Teacher - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Description

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 and school administrators serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools.  In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them 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.

Job Summary:

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) involves “adults and children in a common religious experience in which the religious values of childhood (contemplation and enjoyment of God) are predominant.”

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechist serves in a school atrium, by creating and maintaining an environment where work and study can spontaneously become prayer; by presenting CGS materials to the children; by assisting them in their work; and by modeling prayer

CGS sessions are coordinated for groups of children aged: 3-6 years. The duration of each atrium session is typically 1 hour / week. The schedule may increase as the program grows.

Essential Job Duties:

• Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic Education and the mission of the school and church.

• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.

• Support and adhere to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school, parish, and diocese.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding school and church matters.

• Help the adults of the school community (e.g. parents, priests, other school staff, etc.) open their eyes to the hidden riches of the child, especially to the child’s spiritual wealth, so that the adults will be drawn to learn from the child and to serve her/him.

• Prepare and present presentations for each Atrium session as scheduled.

• Work in accordance with the 32 points of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

• Make, repair, and restore materials in atria as needed.

Requirements

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

· Fully initiated member of the Catholic Church in good standing.

· Willing and able to be faithful to the tradition of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as handed to us by Sofia Cavalletti and 

  Gianna Gobbi, when working in settings bearing the name Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

· Willing to live a shared religious experience with the child, according to the teaching of the gospel: “Except if you become as little 

  children, you cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 18:3).

· Willing and able to observe and study the vital needs of the child and the manifestations of those vital needs according to the 

  developmental stage of the child.

· Able to work with adults in a variety of settings, in a mature, friendly, and cooperative manner

· Able and willing to make the time commitment required.

· Has personally prepared a comprehensive, and yet developing, collection (album) of guidelines for presentations given to children.

· Has personally prepared a comprehensive, and yet developing, collection of sources for theological & pedagogical background to

  presentations.

· Must be a self-starter who is able to take the initiative in fulfilling tasks; is organized; has the ability to work independently as well

  as in a team; make sound judgments and communicate effectively.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church. 

• Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation.

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior.

• Knowledge of the content and the methods of religious education.

• Knowledge of effective assessment methods.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.

• Ability to work well with others in the school community.

• Ability and willing to make the time commitment required.

• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.

• Ability in handling multiple tasks simultaneously. 

• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.

• Skill in job appropriate technology. 

• Skill in critical thinking and planning.

• Skill in managing conflicts effectively.

• Skill in organizational management and delegation of responsibilities.

• Skill in using group process skills effectively with various school communities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:

• Has successful teaching experience

Certifications and Training:

? Valid Texas driver's license.

? Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

• Must meet the minimum requirements for teaching field as set forth by the Diocese and TCCB ED. 

• Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration. 

• Must complete Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation Course Level 1, Part 1 before working with children.

• Must complete Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours each year.