2024-2025 Religion Teacher - Grades 1 - 8 Multiage - Full-time: Mother Teresa Catholic Academy; Crete, IL

Ministerial Expectations
The teacher is considered a ministerial employee by their role working in a Catholic School and agree to work diligently to support and strengthen the Catholic Church and its value system. By word and example Catholic school employees support all the official religious teachings of the Catholic Church throughout their personal and professional lives. Teachers agree to play a substantial role in conveying the Catholic Church’s message and carrying out its mission. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The teacher will...

• complete Catholic identity formation training and other required professional development from the Diocese of Joliet;
• observe strictly the Code of Professional Ethics;
• seek an understanding of, and implement the educational and spiritual philosophy and procedures of the local school;
• instruct children in assigned subjects, direct and guide students’ learning throughout the day, and adjust instructional level to meet individual student needs;
• attend to related professional duties, including but not limited to, planning lessons, preparing materials, helping individual students, reading professional literature, serving on diocesan staff committees, attending regularly scheduled faculty meetings and conferring with the principal on instructional and disciplinary problems;
• participate in all faculty meetings and prescribed in-service training opportunities;
• attend teacher institutes as stipulated by the school and the Catholic Schools Office;
• complete Catholic identity formation training and other required professional development from the Diocese of Joliet;
• join with the other staff members in supervising the children and maintaining discipline on the premises before, during and after school;
• be present when classes are scheduled to begin and not leave the classroom during class periods except for emergency reasons;
• have general knowledge of all information contained in each student’s cumulative folder;
• secure the approval of the principal for important communications with parents concerning school matters;
• encourage responsibility on the part of students in their conduct and behavior with each other and with others outside the school community;
• contribute to the nurturing and advancement of the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the students;
• make appropriate reports to the principal and parents concerning the educational growth and development of students;
• work together with parents to assist them in their role as primary educators of their children;
• consistently communicate with and/or meet with parents regarding student progress in school;
• communicate professionally with all constituents including (but not limited to); school administration, pastor, parish priests, colleagues, students, parents, and prospective parents; and,
• effectively use technology to enhance student learning.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal or Pastor.

Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as SMARTboards, document cameras, personal computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.

Travel Requirements
Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently be required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, feel with hands, reach with arms, walk up or down multiple flights of stairs, and be physically able to perform duties as assigned, including the ability to lift up to 20-30 pounds if needed.
• Works in standard office and school building environments but also has ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Education and Experience

• Holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education, Theology, or a related discipline that is applicable to the teaching assignment.
• Licensure: The candidate must hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) or a valid out of state certificate from a state with which Illinois has reciprocity. Also the candidate may be enrolled in an accredited program working toward professional licensure. 
• Previous experience teaching religion is preferred but not required.
• Experience in designing and implementing religion education programs for grades 1 - 8 is desired.
• Must be a practicing Catholic (required for religion teachers) with knowledge of Catholic dogma, traditions, and sacramental preparation (First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation).
• Excellent communication and classroom management skills are essential to success.

Hours
This is a full-time, benefited position. The teacher will work each Monday - Friday that classes are in session as per a schedule developed by the Principal.

To Apply for this Position
Complete an online Diocese of Joliet Frontline Applicant Tracking application.  Additionally, the following documentation is required to be uploaded/submitted with your online application to be considered further:

• Current Resume
• Official Transcripts
• ISBE ELIS Educator Credentials: Professional Educator’s License (PEL) including endorsement(s), if applicable/obtained
• References

This may be accessed at the following link:
https://www.applitrack.com/dioceseofjoliet/onlineapp/
 
About Our School
Mother Teresa Catholic Academy is the first multiage Preschool to 8th Grade microschool in the Diocese of Joliet offering students instruction in the areas of Religion, Reading/Literature, Language Arts (English, Spelling, Phonics), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Art, Music, and Foreign Language (Spanish). The curriculum at Mother Teresa Catholic Academy is aligned to learning standards established both by the State of Illinois and the Diocese of Joliet. Students in grades PreK3 - 8 receive instruction from a specials teachers for Physical Education, Foreign Language (Spanish), and Art/Music. All students enjoy departmentalized classes taught by teachers who are experts in each of the core academic areas, including Religion and Sacramental Preparation. Accelerated math and science students who are accepted into the program attend Algebra and Biology classes at Marian High School and receive high school credit for these courses. This is an amazing teacher / learning model for staff and students alike!

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Incomplete or paper applications will not be considered. 

We are excited to review your interest in this position!