Education Director

We are independent, and are not denominationally affiliated currently. We were affiliated with the Reconstructionist movement for 25 of our 50 years, as it struck a balance between the Reform and Conservative members represented in our congregation, which was about a 50/50 split. About 15 years ago, we made the decision to become independent as it increased our ability to be more inclusive to and serve the greater diverse Jewish community in the Western suburbs of Chicago. Our Rabbi partners with the Education Director and Committee seeking meaningful opportunities to teach and engage with students regularly, developing learning initiatives and finding ways to increase students’ engagement with Judaism in all its facets. Our students and parents enjoy it when the Rabbi welcomes students into the building and works with students as part of our “Hebrew through Movement” engagement. Our Rabbi is also currently co-chairing our Education ReDesign Committee, which is looking for ways to increase the impact of our religious school Curriculum. Historically, our Cantor has supported the school with a specific focus on teaching Torah Trope and Prayers. This role is in coordination with our Music Teacher, who focuses on teaching Jewish songs to students in the younger grades. Our hope is that whomever we hire as Education Director will be able to take over leading at least some of our shacharit on Sunday mornings and/or some of the music teaching, particularly for our older students. We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive Jewish Community in the Western suburbs of Chicago. We build a community with our students with the knowledge of the Jewish people so they can be proud of who they are, where they came from, and understand the great world. All students meet on Sundays together. In a community where students may be the only Jewish child in their school, this is powerful! The ideal candidate will embrace all members of our diverse and inclusive community meeting each person where they are on their Jewish journeys. Fostering relationships with all members, from our littles to our oldest members, is vital. Candidates must be able to balance their attention across our entire community, while paying particular attention to those of religious school age. As for personal observances, we expect the Education & Music Director to observe the significant holidays that the synagogue observes. We expect our Education & Music Director to be cognizant of his or her position as a role model in the Jewish community. We are looking for an Education Director who will understand, respect, build, lead, and partner with our member-driven community. The ideal candidate will have a background in religious education. Strong music performance skills are a definite plus. Congregation Beth Shalom of Naperville, Illinois, seeks a Director of Education to serve as a member of our senior leadership team. We seek someone who will bring new approaches to Jewish Education that will engage our families with content rich, and life-relevant curriculum and engagement opportunities. The Director of Education is responsible for the programming and administration of educational opportunities for the CBS community. We strongly encourage and support visionary leadership and experimentation to build a dynamic program for lifelong learning with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in mind. Primary Responsibilities: Administration of Religious School, Hebrew, and general education programming including working with the Rabbi, the VP of Education, and the VP of Religious Practices. Additional Duties MAY include (dependent on candidate’s qualifications and interest): Facilitating various youth tefillot opportunities throughout the school year, Partnering with the Rabbi and laity on adult education programs like Adult B’nai, Mitzvah, Conversion Courses, and other diverse adult learning opportunities, Participating, when appropriate, in congregational social events, Supporting religious school students in learning trope, Other music-related responsibilities as negotiated, In collaboration with the Rabbi, planning and co-leading spiritually uplifting Kabbalat, Shabbat, High Holiday and Festival services, occasional special Shabbatot and b’nai mitzvot at request & Coordinate our lay-musicians and facilitate their participation in services. Education/Experience desired: Master’s degree in Education, Jewish education, Childhood Development, or other relevant subject preferred; Knowledge of Jewish prayer and prayer leadership, Hebrew language knowledge preferred & Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. The ability to play accompaniment on piano, guitar, or other instruments is desirable but not required. Starting salary $70 – 80,000 depending on official start date. Full-time. We look forward to working with you. Contact: Naomi Copeland (708) 945-5195, [email protected]. www.napershalom.org.

(updated 1/16/25)