Catholic Diocese of Columbus·Powell, Ohio
The Kindergarten Teacher will lead students in daily prayer and implement Catechesis of the Good Shepherd presentations while planning and delivering engaging instruction across core academic subjects, integrating Catholic teaching throughout the curriculum. Key duties also involve fostering a joyful, orderly learning environment, maintaining strong routines, and communicating clearly with parents.
Ave Maria Academy, a new Catholic school in the Diocese of Columbus, seeks a faith-filled, joyful, and highly skilled Kindergarten Teacher to help build the school’s founding early childhood program. The ideal candidate has training in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), understands how to integrate the Catholic faith authentically across all academic subjects and is willing to work with religious sisters to build strong Catholic culture. This teacher will create a warm, structured, and developmentally aligned learning environment rooted in the dignity of the child, the rich Catholic intellectual tradition, and a classical approach to education.
Key Responsibilities Faith Formation & Catechesis ● Lead students in daily prayer, classroom devotion, and intentional formation rooted in the Catholic faith. ● Implement Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Level I) presentations and Montessori-based religious formation. ● Create a peaceful, ordered classroom atmosphere that reflects the virtues, beauty, and reverence central to Catholic education. ● Collaborate with the principal and parish staff to support sacramental preparation where appropriate.
Academic Instruction & Integration ● Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and religion. ● Integrate Catholic teaching, saints, liturgical seasons, and Church history into the curriculum in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. ● Use classical education principles such as storytelling, hands-on exploration, repetition, and exposure to beauty. ● Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learner needs while maintaining high expectations. ● Assess student progress using formal and informal methods and communicate results clearly to parents. Classroom Environment & Student Care ● Foster a joyful, nurturing, and orderly environment where children feel loved, safe, and known. ● Maintain strong routines and expectations that support independence, virtue development, and personal responsibility. ● Collaborate with colleagues to ensure continuity between preschool, kindergarten, and upper elementary grades. ● Provide regular communication with parents that is clear, professional, and mission-oriented. Professional Responsibilities ● Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and fidelity to Catholic moral and ethical teaching. ● Participate actively in faculty meetings, professional development, and school community events. ● Maintain accurate records, lesson plans, and student documentation in accordance with diocesan policies. ● Support the mission of Ave Maria Academy as a joyful extension of the parish's evangelization efforts.
Required ● Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field. ● Valid Ohio teaching license or ability to obtain one. ● Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I certification. ● Understanding of Catholic teaching and commitment to living the Catholic faith. ● Experience working with young children in a school, parish, or Montessori/CGS setting. ● Strong communication, organizational, and classroom management skills. Preferred ● Experience in classical education or interest in learning classical instructional methods. ● Training in early childhood education (K–3). ● Experience integrating the Catholic faith across academic subjects. ● Familiarity with diocesan curriculum standards. Personal Qualities ● Joyful, warm, and mission-driven ● Prayerful and reverent in interactions with children ● Creative, patient, and attentive to the developmental needs of young learners ● Collaborative and able to build strong relationships with families and colleagues ● Passionate about forming young hearts and minds in truth, beauty, and goodness Physical Demands: ● Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. ● May also be required to kneel, bend, squat and get up quickly. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Repeatedly throughout the day. Mission Alignment The Kindergarten Teacher at Ave Maria Academy plays a foundational role in forming young disciples of Christ. This educator will cultivate wonder, virtue, and academic excellence while modeling a life rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church. See the job description below for more information. Please apply for this position at the bottom of the page. JOB DESCRIPTION FOR TEACHERS TITLE: Teacher
Appropriate state certification/license: 1. as required by the grade levels and subjects taught 2. Religious Education certification as required by the diocese
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field, along with a valid Ohio teaching license or the ability to obtain one, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I certification. Required qualifications also include an understanding of Catholic teaching, commitment to the faith, and experience working with young children in a relevant setting.
Market context
Ohio classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially for candidates who can manage a classroom and plan instruction aligned to state and center expectations. These positions are competitive because schools and centers often look for both teaching experience and the ability to stay active with children throughout the day. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform, then confirm your age, classroom leadership experience, and lesson-planning background before applying.