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Careers

Director of Judaic Studies

The Director of Judaic Studies is a key member of the school’s leadership team and is responsible for the oversight, development, and execution of the Judaic Studies program. They are Solomon Schechter Academy’s Jewish Ambassador.  Operating under the direction of the Principal and in accordance with the mission, vision, values, and policies established by the Board of Directors, the Director provides inspirational and strategic educational leadership to both faculty and students.

This role ensures the delivery of a dynamic, meaningful, and forward-thinking Judaic curriculum that supports academic excellence, character development, spiritual growth, and a strong connection to Jewish identity and Israel. The Director is accountable for driving continuous improvement through effective curriculum management, faculty development, student support, holiday programming, Israel engagement, and day-to-day administration of the Judaic Studies program.

In addition to administrative and leadership responsibilities, the Director is required to teach classes (part-time) as assigned by the Principal and the Head of School, modeling instructional excellence and upholding the highest standards of educational practice within the Judaic Studies program.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education and bring a minimum of five years of experience in the education field. A strong background in Judaic studies is essential, along with demonstrated proficiency in Hebrew, including oral communication, reading, and writing skills. Fluency in either English or French is also required. The role requires creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to cultivate a warm, inclusive, and inspirational Jewish environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Leadership & Staff Development
    • Ensure the highest quality of Judaic instruction through recruitment, supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of Judaic Studies faculty and assistant teachers.
    • Conduct formal and informal performance evaluations of teachers in collaboration with the Principal.
    • Provide ongoing coaching, classroom observation, and constructive feedback.
    • Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate assistant teachers within the department.
    • Prepare weekly staffing schedules and adjust assignments as needed to meet classroom and program needs.
    • Serve as a substitute when necessary.
    • Foster a collaborative, positive, and growth-oriented team environment.
    • Lead professional development initiatives and promote a culture of innovation and excellence.
    • Stay abreast of contemporary educational trends and best practices in Jewish education.
    • Collaborate with the Principal on curricular goals, budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning.
    • Build and maintain relationships with relevant external Jewish educational organizations.
  2. Curriculum Design & Instructional Leadership
    • Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Jewish Studies curriculum aligned with the Jewish calendar, holidays, school schedule, and the school’s mission.
    • Review and update curriculum materials annually and throughout the year to ensure developmental appropriateness and academic rigor.
    • Conduct ongoing evaluations of curriculum effectiveness and explore alternative programs and best practices.
    • Guide the integration of French, English, and Judaic Studies to promote interdisciplinary connections.
    • Support and modify programs to meet the needs of students requiring enrichment or additional support.
    • Oversee reading assessments within Judaic Studies, interpret data, identify student needs, and support individualized learning strategies.
    • Provide instructional leadership to special education staff supporting students with reading challenges.
    • Collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure vertical and horizontal curricular alignment across grade levels.
  3. Holiday Programming & Jewish School Culture
    • Plan immersive, meaningful, and educational holiday experiences aligned with the Jewish calendar.
    • Design structured activity plans for each holiday and coordinate implementation with faculty.
    • Organize school-wide celebrations, thematic learning opportunities, and hands-on activities.
    • Oversee ordering and management of supplies for holiday programming (art materials, food items, décor, educational resources).
    • Prepare music and song selections in collaboration with the music teacher.
    • Lead the creation of holiday-themed decorations to enhance the school environment.
    • Promote a joyful, values-driven Jewish culture throughout the year.
  4. School Celebrations & Chagigot & Bat Mitzvah Program
    • Oversee all Jewish celebrations, ceremonies, assemblies, Shabbat programs, and holiday performances.
    • Oversee and coordinate all grade-level Chagigot.
    • Oversee and coordinate the Bat Mitzvah program and luncheon.
    • Oversee the annual Model Seders and other experiential educational programs.
    • Lead planning meetings with faculty to design and refine event content.
    • Write and update scripts, student presentations, and program materials aligned with educational and cultural goals.
    • Organize rehearsal schedules and guide teachers and students in preparation.
    • Manage logistics, including ordering take-home kits (e.g., Shabbat boxes, Havdalah sets) and required materials.
    • Supervise all aspects of production, including stage design, decorations, props, and displays.
  5. Israel Engagement & Israeli Programs
    • Prepare Students for a post-October 7th world
      1. Preparing our students for a post-October 7th world and how to deal with misinformation in the digital and real world.
      2. Integrate modern Israeli culture, music, and literature to make learning relevant and inspiring.
      3. Create cross-curricular projects linking Hebrew with Jewish values, holidays, and social responsibility.
      4. Increasing knowledge of modern Israeli history.
    • Guidance of Shinshin & Bnot Sherut
      1. Provide personal, emotional, and educational mentorship throughout the year.
      2. Serve as the primary coordinator for Shinshin and Bnot Sherut programming.
      3. Support development of programs that enhance Israeli culture and strengthen Jewish identity.
      4. Oversee special events and bi-weekly programming schedules.
      5. Guide classroom involvement, holiday preparation, and student engagement initiatives.
      6. Ensure full integration into the school community and ongoing support.
    • Israel Trip Coordination
      1. Lead planning and execution of the school’s annual Israel trip, and travel with the group.
      2. Design a meaningful and educational itinerary aligned with curricular goals.
      3. Communicate with partner organizations and travel providers in Israel.
      4. Arrange accommodations, transportation, flights, and site reservations.
      5. Order necessary materials and equipment.
      6. Ensure the trip fosters a deep connection to the Land of Israel and modern Israeli life.
    • Support for Israeli Students
      1. Assist in welcoming and supporting new students arriving from Israel.
      2. Facilitate academic and social integration into the school community.
  6. Student Development & Support
    • Promote the academic, spiritual, and emotional well-being of students.
    • Address academic and behavioral concerns in a constructive and student-centered manner.
    • Collaborate with student support services and families to ensure holistic support.
    • Review Judaic Studies report cards to ensure alignment with learning expectations.
    • Meet with families regarding student progress and support plans.
  7. Parent & Community Engagement
    • Foster strong, open communication with parents.
    • Represent the department at parent meetings, admissions events, and school programs.
    • Collaborate with the Parents’ Home and School Association.
    • Participate in prospective parent tours and orientations.
  8. School Operations & Organizational Management
    • Ensure effective daily operation of the Judaic Studies department.
    • Oversee ordering of educational materials, books, art supplies, and instructional resources.
    • Research and purchase age-appropriate learning programs.
    • Organize distribution of materials to classrooms.
    • Collaborate on scheduling, class placements, and supervision planning.
    • Assist in budget development and resource allocation.
    • Support emergency preparedness implementation in alignment with school policies.
  9. Compliance & Policy Implementation
    • Ensure adherence to applicable sections of the Education Act.
    • Fulfill legal responsibilities under the ‘Protecteur National de l’Élève,’ including mandated reporting.
    • Ensure compliance with public health and safety standards.
  10.  Professional Engagement & School Leadership
    • Serve as a leader during accreditation processes.
    • Participate actively on designated school committees.
    • Attend and contribute to conferences and leadership workshops.
    • Maintain a commitment to professional growth and Jewish learning.
    • Support the Principal and administrative leadership team in broader strategic initiatives.

Further details about each of these responsibilities can be found in the extended version of this job description at: www.ssamontreal.org/careers. 

How To Apply:

Please send your CV with a cover letter to Principal Maya Doughan: mdoughan@ssamontreal.org and include “Director of Judaic Studies” in the subject line.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

About Solomon Schechter Academy:

Founded in 1969, Solomon Schechter Academy (SSA) is proud to be the largest mainstream private Jewish elementary and preschool in Montreal. Educating more than 400 children annually, Solomon Schechter Academy lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning and instills a passion for excellence and Jewish traditions. The Academy’s educational process is a vibrant partnership between students, parents, and educators, beginning with Junior Pre-K at age three, continuing through elementary school graduation at age twelve.

Solomon Schechter Academy's dedication to excellence extends beyond academic achievement to encompass the holistic development of every child. Through a whole-child approach to education, we are committed to creating a learning environment that nurtures student's social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth, preparing them to thrive as engaged citizens and successful contributors to our global community.

Educational Assistant – (Part-Time)

We are seeking a dedicated and attentive part-time Educational Assistant to join our team and support students in a nurturing and dynamic learning environment. The ideal candidate is patient, detail-oriented, and compassionate, with a strong ability to take initiative and work collaboratively with teachers and staff.

Qualifications:

  • A valid teaching degree or equivalent certification
     

  • University students currently enrolled in a Faculty of Education program are welcome to apply (3rd or 4th year)
     

Responsibilities include:

  • Supporting individual students and small groups with remediation or enrichment activities
     

  • Assisting students in catching up on missed work due to absences
     

  • Supervising classroom activities and helping maintain a safe, focused environment
     

  • Circulating during lessons to ensure students are on task
     

  • Overseeing students during non-instructional times, such as lunch
     

We are looking for someone who values inclusion, demonstrates flexibility, and is committed to fostering student success.

Applications:
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position by Aug 8, 2025

Lunch & Recess Monitor

Monday to Friday position from 9:30 AM – 3:20 PM.

The morning recess runs from 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM and 10:20 AM – 10:40 AM. The staggered lunch hours begin at 11:30 AM and end at 1:30 PM. The afternoon recess runs from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM.

The Monitor ensures that the students walk to recess and lunch appropriately, sit and eat with their lunchtime supervising staff member in a reasonable manner, and get ready to go to class following our timetable. The Monitor engages with students outdoors during recess, supports positive interactions among students on the playground, and keeps a watchful eye on all students in order to ensure healthy play and prevent issues from escalating.

The emphasis is on maintaining a positive, kind and respectful environment, knowing that lunch and recess are times when students require clear structure and guidelines to follow the routines.

Interested candidates must have prior experience with young children ages 5-12 in a school, camp, or coaching environment.

Please submit your candidacy to our Vice-Principal, Darra Lang.