Director of Teaching and Learning at Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation

The Director of Teaching and Learning at Atra is responsible for a variety of key functions, including developing and maintaining a comprehensive curriculum library, implementing Atra's core pedagogical methods, recruiting and mentoring faculty, overseeing program delivery, and collaborating with team members to enhance learning initiatives. This role is central to shaping the educational framework and ensuring that the programs align with the mission of empowering rabbis nationwide.

To be considered for the Director of Teaching and Learning position at Atra, candidates should hold an advanced degree in Jewish Education or a related field, with Rabbinic Ordination preferred. Additionally, a strong background in innovative curriculum design, pedagogical development, and applied learning methodologies is essential. Familiarity with Jewish traditions across denominations and the ability to facilitate inclusive discussions in diverse settings are also key qualifications.

Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation is committed to fostering your professional growth. As the Director of Teaching and Learning, you'll have access to various professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and networking events designed to enhance your educational strategies and leadership skills. We pride ourselves on a supportive team culture that encourages continuous learning and innovation in the field of Jewish education.

The Director of Teaching and Learning plays a crucial role in advancing Atra's mission of empowering rabbis to lead with purpose. By developing innovative curriculum and facilitating engaging learning experiences, this position ensures that Atra's programs remain relevant and impactful. The director helps identify emerging trends and challenges in rabbinic innovation, driving transformational change that strengthens Jewish communities across the country.

The work environment for the Director of Teaching and Learning at Atra is dynamic and hybrid, with a preference for candidates located near New York City. Atra advocates for flexible remote work options and encourages a collaborative atmosphere. The culture is built on creativity, teamwork, and a shared commitment to enhancing the landscape of Jewish education, making it an exciting place to contribute and thrive.

When discussing your approach to curriculum development, it’s important to emphasize your commitment to aligning educational materials with Atra’s mission and values. Highlight your experience in creating inclusive, dynamic, and engaging learning experiences that address the needs of diverse Jewish communities. Bring examples of previous curriculum projects that showcase your innovative approach and adaptability in educational settings.

Discuss your methods for overseeing program delivery, highlighting your experience with quality assurance processes. Explain how you approach feedback gathering from participants and how you implement changes based on that feedback. Sharing specific techniques or frameworks you use to maintain consistency across programs will illustrate your commitment to excellence in educational delivery.

When responding, emphasize your collaborative approach to faculty mentorship. Describe how you would foster a supportive environment that encourages dos and don’ts for teaching practices, feedback sessions, and shared resources. Including your experience with peer-facilitated learning and your methods for onboarding new educators can demonstrate your commitment to building a strong educational community at Atra.

Articulate your vision for integrating innovative pedagogical methods, focusing on how this aligns with Atra’s mission. Discuss specific methodologies you admire and have implemented, such as experiential learning or cohort-based education. Show how you would engage with current trends and challenges in Jewish education to enhance institutional efficacy.

Your response should emphasize how you stay informed about emerging trends and your proactive approach to adapting programming. Mention your commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity in Jewish practices while addressing broader shifts in community needs. Providing past examples of similar adaptations you've made can lend credibility to your strategy.

Share a specific example that highlights your problem-solving skills in education. Focus on the challenge, your approach to resolving it, and the positive outcome. This will demonstrate your ability to remain resilient and innovative under pressure, which is crucial for the Director of Teaching and Learning at Atra.

Discuss how you value feedback as a crucial tool for growth and improvement. Describe processes you've used to gather and implement input from faculty, participants, and stakeholders to refine educational offerings. Emphasizing a culture of openness and continuous improvement can resonate strongly with Atra's leadership values.

Explain your networking strategies and how you'd pursue collaborative opportunities within the Jewish education ecosystem. Discuss the importance of forging relationships based on shared goals, innovative projects, and community needs. Previous partnerships you've established can provide tangible evidence of your collaboration skills.

You should share techniques that address diverse learning styles and needs. Discuss strategies such as differentiated instruction, collaborative projects, and the use of technology that facilitates inclusive participation. Providing examples of how you've successfully engaged diverse groups will help demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to education equity.

Reflect on Atra’s mission and your personal connection to it. Share your enthusiasm for innovative rabbinic education and highlight your relevant experiences that align with the organization’s goals. This is your opportunity to showcase why your vision for rabbinic leadership education resonates with Atra's commitment to fostering a thriving Jewish future.