Grades 6-8 Religion Teacher

Position summary: The primary purpose of this position is to fulfill the mission of the Catholic school by planning, guiding, and evaluating the learning process of the students within the framework of the school’s philosophy. This position is also required to take leadership of the school’s Liturgy Committee. Teachers are responsible for the welfare and safety of the students under supervision.

Essential Duties of the Position: The following duties reflect the types of work this position requires with or without reasonable accommodations.
CATHOLIC DIMENSION:
• Integrates Church and Catholic social teaching throughout curriculum
• Participates in faith formation experiences; is active in the faith life of the school
• Ensures that prayer is a regular part of classroom and school procedures
• Provides opportunities for Christian service learning as part of the curriculum
• Demonstrates an understanding of Catholic identity
• Participates in adult faith formation and professional development opportunities
• Effectively uses catechetical methods
• Creates sacred ground as part of the classroom environment
• Leads daily prayer and participates in school liturgies

CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTIONAL:
• Follows Diocesan religion curriculum to ensure implementation of appropriate teaching methodologies
• Implements all accommodations and services for students with exceptional needs as stated with IEP and Student Support Plans plans
• Continuously assesses progress, monitoring all students, utilizing data from NYS assessments, standardized testing and classroom performance to implement research based strategies to provide appropriate, meaningful instruction
• Participates in a professional learning community in the school
• Maintains lesson plans that are clear, complete and up to date
• Plans lessons addressing student’ learning styles, prior knowledge and skills that promote and encourage learning for students of varying abilities

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
• Maintain compliance with Safe Environment requirements through attendance at a diocesan Safe Environment workshop and completion of ongoing training requirements as assigned
• Follows and enforces school procedures and policies
• Sets, enforces and shares behavioral and work standards with students and parents/guardians
• Establishes and maintains consistent procedures for group work, transition time and non-instructional activities in the classroom and the school
• Preplans activities of the class with regard to materials, use of time, and scope of program
• Monitors student behavior at all times; responds to behavior in an effective and sensitive manner using positive reinforcement or appropriate consequences
• Oversees distribution and return of text books and supplemental student materials ; completes an inventory of materials and equipment in the classroom as needed
• Ensures all necessary materials are available for substitute teachers including class roster, outline of program planned for the day; location of records, seating chart if applicable and any extra duty assignments

PROFESSIONALISM:
• Establishes and maintains appropriate relationships with students, parents, staff and community members by communicating in a tactful, courteous, and confidential manner
• Respects the legality and confidentiality of documentation, record-keeping and communication
• Exhibits personal behaviors that promote student learning including punctuality, regular attendance, sense of humor, initiative, energy and enthusiasm
• Exhibits professional behavior that affects student learning, professional dress, mature judgement, fairness, poise and self control
• Models professional behavior when utilizing social media
• Reads and keeps current on theory and educational best practices; seeks and participates in opportunities for professional growth

EDUCATION REQUIRED:
• Bachelor’s degree leading to Master’s degree in Education or related field

Salary: $130 per day