Job Description:
Kindergarten Classroom Teacher -  Full Time
St. Mary School- Ridgefield, CT

OVERVIEW

Under direction of the school principal, the elementary classroom teacher is responsible for supporting the school and Diocese of Bridgeport in its mission. He/she facilitates student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills by implementing diocesan approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc. Educators are engaged in a school conducted by Roman Catholic Church for the express purpose of education in the academic, social, moral and religious values promulgated by the Church.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recognizes and supports the unique Catholic Mission of school by speaking, acting, and instructing consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Active member of a faith community and is open to the importance of personal faith journey; strives to model the teaching of Jesus by attitude and example.
• Helps build school’s faith community-demonstrates willingness to participate in and plan school religious and service activities.
• Demonstrates effective planning skills by preparing lessons designed to implement stated goals and objectives and incorporates school and diocesan curriculum objectives in lesson plans.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Demonstrates competence in teaching by having current, thorough knowledge of curriculum and subject matter and be able to communicate effectively with students; be able to organize classroom learning and materials to maximize student time on tasks as well as motivate student learning.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learning of current developments in educational field by attending seminars, workshops, professional development, reading professional educational publications, etc.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Coordinates with other elementary professional staff members, especially within grade level or PLCs, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Develops and uses effective methods of evaluation that are directly related to curriculum objectives and to concepts and skills taught; consistently and effectively evaluates student progress.
• Establishes a consistent disciplinary approach which promotes self-direction and positive self-image; sets high standards for student behavior and manages inappropriate behavior effectively as per school/diocesan policies.
• Pleasant learning environment.
• Cooperates with school and diocesan administration; works effectively with all staff members to promote positive relationships with students and parents.
• At all times demonstrates professional responsibility in enforcing diocesan and school policies and regulations.
• Maintains confidentiality of information, sound judgment in professional dress and general behavior.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge and strong commitment to the mission of fostering lay leadership in the Catholic Church.
• Excellent communications skills-written, verbal, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; a self-starter and well-organized; team player; multi-tasker.
• Proficient in computer technology; related educational technology.
• Flexibility in assessing needs and strategies-adapt appropriately.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree accredited college/university in Education or related discipline to teaching assignment
• Valid State Teaching Certification in appropriate grade level and/or subject

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Practicing Roman Catholic, in good standing
• Master’s Degree 
• Demonstrated teaching experience
• Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level

Please complete all CT Reap Application Information to be considered for this job opening, including your cover letter, resume and 3 letters of recommendation.