Central Synagogue is one of the leading and largest Reform congregations in the country. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Central’s reach includes more than 3,500 member families, a livestream community numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and more than 800 students, from birth to twelfth grade, in the Nursery and Religious schools. It has long played a significant role in the national Reform movement and is known for its innovation and leadership in worship, leading to a greatly expanded audience over the last two decades.
Central Synagogue works toward a world in which Judaism is core to the lives of Central members and Jews everywhere and is a profound and positive force for humanity. Central continually redefines what it means to be Jewish today, both within the Synagogue community and far beyond the Synagogue’s walls.
The diverse clergy and professional team work hard, in collaboration with lay leadership, to build deep and enduring relationships among Central members, creating a caring, dynamic, and joyful community.
Central Synagogue is an inclusive and welcoming community. The Synagogue encourages participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of its sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The Synagogue is well resourced, has over 100 staff, and is governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees.
To learn more, visit: https://www.centralsynagogue.org/
Early childhood is a magical time of discovery for children and their parents. At Central Synagogue, one of the largest Reform congregations in North America located in Midtown Manhattan, we provide children and their grown-ups with rich learning and growth experiences that establish them as lifelong learners and celebratory experiences that connect them to the joys of Judaism through an exploration of values, traditions, and rituals.
The Central Tots Lead Teacher is a member of Central Synagogue’s Early Childhood Department and is responsible for the education, care, and well-being of assigned groups of students and families during their time in our programs.
The Central Tots Lead Teacher generally teaches 1–2 classes each morning. Each class consists of approximately up to 10 children, and every child is accompanied by a trusted grown-up, either a parent, family member, or caregiver.
Under the guidance of the Director of Family Engagement and Central Tots, the Lead Teacher is responsible for:
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Implementing planned curriculum
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Providing a developmentally appropriate classroom environment
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Determining classroom and individual student goals
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Creating constructive partnerships with grown-ups in the classroom
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Communicating warmly with parents via phone and email
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Participating in team meetings
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Upholding the philosophy and objectives of the Central Tots program
The full-time role also includes supporting Nursery School programming in the afternoons, including chaperoning after-school classes.
We are looking for a dynamic lead teacher who displays creativity, flexibility, kindness, and warmth, and who has a passion for working both with toddlers and with their parents, caregivers, and family members.
Reports To: Director of Family Engagement & Central Tots
Department: Early Childhood
Schedule: Flexible scheduling options — choose full-time or part-time
Position Type: 10-month position, Exempt and not eligible for OT
Full-Time Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: Until 2:30 PM
Part-Time Hours:
18–24 hours weekly
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (optional)
Date: April 2026
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Manage all aspects of daily classroom life, including health and safety, routines, transitions, and implementation of child-centered curriculum.
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Plan and implement activities that foster self-esteem, social skills, developmental growth, and independence.
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Incorporate parents, caregivers, and other adults into classroom lessons and activities.
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Work collaboratively with teaching teams, administrators, and Youth & Family Department staff.
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Incorporate Shabbat, Jewish holidays, values, customs, and traditions into the classroom.
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Communicate effectively with parents via phone, email, and in-person conversations.
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Minimum five years of teaching experience in early childhood or toddler classrooms
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Experience teaching in classrooms that include parents or caregivers
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Knowledge of Judaism and Jewish holidays is a plus
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Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
Please note that the above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
The expected salary range for this position is $55,000 to $63,000 for full-time employment. Part-time compensation will be comparable and commensurate with experience.
Central Synagogue offers full-time employees an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of its dedicated and diverse community.
Salary is determined based on experience, skills, knowledge, training, education, specialization, and scope of experience.
The salary range listed represents the Synagogue’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting.
