Careers at Emanu El

Congregation Emanu El, founded in 1944, is Houston’s largest Reform Jewish congregation. With an administrative staff team of about 30 people and an annual budget of over $7 million, Emanu El is an inspiring and exciting place to work for those considering a career in a Jewish non-profit organization. Congregation Emanu El offers generous compensation and vacation, as well as a wide range of other benefits. If you are looking for your next professional opportunity in a visionary and inspiring organization, we invite you to review our open positions below.

Kindergarten Teacher

Position Type: Full-Time, 9-Month Contract (August – May)
Location: The Becker School
Reports to: Director of Becker School

About The Becker School

The Becker School is a Reggio-inspired Jewish early childhood program dedicated to fostering a love of learning, academic excellence, and a strong sense of Jewish identity. Our kindergarten program integrates Jewish values into a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) framework. The class will have no more than 15 students.

Position Overview

The Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment that supports children’s academic, social-emotional, and spiritual growth. This role blends standard kindergarten instruction with Jewish cultural education to provide a well-rounded and meaningful learning experience.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with TEKS
• Use a variety of instructional strategies, activities, and materials that cater to different learning styles and student needs
• Conduct ongoing formal and informal assessments to track student progress and inform instruction
• Teach foundational subjects, including literacy, math, science, and social studies, adapting methods to meet diverse learner needs

Classroom Management

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment that promotes cooperation and active participation
• Implement effective classroom management and behavior guidance strategies to support student success

Jewish Cultural Integration

• Incorporate Jewish values, traditions, and holidays into the curriculum
• Engage students in Jewish storytelling, rituals, and holiday observances

Family & Community Engagement

• Maintain open, ongoing communication with parents regarding student progress and classroom activities
• Establish strong home-school partnerships to support student learning and well-being
• Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community members
• Attend faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Valid teaching certificate
• Knowledge of curriculum development and instructional best practices
• Ability to instruct students effectively and manage classroom behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Strong understanding of Jewish traditions, values, and holidays
• Completion of the Texas Reading Academy or Science of Teaching Reading
• Prior experience working with kindergarten or early childhood students

Salary & Benefits

• $45,000–$55,000, based on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision available
• Mutual Fund
• Summer School positions available

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their experience to Rachel Spector-McAdam at rachels@emanuelhouston.org.

B’nei Mitzvah Teachers

Our B’nei Mitzvah preparation program meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays year-round from 5:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m. We have frequent openings for teachers with experience with reading and cantillation of Hebrew prayers, Torah (Reform trope), and Haftarah. For more information and to apply, please email Lucy Mosbacher, Helfman Religious School Principal, at lucym@emanuelhouston.org.

Teachers

Our PreK-7th grade Helfman Religious School meets on Sundays during the school year from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We have periodic openings for Hebrew and Judaics teachers at all grade levels. Teachers are expected to prepare their own lesson plans within a curriculum framework provided by the school with assistance from staff as necessary. For Hebrew teachers, there is also the opportunity for additional teaching time in focused, small groups. For more information and to apply, please email Lucy Mosbacher, Helfman Religious School Principal, at lucym@emanuelhouston.org.

Substitute Teachers

Our PreK-7th grade Helfman Religious School meets on Sundays during the school year from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We have frequent openings for Hebrew and Judaics substitute teachers at all grade levels. Lesson plans are provided for the substitute. For more information and to apply, please email Lucy Mosbacher, Helfman Religious School Principal, at lucym@emanuelhouston.org.

If you have any questions about these open positions, please email info@emanuelhouston.org.