Job Announcement
Job Title: Fourth Grade General Studies Teacher
REPORTS TO: Director of Learning
FTE: 1.0 FTE, Benefits Eligible
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
ABOUT PJA: As a Jewish Day School, we strive to ensure an academically rich environment which honors the whole child. Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) nurtures and inspires Jewish engagement, kavod (respect), and responsibility for the world in which we live.
Guided by our middot (values) and our mission, we share a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. With Jewish life at our center, we aspire to ensure a genuine sense of belonging in all members of our community. We honor and teach the importance of the vast expansiveness of human diversity.
As a school community, we are committed to creating and sustaining an accessible, supportive, welcoming, and compassionate environment for all. We recognize and respond to individual and institutional prejudices, both overt and subtle. We demonstrate our commitment to tikkun olam (repair the world) through anti-bias curriculum, admission and employment practices, and social action. We are committed to ongoing professional learning to align our practices with our values. We recognize that the advancement of these goals is a process, and we choose to bring courage, reflection and curiosity to this work.
Our unique curriculum combines interdisciplinary learning, community involvement, and foreign language acquisition - all with a values-based approach. We offer our students many opportunities for partnership and collaboration throughout the school community. Students at PJA are encouraged to think critically, independently, and creatively.
This position is benefits eligible, including a fully paid Medical plan option, optional dental and a generous Paid Time Off plan including a paid spring break. PJA is not only a great place for kids to learn, it's a wonderful work environment. We have the most gifted teachers, dedicated administrators, and the best support staff in Portland. Come be a part of our team!
JOB SUMMARY: The General Studies Teacher is responsible to ensure that all students learn the basic and essential skills at each grade level. This position provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, social and emotional development of students in classrooms and in a variety of other school-related settings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These examples represent the essential functions of the position. They are not, however, inclusive of all the duties the position may be assigned to perform.)
Classroom Instruction: Provide direct classroom instruction in assigned grade level. Plan and implement a program of instruction that adheres to PJA's philosophy, goals and objectives and meets student needs. Curriculum Development: Formulate and execute purposeful and appropriate lesson plans. Plan and implement a program of study designed to meet individual student needs. Maintain current fluency in all relevant subject matter. Classroom Management: Create and maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning; encourage student enthusiasm for the learning process and the development of good study habits. Assessment: Evaluate progress of students on a regular basis using multiple methods of assessment. Make appropriate adjustments to the instructional program based on assessed results. Collaboration: Coordinate and attend parent meetings as necessary. Work with other teachers and share responsibility for supervision of all students during the school day. Professional Development: Continue professional growth through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or coursework at institutions of higher learning. Attend staff, department and committee meetings as required. Other Duties as assigned/needed. QUALIFICATIONS :
Bachelor's degree in education or related field; Three or more years of experience in an elementary school setting; Knowledge of instructional methods and resources applicable to assigned area of instruction . Philosophy:
Embrace the PJA mission statement and middot (values). Embrace a student-centered philosophy, educational innovation, and 21st-century learning practices. Display an understanding of and appreciation for a pluralistic Jewish approach to education. Knowledge, Skills, & Ability:
Leadership Skills: Ability to collaborate; to maintain confidentiality, flexibility, transparency, and the highest standards of integrity; ability to inspire groups toward a common goal; demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Knowledge Of: Social Emotional learning tools and practices, classroom teaching and learning, classroom management, collaborative teaching practices. Exceptional Interpersonal Skills: Ability to maintain professional relationships with colleagues, teachers, students, and families; communicate effectively (orally and in writing); ability to work with grace and use good judgment during high-pressure situations; intercultural competence Organizational Skills: ability to manage a broad scope of responsibilities; proactive, problem-solving orientation; maintain accurate records PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to move about the PJA/MJCC campus including climbing stairs Ability to sit at a computer and keyboard for extended periods of time Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis Ability to communicate clearly with students, parents, and groups of individuals Ability to attend off-site meetings that may require reliable form of transportation PJA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating, and promoting the best-qualified individuals for positions at all levels in the organization. We provide Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on how an individual's skills and qualifications meet the responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. An individual will be free from discrimination based on characteristics protected by law such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related physical, mental, or sensory disability, or other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. PJA will make reasonable accommodations, including modification of organizational policies and procedures in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilities if it can do so without undue hardship.
