Lead Teacher
General Description: UUCF is a diverse, inclusive, welcoming congregation that supports spiritual growth and exploration for all ages. Guided by our Principles, we provide caring service to one another and the larger community, bringing purpose to our lives and meaning to our existence. It is not necessary for applicants to be practicing Unitarian Universalists, but we seek candidates who share the UU values for Justice, Pluralism, Interdependence, Generosity, Equity and Transformation, all driven by our primary guiding principle, Love.
Mission:
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fullerton (UUCF) is looking for a part-time year-round (6-10 hour/week) Lead Teacher for its Religious Exploration (RE) program. The Lead Teacher’s mission is to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive faith formation program from preschool to high school youth. The Lead Teacher will teach lessons directly to children ages 12 to 18 and coordinate lower elementary or preschool RE providers, which may include other paid staff or volunteers.
Skill Sets:
- Aligns and is familiar with Unitarian Universalist principles and values.
- Ability to be well organized and provide class lesson plans for different age groups.
- Ability to recruit, motivate, and supervise volunteers.
- Experience in early, primary, or secondary education; candidates should have or be working towards a degree in this or a related field. Experience with religious education is a plus.
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification.
- Successful completion of a background check and up-to-date security clearances in full compliance with California law.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- The Lead Teacher responsibilities may include preparing and teaching multi-age level Sunday RE Classes, especially those aimed at middle- and high-school-aged youth; working with other teaching staff to provide weekly, in-service all-ages lessons, coordinating with staff and volunteers to plan periodic RE projects or extracurricular activities, and providing childcare at occasional special events that may take place during weeknights or Saturdays.
- The Lead Teacher will work closely with other RE staff and a volunteer RE Committee to set the annual and summer curriculums; manage staff and volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling; and collaborate on implementing or growing additional youth and family programs along with community outreach.
- The Lead Teacher should be able to communicate with RE children and families, the Minister, the UUCF Board of Trustees, and the RE Committee regarding RE curriculum, youth and family activities, special events, and establishment of safety procedures and policies.
- The Lead Teacher should be enthusiastic about implementing a flexible, multigenerational and welcoming religious exploration program based on our inclusive UU values.
6-10 hour Weekly Work Schedule:
Weekly Tasks (approx. 6-10hrs/week, up to 40 hrs/month)
- Participate in Sunday worship services, Time for All Ages, seasonal celebrations and special events. (2.5 hrs)
- Prepare lesson plans for Sunday RE program and Time for All Ages. (2.0 hr)
Monthly Tasks (included in weekly hours)
- Manage program budgets and educational materials
- Maintain organized records such as registration, classroom and teacher assignments and attendance.
- Collaborate with the Religious Exploration Committee and Board of Trustees.
- Attend Youth RE monthly committee meetings.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- Part-time year-round position averaging up to 10 hours per week, with a flexible schedule based on worship services, special events and occasional evenings and weekends.
- Regular work includes class preparation, some meeting time during the week, and most Sunday services. Occasional Saturdays, holidays (including Christmas Eve), and other special services as needed.
- Some planning, preparation, and administrative work may be completed remotely.
- Must be able to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, and congregational leaders in a team-oriented environment.
- The Lead Teacher will report to the Board of Trustees.
- Occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Salary and Benefits:
- This position is offered in a pay range of $24 to $27 per hour, commensurate with experience and training.
- Live Scan background check
- CPR Training
- Mandatory Reporter Training
Relationships/Accountability:
The Lead Teacher is supervised by the Board of Trustees and works closely with and under the guidance of the RE Committee Chair(s). The Board of Trustees will conduct an appraisal after the first three months, and then in May of each year thereafter.
Employees must comply with the requirements of our Personnel Handbook and Safety Policies, including submitting to background checks.
The Board of Trustees holds all staff accountable to a high ethical standard regarding behavior in their professional life at UUCF. Staff members shall not endanger our children or the reputation of UUCF.
Diversity and Inclusion at UUCF:
Our belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every person motivates everything we do at UUCF. We strive to maintain a workplace where all employees are respected and included, where individual experiences are honored, and where both glowing and challenging feedback is appreciated.
UUCF affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunities for all individuals. Decisions about recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, and all similar employment decisions will be made in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other classification protected by law.