Teva Educator

CHAI; New Milford (CT); On-site; USD 4,250 - 6,800; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Room and board provided

Professional development opportunities

Networking in Jewish community

Job summary

CHAI is seeking a Teva Educator for Fall 2026 to connect youth to nature and inspire environmental awareness. This role involves planning and leading outdoor programs at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center.

The successful candidate will engage with students through explorations, collaborative teaching, and creative programming while experiencing a vibrant Jewish community. Compensation includes $17.00/hour and room and board.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in working with children through prior experience.
• Ability to plan and lead outdoor learning experiences.
• Willingness to participate in theatrical and creative educational elements.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational activities connecting students with nature.
• Plan outdoor lessons focusing on ecological and Jewish concepts.
• Collaborate with colleagues and support children's programming.

Skills

Experience working with children

Leadership skills

Collaborative teamwork

Ecological knowledge

Job description

Teva Educator (Fall 2026)

Teva aims to connect youth to the natural world, inspire environmental awareness and activism, and engage youth in Jewish culture and tradition. We are looking for educators who are excited to take part in this mission by leading and developing transformational experiences in nature. Educators spend their day outside with a group of students, and lead interactive curriculum that focuses on awareness, interconnectedness, ecology, and responsibility. Teva’s educators come from a diversity of backgrounds and contribute a variety of skills to the program. Musicians, teachers, wilderness leaders, artists, mentors, performers, athletes, scholars, and lovers of life are invited! All Teva educators are hired because they have demonstrated strong skills in working with children through prior experience.

Program Dates

The Fall Season will run approximately from August 26 to November 24, 2026. Dates will be finalized by August 15, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Introduce students to the natural world through exploration of the forest, farm, and campus of Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center.
• Plan and lead outdoor learning blocks and electives to teach ecological and Jewish concepts, either solo or with a co-educator.
• Lead children’s programming during Adamah holiday retreats.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors and colleagues.
• Participate in theatrical presentations, large scale games, evening programming, and song sessions.
• Support programming at meals for students and chaperones.
• Participate in Shacharit (morning prayer services) and add creative educational elements.
• Assist with development of curriculum, skits, and program materials.
• Participate in staff training and development (1/3 of total work time) and learn Teva’s curriculum.
• Prepare the site for the week, includes programming materials, set-up, and take-down.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay of $17.00 an hour; weeks range from 25/h to over 40 hours depending on programming. Room and board in a communal house provided by Adamah at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. Professional development and networking opportunities throughout the season. Opportunity to develop teaching skills in a creative experiential setting. Participation in vibrant, ecological, Jewish community.

How to Apply

Please email [e-mail] to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. The application includes two interviews and three references.