The JCC of Central NJ is a non-profit agency whose mission is to educate, enrich and empower our community – from generation to generation. The JCC offers educational, recreational, fitness & wellness, cultural and communal programs and activities to people of all abilities and all stages of life.
The Role of the Co-teacher
JCC co-teachers play a key role, setting the tone by valuing each child and family as individuals. By modeling responsibility, welcoming, and caring, teachers foster children’s Jewish identity. JCC co-teachers have the dispositions, knowledge, dedication to learning, and professional commitment necessary to promote children and their families as they learn and develop. Co-teachers work together with their teaching team to develop, implement, and evaluate the classroom pedagogy, and to provide a quality educational program reflecting the goals and values of the school. The co-teachers monitor the development and learning of the children and partner with the parents in sharing this information. Co-teachers also supervise and provide guidance to the substitute teachers.
The Dispositions and Knowledge of the Co-teacher
JCC co-teachers value and promote children’s play, are curious about the child’s perspective, understand child guidance in a developmental context, and are alert to the learning process for each child. Co-teachers model anti-bias practices and cultural sensitivity, ask for help, accept suggestions, and offer guidance. Co-teachers maintain confidentiality and are diligent about health and safety. Co-teachers are lifelong learners and take time for regular reflection and self-examination.
Key Responsibilities
General
1. Attend to children’s physical and emotional safety
2. Develop relationships with families and colleagues
3. Be with children joyfully and treat them respectfully
4. Provide care, protection, consistency, and guidance to the children
5. Attend to daily communication
6. Identify your professional path and create goals for growth
7. Attend to classroom management, including flow of the day, group dynamics, and conflict negotiations
8. Participate in self-evaluation and school evaluation process
Pedagogy
1. Pay close attention to children’s play, engage in reflection and discussion about children’s growth and learning, and be responsive to children’s play themes and developmental themes
2. Plan and implement a balanced pedagogy based on observation and reflection and according to the school goals and philosophy
3. Document children’s play and learning, including portfolios, learning stories, and playground posts
4. Care for classroom environment and aesthetics, maintain inventory of supplies, and be responsible for rotating materials in line with milestone development
5. Nurture physical, spiritual, emotional, social, and intellectual growth and development of each child
6. Assist lead teacher to create weekly lesson plans with intentions based upon an emergent curriculum and developmentally appropriate learning goals
Communication & Community
1. Communicate regularly with the lead teacher, including all concerns regarding a child’s progress
2. Monitor growth and development of each child and communicate progress and concerns with teaching team
3. Maintain a continuing dialogue with families including conferences as scheduled
4. Maintain a continuing dialogue and problem solving with the teaching team
5. Protect the rights and privacy of children and families by maintaining strict confidentiality
6. Attend school wide and class events such as picnics, parties, parent meetings, and other special programs, including JCC community wide events
Professional Development
1. Participate in lifelong learning by increasing knowledge and abilities in the field of early childhood education through attendance at required workshops and courses, reading books or articles, and attending pedagogical team meetings
2. Work towards increasing knowledge of Judaism and related topics
3. Team with other school educators for professional development in cohorts
4. Complete at least 12 hours of professional development annually
Qualifications
1. A minimum of a CDA certification preferred. Willingness to obtain, or currently enrolled in CDA program, along with related experience considered
2. Previous experience in a school setting
3. CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to acquire
4. Strong communication skills: oral, reading, writing
5. Ability to relate to young children and adults
6. Working knowledge of the growth and development of young children and ability to utilize this information in the classroom
7. Desire for continued development of teaching skills including collaboration with specialists
8. Judaic knowledge or willingness to acquire this knowledge through study
Physical Requirements
1. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
2. Reaching, stooping, sitting on the floor and bending
3. Spending time outdoors throughout the school year (in various weather conditions)
The JCC promotes a diverse workforce where all employees are treated fairly. All employees must work together with mutual respect. The Center complies with all applicable state and federal laws and holds our employees accountable to do the same.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Relocate:
- Scotch Plains, NJ 07076: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person