K-12 Curriculum and Instruction Specialist

Over the last year, the JCRC’s Education Programs and Services department has experienced a significant increase in challenges specifically related to curriculum and state education standards. Simultaneously, we are fielding increased requests for training and consultation to better equip educators to recognize, respond to, and prevent antisemitism from manifesting in instruction, assignments, and classroom discussions. Working under the supervision of and together with the JCRC’s Director of Education Programs and Services, the K-12 Curriculum and Classroom Instruction Specialist will (1) monitor and evaluate relevant K-12 curricula; (2) monitor and respond to proposed state curriculum and matriculation changes; (2) develop and implement training programs for educators, parents and students; and (3) consult with school districts and educators on classroom instruction best practices.

This is a part-time position, approximately 18 hrs. a week.

All applications must be submitted through LinkedIn No calls please.

Responsibilities

• Review current and proposed K-12 curricula, including state-mandated curriculum revisions, to ensure that material related to Jews, Jewish and Israeli history, and antisemitism is accurate and balanced
• Design, implement and evaluate customized teacher and administrator training programs on subjects related to understanding Jewish identity, Jewish history, antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and Israel
• Engage with and advise teachers seeking support on classroom instruction challenges related to Judaism, Israel, antisemitism, and other issues uniquely impacting Jewish students
• Stay abreast of academic trends, research, and best practices on issues related to Jewish students and faculty, and to combatting hatred of all kinds in K-12 settings
• Assist JCRC staff in evaluating complex state legislation and regulations related to K-12 curriculum and instruction, especially those related to protecting Jewish and other minority students, and strengthening teaching reflecting the history, contributions and challenges of Jews and other minority populations
• Assist with planning JCRC programs for Jewish students, parents, and faculty.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s Degree (preferred) in an education-related field
• 5+ years of experience in curriculum development and evaluation (Social Studies and/or ELA preferred), preferably within Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) or Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), or another local school district
• 3+ years of experience in K-12 professional development design and implementation, preferably within MCPS, FCPS, or another local school district
• Familiarity with public school systems in the Washington, DC region
• Creative and strategic thinker, with demonstrated success in developing and implementing short- and long-term initiatives, with clear goals, objectives and measurement tools.
• Basic understanding of and familiarity with issues and challenges of greatest concern to Jewish K-12 students and educators, especially antisemitism and Israel
• Basic knowledge of Jewish practices, customs and history, and familiarity with the greater Washington, DC Jewish community
• Excellent written communication and verbal presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks
• Ability to work flexible hours, including periodic evenings and weekends, to attend and/or facilitate relevant events and programs.
• Applicants must be based in the greater Washington, DC area.