Archdiocese of Chicago Elementary Teacher
The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties. It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States. Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education over the past 10 years.
The Teacher is a qualified professional educator who meets the requirements to teach in a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Chicago. As a teacher in a Catholic school, the Teacher acts as a representative of the Catholic Church to the students, both as a role model and through the various tasks, actions and other responsibilities assigned to the Teacher. The Teacher is a ministerial employee because of the Teacher’s role as both a representative of the Church and as a communicator of the Church’s message to the children entrusted to the Church’s care.
The Teacher is hired by and is directly accountable to the principal. The Teacher agrees to abide by the educational policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Office of Catholic Schools as well as comply with the educational policies and procedures of the local school. The Teacher cooperates with the principal and staff in providing an educational environment that promotes the ministry of Catholic education. The Teacher is a representative of the Archbishop of Chicago, effectuating his ministry of Catholic education and the religious teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church at the level of the local school.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
As a professional educator in a Catholic school, the Teacher will:
- teach and act in accordance with Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic Church
- act as a role model for the religious formation of students and as a representative of the Archbishop of Chicago and the Catholic Church in the performance of the Church’s ministry
- know, teach and act consistently in accordance with the religious and educational mission, philosophy, objectives and policies and procedures of the Catholic school
- complete Catholic identity formation training and other required professional development from the Archdiocese of Chicago (regardless of grade/subject area or personal faith tradition)
- lead and/or participate in any and all religious instruction, ceremonies, rituals or other religious activities as directed by the principal
- communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, colleagues and principal
- participate in any and all professional development programs required by the Archdiocese of Chicago and/or the local school/parish
- perform teaching duties as assigned by the principal
- attend required faculty and staff meetings
- cooperate with the principal and staff members in school related meetings, activities and projects
- maintain accurate student attendance and academic records
- maintain a safe, orderly and secure learning and working environment
- participate in the annual performance review
- maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding school personnel, students and general school matters
- positively represent the school/parish at all school/parish events (including extracurricular activities) and in the general public
- the principal assigns specific tasks essential to the function of the position
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES
- practicing Catholic (preferred, required for religion teachers)
- compliance with safe environment requirements
- bachelor’s degree
- valid state licensure for the grade/subject area (preferred, not required)
- complete Catholic identity formation training