Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching/Early Childhood
Date Posted:
3/13/2024
Location:
St. Mary Immaculate Catholic School, Plainfield
Date Available:
08/12/2024
Closing Date:
Open until filled.
Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois Catholic Elementary Schools
2024-2025 Preschool Teacher (3- and 4-year-olds) - Full-time
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School; Plainfield, IL
Position available: August, 2024

Ministerial Expectations and Purposes
It is understood and expected that the work of the Catholic Church, its agencies and institutions, has characteristics that differentiate it from the work of other secular and non-Catholic agencies and institutions as a specifically religious institution performing a religious function and mission. Teachers working in a Catholic School agree to work diligently to support and strengthen the Catholic Church and its value system. By word and example teachers support all the official religious teachings of the Catholic Church throughout their personal and professional lives. Teachers agree to play a substantial role in conveying the Catholic Church's message and carrying out its mission. The ministry of teachers embraces the following purposes:

• To teach and witness to the tenets of the Catholic faith
• To integrate learning with faith
• To instill a sense of Christ's mission, charity, and service to others
• To draw the school community into worship
• To pass on the Catholic Christian faith to each student
• To build, support and maintain Catholic identity throughout the school

Teachers in a Catholic School accept their roles as ministers in a faith community. Their teaching ministry extends to the formation of the whole person. Teachers are expected to act and speak in public in a way that supports the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings including our belief:

• In the life and dignity of every human person, regardless of age, status, or condition.
• In the centrality of the family for a good society and in Christian marriage defined as the lifelong union of one man and one woman open to participating in the power of God's procreative love.
• In the call to witness and proclaim the Catholic faith and its social and moral teachings in public dialogue, and
• In working to assure that we continue to have and enjoy the rights of religious freedom in our country.

Instructional Expectations
Under the general supervision of the School Principal, and in collaboration with other members of the Early Childhood Team, the teacher will:

• Serve as a positive role model and support the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church at all times.
• Create a faith-focused and vibrant Catholic Culture within his or her classroom that is emphasized through the candidate's words, deeds, manner of dress, and actions.
• Facilitate and measure student success and growth in academics and interpersonal skills.
• Implement diocesan-approved Early Childhood curricula with fidelity.
• Document teaching and student progress, activities, and outcomes.
• Differentiate instruction to address specific educational needs of individual students.
• Create a flexible, safe, and optimal learning environment.
• Regularly provide feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and goals.

Essential Functions
The teacher ...

• Is a strong Catholic who serves as a model and exemplar of the Catholic faith in his or her words, actions, speech, dress, and demeanor.
• Develops and administers school curriculum consistent with diocesan goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction and student learning.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates these plans into learning experiences that best utilize available time for instruction
• Differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles and needs.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit the individual student's needs, including students with special needs.
• Conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as in administrative regulations.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and to learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district and school procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in student education and facilitates effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and Diocesan policies
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members to evaluate and assess curriculum
• Participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Serves as an active member of school PLCs (Professional Learning Communities).
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains accurate inventory records.
• Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
• Understands and adheres to tenets and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Maintains a lifestyle that is in full accord with Church teachings, both within and outside of the school environment,

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and/or Catholic Schools Office administrators as designated by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as SMARTboards, document cameras, personal computers, printers, copiers, telephones, and fax machines.

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy in Early Childhood Education.
• Knowledge and practice of the Catholic faith.
• Knowledge of the specific needs of young children.
• Knowledge of Early Childhood curricula and concepts.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis procedures, and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding early childhood education.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to communicate with all constituents including (but not limited to); school administration, pastors, parish priests, colleagues, students, parents, and prospective parents.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to walk up and down multiple flights of stairs on a regular basis.
• Physically able to perform the duties as assigned including the ability to lift up to 20-30 pounds if needed.

Qualifications Profile
Certification/Licensure
The candidate must hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). An endorsement in Early Childhood Education is perferred; an LBS1 endorsement is a plus.

Education
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education is required.

Experience
-Previous successful teaching experience in Early Childhood Education is preferred but not required.
-Experience in designing and implementing ECE programs specific to the needs of 3 & 4-year-olds is desired.
-Excellent communication and classroom management skills are essential to success.

Hours
-This is a full-time (benefited) position.
-Placement on the current Diocese of Joliet Scales for Ready Reference Salary Schedule will honor licensure and experience.

To Apply for this Position
Apply online through the Diocese of Joliet Applicant Tracking system at the following link:
https://www.applitrack.com/dioceseofjoliet/onlineapp/

Applications will be evaluated as these are received. Incomplete or hard-copy applications will not be considered.