First-grade Classroom Teacher

St. Mary’s Catholic School in Temple, Texas, seeks a dynamic disciple of Jesus who loves to encounter and make the beautiful.  We strive to form our students in wisdom and holiness.  

The Classroom Teacher will bring the beauty of our faith alive for students and manage all classroom aspects.  The ideal candidate should foster creativity and stimulate children's imagination, be capable of managing a classroom, and love what is good, true, and beautiful.  If you are a committed professional, passionate about helping students grow closer to God while learning more about His creation, we invite you to apply today!

Philosophy of Education of St. Mary’s Catholic School:

We believe that God loves each child.  Therefore, we must help our students love God and neighbor wholeheartedly; think, judge, and act with right reason; and use their education to embrace Catholic teachings and follow the example of Christ.  To accomplish this aim, the school strives to create a Christian atmosphere of care and concern in which all children may grow toward their full potential spiritually, morally, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.  This is accomplished through encounters with what is good, true, and beautiful.  The very nature of the child requires a coordinated education, the product of a cooperative effort among home, church, and school.  Through this harmonious partnership, the aim of Catholic education is achieved.

We believe that the “effective Catholic School must call its pupils to the conviction that people are more important than material gain, justice is more important than success, love is more important than esteem, and that collaboration unites while competition divides.  The truly successful Catholic School student is not necessarily successful in every endeavor, but one who accepts Christian responsibility for fulfilling personal potential and shares these gifts with others.” (Texas Catholic Conference Education Department)

Job Summary

The First-grade Classroom and religion Teacher plans, guides, and evaluates students' learning processes. This position reports to the principal and has decision-making responsibilities within the school policies, philosophy, organization, and curriculum framework.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring. To fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable collaborators, share Christ's mission with them, and entrust them with various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways, as outlined in the job description.  The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry, and therefore engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Duties

• Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic education and the school's mission.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Support and adhere to the standards of conduct and school policies and procedures.
• Plan instruction with logically sequenced objectives based on the curriculum, and submit lesson plans online.
• Provide appropriate material and resources for students to engage in learning.
• Use effective instructional methods and models in accordance with professional standards of practice.
• Use varied assessment tools to perform both formative and summative assessments.
• Provide instruction and assessment for understanding.
• Maintain current and accurate records in accordance with school policies.
• Practice positive, consistent discipline in classroom management.
• Communicate with parents regarding academic, behavioral, and safety concerns.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, and staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of subjects taught, instructional methods and strategies, and curriculum differentiation.
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction.
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process.
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.
• Skill in using job-appropriate technology.
• Skill in critical thinking and planning.
• Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Ability to manage student behavior in a classroom setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to work well with others in the school community.
• Ability to confer with parents upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner.
• Ability to demonstrate gains in student performance that are in keeping with school goals.
• Ability to respond to individual learning needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in the subject taught or a related field from an accredited American university or equivalent.

Experience:

• None required.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing.

Certifications and Training

• Must meet the minimum requirements for the teaching field set forth by the Diocese and TCCED.
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Must meet staff development guidelines set forth by the Diocese and school administration.
• Without a Theology degree, one must complete the Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of hire, with a minimum of 25 hours each year.
• Without a Theology degree, one must complete the Religion Certification Part 2 within six years of hire, completing a minimum of 30 hours each year.

Working Conditions

• All school employees are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the principal in the exercise of the principal’s ministry and obligations to the school.
• The school is an at-will employer.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Christian prayer and Catholic liturgical celebrations. Staff meetings and other functions may open and close with Christian prayer.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the school are tobacco-free.
• May be required to use personal or school vehicles to drive to off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the school to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.
• Maintaining a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
• Will be required to work in multiple educational settings.

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.

Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.