Job Description:
Middle School Religion Teacher
St. James Catholic School - Stratford, CT

OVERVIEW

St. James School in Stratford is seeking a Middle School Religion Teacher (6th-8th grade) starting in the 2025-26 school year.  Candidates must have a love for working with children 12-14 years old; is kind, caring, and patient; and excited about teaching religion to adolescents.  We are looking for educators who want to work in a positive environment with dedicated colleagues who keep the interest of children at the center of what they do.

RESPONSIBILITIES
(The below description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility)

• Effectively plan lessons with a clear objective and method for assessing learning has been achieved
• Promote a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to student learning
• Communicate and connect effectively with students
• Manage children effectively using research-based strategies that promote awareness and growth
• Successfully organize the classroom learning environment
• Acquire professional knowledge and learning of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, professional development, reading professional educational publications, etc.
• Communicate with parents about behavior or academic concerns
• Teach religion to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
• Plan weekly Community Service

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree accredited college/university in Education or a related discipline or teaching assignment
• Experience teaching in a school
• Is a practicing Catholic, an active member of the faith, and passionate about their spiritual wellbeing
• Loves teaching and working with middle school students!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid State Teaching Certification in appropriate grade level and/or subject
• Master’s Degree 
• Demonstrated experience teaching in a Catholic School
• Successful prior teaching experience in a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade school environment

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Must be a Catholic and practitioner of the faith
• Must be passionate about your Catholic faith
• Must be passionate about having children develop a personal relationship with Christ
• Must be a model of Gospel values or someone who tries to live Gospel values
• Prays routinely, loves God, and believes in God’s love for all people
• Teach religion to grades 6th – 8th grade
• Prepare lessons for each section (two sections per grade) four times a week
• Review the Religion Curriculum and make changes that are aligned with the values of St. James School
• Organize and plan the Friday Community Service Block
• Lead a Middle School Advisory with the Responsive Classroom approach
• Be an advocate and support for the Middle School children in your advisory (e.g. being a point person if they are struggling or need a trusted adult, communicate with parents about concerns, establish trust and connect with the children in your advisory)
• Provide a report card grade for each student (Pass/Needs Improvement/Fail)
• Attend Parent & Teacher Conferences
• Chaperone a two night overnight in May/June with a Middle School Grade
• Attend weekly Middle School Meetings and other meetings as needed
• Perform duties (e.g. recess, lunch, morning, and dismissal duties)
• Perform other duties as needed or instructed by the principal

St. James School follows a typical school calendar (early September through mid-June).
Teachers arrive by 7:20am and can leave at 2:20pm. 
School hours for children are 7:30am Arrival and pack-up at 1:55pm. 
Buses depart and dismissal is over by 2:15pm.

Please email a cover letter and resume to Chris Robertson, Principal of St. James School at chris.robertson@sjssct.org