5th Grade Teacher

Description Description ROLE DESCRIPTION

Catholic School Teacher The essential role of the Catholic school teacher is to witness the Gospel message and to lead students to reflect on a Christian approach to life while building the faith community. A teacher should provide students with opportunities to develop their gifts as peacemakers and stewards in service to the world community. This role is accomplished through instructional techniques and interactive processes that enable students to use their creative talents to become Catholic adults in the 21st century who are problem solvers and makers of just decisions.

Requirements

Qualifications

1. Witness of Gospel values 2. Enthusiasm for teaching children 3. Mature judgment and professional decorum 4. Flexibility, sense of humor, and independent thinking 5. Tolerance, sensitivity, and understanding toward children and adults. 6. Good physical and mental health 7. Professionalism in attire, communication, demeanor 8. Well-developed verbal and written communication skills The role description of the Catholic school teacher involves the following requirements and responsibilities: 1. Have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree 2. Be appropriately certified or certifiable by the State of Illinois 3. Maintain proper documentation and complete the recertification process in a timely manner. 4. Meet the requirements for religious instruction as established by the Rockford Diocese within three years of initial employment (Catechist Certification Handbook). Once certified, a teacher is expected to earn 18 clock hours of religious certification training every 3 years. 5. Actively demonstrate initiative, cooperation, accountability, and positive communication with administration and colleagues. 6. Handle confidential and/or official information with discretion. 7. Keep current on educational research by reading catechetical and curriculum journals and books.

Duties

1. Share and support the mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives of the school (copies provided by the principal). 2. Teach Catholic values and stories of faith with commitment in the daily curriculum. 3. Develop formal and informal prayer experiences. Cooperatively plan assigned liturgies/prayer services with the religion coordinator and other personnel. 4. Abide by the regulations in the Teacher's Handbook and the Diocesan Education Office. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1. Maintain open lines of communication with the principal. 2. Exhibit a positive attitude in dealing with people and issues. 3. Perform co-curricular activities as specified by the principal. 4. Prepare and attend parent conferences as necessary. 5. Report suspected child abuse/neglect as mandated by law. 6. Understand and maintain appropriate boundaries in regard to the physical and mental well-being of those in their care. 7. Read, agree, and acknowledge receipt of the Sexual Misconduct Norms of the Diocese. 8. Read, agree, and acknowledge receipt of Pastoral Code of Conduct. 9. Participate in the required "Protecting God's Children" program. WORK DAY 1. Time should be spent before or after school to prepare properly for instruction, to assist students, and to be available for parent conferences. 2. Attend faculty meetings and other meetings called by the principal or the principal's delegate. 3. Attend diocesan institutes, meetings, and/or workshops as directed. PROFESSIONAL CLASSROOM DUTIES 1. Organize, teach, and supervise assigned classes for optimal learning. 2. Assist students, colleagues, principal, and parents in creating a school climate that fosters growth in faith, academics, and citizenship. 3. Show adequate preparedness for daily instruction through preparation of weekly lesson plans and objectives. 4. Use effective methods of assessment, document student achievement, and maintain accurate records. 5. Communicate with students and parents to ensure awareness of the religious, academic, and social progress. 6. Assume responsibility for the supervision of students' health, welfare, and safety. 7. Follow basic content objectives from the school's established curricular scope and sequence. 8. Use a variety of techniques, materials, and assignments to meet the needs of diverse learners. 9. Provide flexible intervention strategies for children with special learning needs. SUPERVISORY DUTIES 1. Never leave the classroom unattended when students are present. 2. Supervise the students' use of the lavatories during the school day. 3. Supervise the arrival and dismissal of the students. 4. Supervise the students during Mass and other liturgical events. 5. Supervise the students going to and from special classes; P.E., Music, Library, class change, etc. 6. Supervise the recess, take bus duty, and other duties as assigned by the principal. 7. Supervise the students during the lunch period and during emergency drills. 8. Ensure that students adhere to the dress code. CLASSROOM MAINTENANCE 1. See that the desks, shelves, cabinets, equipment, and lockers are in good order. 2. Supervise the dusting and washing of boards, ledges, and desks as necessary. 3. Keep the bulletin board(s) current and attractive, displaying students' work. Bulletin boards should be instructive; at least one should have a religious theme. 4. Maintain a current inventory of classroom equipment, books, and supplies. 5. Report maintenance and repair needs to the administration or other authority. PARENTS AND STUDENTS 1. Be positive in all personal contact. 2. Inform the principal of any situations that may come to his/her attention. 3. Be prepared for the unexpected, and always give the benefit of the doubt before making judgments or rash statements. 4. Attend general meetings of the parent organization. EXTRA ACTIVITIES 1. Secure approval from the principal for any activities that will differ from the daily curriculum and schedule. 2. Cooperate with the faculty for school projects that would alter daily activities, such as open house, assemblies, and other special events. 3. Attend significant school events occurring outside of the school day.