability to work as a member of a team
• Proficient in using technology, skilled in using Google for Education

Travel Requirements: Up to 5% travel may be requested.

Other Important Information and Benefits:

• All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check
• Work is generally performed onsite; Bernard Zell does not offer a telecommuting option
• The general workday is Work Day is 7:45 am - 3:45 pm but must be flexible to attend meetings beyond normal working hours.
• Full-time employee benefits include employer-subsidized medical, dental, life and disability (short and long-term) insurances, 403b retirement plan, parking or public transportation, daily (kosher) breakfast and lunch, as well as optional insurances.  Sick and flex (personal) days subject to length of tenure.

How to Apply: 

• Please send cover letter and resume to employment@bernardzell.org. As a condition of employment, all applicants must successfully pass a criminal background screening 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship. 

Bernard Zell recruits, hires and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students. 

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions or privileges of employment, including transfer, compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based  on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship. Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.

Development Operations Manager

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning, and deep commitment to humanity develop engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. A pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied levels of religious observance. The school combines Jewish learning and tradition with the best of innovative educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment.

Position Summary:

The Development Operations Manager will work as part of a dynamic Advancement team to manage and optimize the fundraising and development operations that are crucial to the success of the organization.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

● Serve as the main point of contact for all development initiatives

● Oversee and maintain systems for all gifts and prospects, campaign progress; run development reports

● Support all gift processing, solicitation, acknowledgement, and invoicing efforts across campaigns

● Manage direct mail solicitations

● Manage capital campaign final phase in producing acknowledgments, plaques, bricks, and donor wall

● Manage development and campaign information on school website

● Manage and support all development events with an emphasis on the Annual Fundraiser

● Act as the liaison for Parent Teacher Council events, volunteers and communications

● Serve as the main customer support point of contact for all development initiatives

● Manage alumni relations program including communications, events and engagement opportunities

● Oversee department events

● Support the Advancement team communications efforts

● Provide support to the Admissions team for all recruitment and enrollment activities as needed ● Support the Advancement department with other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact with multiple constituencies

● Strong customer service ethic and exceptional judgment

● Results-oriented and able to effectively prioritize work in a dynamic environment

● Familiarity with website management, and managing, maintaining and manipulating CRM database

● Some evening and weekend work

● Bachelor’s Degree required, 2-4 years of experience

● Knowledge of Jewish community, culture, heritage and traditions

● Energetic team player with a positive attitude. 

How to Apply: 

• Please send cover letter and resume to employment@bernardzell.org. As a condition of employment, all applicants must successfully pass a criminal background screening 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship. 

Bernard Zell recruits, hires and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students. 

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions or privileges of employment, including transfer, compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship.  Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.

Middle School Humanities Teacher & Advisor

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks a warm, passionate educator who will serve as a full-time Middle School Humanities (reading, writing, and history) teacher and Advisor. The ideal candidate will be an experienced teacher who loves working with middle school students, has strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral), is a collaborative team player, and is comfortable integrating the humanities with other subjects. 

The  ability to inspire in students a passion for learning is essential, as is the ability to develop in them both an appreciation for and exceptional skills in reading and writing. Ideal candidates will help students develop their voices in written expression and support exploration of ideas through cross-curricular connections. Experience with the Reading and Writing Workshop model, Fountas and Pinnell’s reading inventory approach, and/or Design Thinking in the classroom is also preferred.

This position entails being an Advisor on one of the four middle school advising teams. The Bernard Zell Advisory program strives to foster students’ social and emotional growth and well-being, supporting them both in and out of the classroom, and inspiring in them a commitment to meaningful service learning.  Experience with Responsive Classroom is prefered.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach literature, reading, writing, and history, differentiating as appropriate to support students of all levels
• Develop and implement curriculum as a member of a collaborative middle school humanities team
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor and evaluate student progress
• Give specific feedback to support student growth
• Work on an advisory team, planning advisory learning and creating a safe, nurturing environment for students
• Advise and advocate for a group of middle school students, with responsibility for academic/social/emotional oversight
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and others on the student and grade-level team
• Help lead service learning through the advisory program

 Qualifications & Skills

• A Master of Arts (or M.A.T) in Education, English, Social Studies, or History
• Experience with middle school-aged children and an understanding of adolescent development
• An understanding of the Common Core Standards in Reading, Writing, and History
• An understanding of visual literacy and its connection to reading and writing
• A strong background in Lucy Calkins Reader’s and Writer’s Workshops
• A commitment to service learning and the ability to create meaningful service learning opportunities
• Ability to teach executive functioning skills and habits of learning that create successful lifelong learners
• Proficiency with educational technologies including Google Apps, iPad, Chromebook and others

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to sbloom@bernardzell.org As a condition of employment, all applicants must successfully pass a criminal background screening.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship. 

Bernard Zell recruits, hires and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students. 

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions or privileges of employment, including transfer, compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship.  Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.

Jewish Studies Teacher

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning, and deep commitment to humanity develop engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. A pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied levels of religious observance. The school combines Jewish learning and tradition with the best of innovative educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment.

Job Summary and Scope of Responsibility

Bernard Zell seeks an experienced, creative, and passionate Jewish Studies educator to instill knowledge and love for Judaism, Israel, and values in our students through innovative academic and social-emotional learning. Qualified candidates will be able to work collaboratively across grades and disciplines with a team of exceptional faculty & staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach Jewish Studies and Hebrew Language
• Create a rich Jewish cultural and Hebrew language environment in the classroom
• Teach Tanakh and Tefilah in alignment with school philosophy and desire outcomes
• Introduce students to traditional and innovative rituals and practices for holidays and Shabbat
• Foster the joy of learning and contribute to a spirited Jewish life across the school
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor and evaluate student progress
• Give specific feedback to support student growth
• Work on an advisory team, planning advisory learning and creating a safe, nurturing environment for students
• Advise and advocate for a group of middle school students, with responsibility for academic/social/emotional oversight
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and others on the student and grade-level team
• Help lead service learning through the advisory program
• Model a pluralistic approach to the practice of Judaism
• Participate in teacher training sessions and other professional development
• Support and contribute to curriculum development to enhance the program
• Fulfill all teacher duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Bernard Zell Faculty Handbook

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or equivalent; master’s degree preferred
• Coursework or experience in Jewish Studies content area (Hebrew Language, Bible, Jewish History, etc.) required
• Minimum of three years Jewish day school teaching experience
• Familiarity with Responsive Classroom is desirable
• Informal Jewish education/camp experience is desirable
• Hebrew and English fluency – including speaking, reading and writing
• Knowledge of a wide range of language instruction and Judaic resource methods and materials
• Ready to embrace learning maker space and innovative technology

Travel Requirements: Up to 5% travel may be required (domestic and/or international)

How to Apply 

Please send cover letter and resume to Sbloom@bernardzell.org. As a condition of employment, all applicants must successfully pass a criminal background screening 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship. 

Bernard Zell recruits, hires and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students. 

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions or privileges of employment, including transfer, compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship.  Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.

Lower School Learning Specialist

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning, and deep commitment to humanity develop engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. A pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied levels of religious observance. The school combines Jewish learning and tradition with the best of innovative educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment.

Job Summary and Responsibilities: 

The Learning Specialist will provide Bernard Zell students with support, instruction, and guidance rooted in best-practice educational standards and pedagogy. The specialist will provide support to students with a range of diverse learning needs. In addition to providing direct support to students, the Learning Specialist will work closely with teachers to offer differentiation guidance, support in implementation of classroom accommodations, and the use of data collection and data-driven decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, teach, and support daily instruction and interventions with a specific focus in 3rd and 4th grades
• Work collaboratively within Student Services and across the school, and maintain caseload to support students in need of curricular support and interventions
• Maintain a focus, but not limited to, supporting students in the areas of literacy and executive functioning
• Partner with teachers to support differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles

Non-Classroom Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with staff to ensure curriculum and differentiation in the classroom follows learning standards and best practices in supporting students with diverse learning needs
• Organize and maintain data collection for reading assessments
• Provide consultation with teachers and private providers regarding individual student progress
• Use of multiple sources of data to inform short-and long-term decisions

Community

• Provide parent community with opportunities to learn about our student services supports
• Offer consulting to parents, faculty, and staff related to student services
• Support and promote pluralistic Jewish education and religious practice
• Fulfill co-curricular responsibilities including lunch, recess, and other community duties

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• Valid Illinois Teaching certificate required.
• Degree, endorsement, and/or coursework in reading instruction, literacy, and/or special education; graduate-level work preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years classroom teaching experience required.
• Experience with diverse learners required.
• Experience with teaching and/or supporting in intermediate grades preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with the reading and writing workshop instructional model

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of child development and best practices in education
• Willingness to keep current through appropriate professional development
• Proven ability to work as a member of a team
• Knowledge and experience with the implementation of Reading and Writing Workshop
• Commitment to implementing a multimodality approach to reading instruction

Travel Requirements: Up to 5% travel may be requested.

Other Important Information and Benefits:

• All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check.
• Work is generally performed onsite; Bernard Zell does not offer a telecommuting option.
• The general workday is 7:45 am - 3:45 pm but must be flexible to attend meetings beyond normal working hours.
• Full-time employee benefits include employer-subsidized medical, dental, life and disability (short and long-term) insurances, 403b retirement plan, parking or public transportation, daily (kosher) breakfast and lunch, as well as optional insurances.  Sick and flex (personal) days subject to length of tenure.

How to Apply: 

• Please send cover letter and resume to employment@bernardzell.org. As a condition of employment, all applicants must successfully pass a criminal background screening 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship. 

Bernard Zell recruits, hires and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students. 

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions or privileges of employment, including transfer, compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based  on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship.  Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.

Literacy Specialist 

Bernard Zell is an independent Jewish day school for the 21st century where academic purpose, collaborative learning, and deep commitment to humanity develop engaged, confident learners and compassionate leaders for a stronger, more vibrant community and world. A pluralistic community day school, Bernard Zell welcomes students and families of varied religious beliefs and observance. The school combines Jewish learning and tradition with the best of innovative educational practice in a challenging and nurturing learning environment.

Job Summary and Responsibilities:

The Literacy Specialist will provide Bernard Zell students with literacy instruction and guidance rooted in best-practice educational standards and pedagogy. The specialist will provide support to students with diverse learning needs. In addition to providing direct support to students, the Literacy Specialist will offer curriculum guidance for faculty and support data collection and data-driven decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, teach, and support daily literacy instruction and interventions with a specific focus in kindergarten, 1^st and 2^nd grades
• Work collaboratively within Student Services and across the school, and maintain caseload to support students in need of literacy intervention
• Lead students and staff in best practice, engaging literacy curriculum, and pedagogy
• Partner with teachers to support differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles

Non-classroom Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff to ensure literacy curriculum follows learning standards and best practices in literacy education
• Organize and maintain data collection for reading assessments across grade levels
• Provide professional development for faculty and information sessions for parents as needed
• Use of multiple sources of data to inform short-and long-term decisions

Community

• Provide parent community with opportunities to learn about our literacy program
• Offer consulting to parents, faculty, and staff related to literacy
• Support and promote pluralistic Jewish education and religious practice
• Fulfill co-curricular responsibilities including lunch, recess, and other community duties

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred.
• Valid Illinois Teaching certificate required.
• Degree, endorsement, and/or coursework in reading instruction, literacy, and/or special education; graduate-level work preferred.

 Experience: 

• Minimum 2 years classroom teaching experience required. 
• Primary grades literacy instruction required.
• Previous coaching or education leadership role preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with the reading and writing workshop instructional model

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Understanding of child development and best practices in education
• Willingness to keep current through appropriate professional development
• Proven ability to work as a member of a team
• Knowledge and experience with the implementation of Reading and Writing Workshop
• Commitment to implementing a multimodality approach to reading instruction

 Travel Requirements: Up to 5% travel may be requested.

Other Important Information and Benefits:

• All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check.
• Work is generally performed onsite; Bernard Zell does not offer a telecommuting option.
• The general workday is 7:45 am - 3:45 pm but must be flexible to attend meetings beyond normal working hours.
• Full-time employee benefits include employer-subsidized medical, dental, life and disability (short and long-term) insurances, 403b retirement plan, parking or public transportation, daily (kosher) breakfast and lunch, as well as optional insurances.  Sick and flex (personal) days subject to length of tenure.

How to apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, and 2-3 writing samples to Human Resources at employment@bernardzell.org

 Equal Opportunity Employer 

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School has a long-standing policy of equal employment opportunity for every person regardless of age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or citizenship. 

Bernard Zell recruits, hires and promotes individuals without regard to these characteristics, and all staffing decisions are based solely on the qualifications of each individual and the legitimate educational needs of our students. 

The school does not discriminate in working conditions, physical facilities or any other terms, conditions or privileges of employment, including transfer, compensation, training, promotion, demotion or separation based  on age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or citizenship. Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School seeks to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment based on any of these or other characteristics.