Congregational School Principal - PT

Our employer is a large conservative synagogue who is looking to hire a Congregational School Principal –PT

The congregational school – has been a core pillar within the shul.  The school offers classes for JK to Grade 6, typically with 70+ students (pre-pandemic). Classes are taught in the shul’s school wing on Sundays (all grades) and Tuesday afternoons (Grades 3-6). They remain one of the few 2-day a week supplementary schools in the GTA.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Principal will own full oversight over all academic components of the congregational school and will work closely with the Office team on administrative duties. The principal will foster deep relationships between the school, the shul and clergy.

This is a part-time position. The school year runs from the early Fall to mid-May each year. The primary registration and recruitment period is May/June and late August/September. The Principal of the school reports to the Executive Director of Adath Israel.

Classes are held each Sunday for Grades JK to 6 between 9:30 am to 12:15 pm. On Tuesdays, classes are held for Grade 3 to 6 between 4:30 pm to 6:15 pm

Internal Relationships:

• Chair, Education Committee
• Senior Rabbi, Rabbi, Cantor
• Finance Manager
• Office Administrator

External Relationships:

• Parent Community
• UJA - Koschitzky Center for Jewish Education

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Classroom teachers and support staff  

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Recruitment and Retention:

• With marketing support from the Office team, the Principal will play the central role in the recruitment effort.
• The principal will establish on-going relationships with students and parents.

Curriculum Development:

• Review current curricular needs and expectations while managing implementation.
• Review on-going teacher understanding and use of the curriculum, and provide feedback as needed.
• Assist teachers in providing effective modification/accommodation strategies for students for whom this is necessary

Human Resource Management:

• Hire and train teachers, support staff and occasional teachers.
• Conduct regularly scheduled teacher meetings and professional development sessions
• Observe classes as needed and provide feedback to teachers
• Establish and lead the Performance Review process for all staff.

Budget/Fiscal Responsibilities:

• Draft yearly budget in collaboration with Executive Director and Chair of the Education Committee.
• Work with the Finance Manager to manage expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Using ShulCloud database, oversee student registration, attendance and staff records
• Maintain accurate record of supplies and textbooks. Order as necessary within budget.
• Lead updates to the Education Committee and support updates at the Executive Team and Board levels as required.

School Calendar:

• Establish a yearly calendar prior to the school year for distribution to staff and the parent community.
• Plan school-wide and grade level events (eg, Model Passover Seder, Siddur Ceremony, Chanukah, Purim, Graduation, etc.).

Grade Reporting:

• Revise the grade reporting cycle report card format as necessary.
• Read and approve individual report cards prior to distribution.

Handbooks:

• Yearly update and revision of both parent and staff handbooks

Additional Duties

• Oversee Tuesday After-school Homework club
• Oversee the school’s safety program including lockdown, fire drill and weather-based emergency procedures, in conjunction with the Synagogue’s process and plans
• Other duties as required  

Qualifications:

• A joint B.Ed. and degree in Jewish education is preferred. Candidates with an M.A. in Jewish Studies or from a recognized Israeli educational program with experience in Canadian day or supplementary schools will also be considered.
• Leadership and teaching experience in a Jewish educational setting is an asset
• Administrative experience including budgeting, staff management and working with a board

Technical skills:

• Strong practical knowledge of Jewish customs and holidays.
• Familiarity working with student or membership databases.
• A strong working knowledge of, and comfort with, Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of Google and Google classrooms.
• Fluency in Hebrew is an asset

Interpersonal Skills:

• An authentic, honest and positive presence.
• Exemplary communication skills – written and oral – someone who is comfortable interacting with students, teachers, parents and managers.
• A natural and collaborative leader and coach for your staff, who demonstrates strong organizational skills
• A creative, outside-the-box thinker and problem-solver