Middle School History/ Religion Teacher

Position Purpose

To develop students' knowledge and understanding of world cultures and cultural evolution; to develop skills in research of social orders; and to develop an understanding of the existence and importance of geographical, historical, cultural, and political factors that influence the development of world societies, socio-economic systems, and political systems, as well as their inter-relationship and interdependence.

Reports to

School Principal

Essential Functions

• Develops and administers Social Studies curriculum consistent with Diocesan school goals and objectives.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop unit organization around historical problems, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Teaches knowledge of social studies, incorporating history, geography, economics, political science, systems of government, education, responsible citizenship, and humanities.
• Fosters an understanding of the continuity and patterns of human behavior through the ages, and an awareness of the complexity and interrelationship of local, state, national, and world problems and approaches to their solution(s).
• Demonstrates the manner in which the past provides a comparative basis from which to evaluate the nature of current issues and predict courses of action for the future, with continuous cross-reference to contemporary matters of importance.
• Develops students' research skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to make critical value judgments and contribute to the thoughtful exchange of ideas, through a variety of reading, writing, group discussion, and presentation assignments to stimulate self-reliance in problem-solving and concluding.
• Promotes students' critical analysis of the effect media has on the flow of information and shaping of public discourse, and encourages students to seek out and compare alternative sources of information concerning the key issues of their world.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual students' needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and 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 procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Collaborates with other professional staff members, especially within their grade level(s), and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids, and other supplies and equipment, and maintains inventory records.

Responsibilities/Tasks for: Middle School Teacher

• Create an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
• Assign and grade class work and homework.
• Establish and maintain the standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
• Communicate with parents and school counselors on student progress.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, diocesan policies, and school regulations.
• Guide and counsel students with adjustment and/or academic problems or special academic interests.
• Prepare and supervise students for Mass.
• Perform administrative duties such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to perform all the technological requirements of classroom management.
• Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels and in an outdoor environment.
• Must be able to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in both a normal classroom environment and in an outdoor setting.
• Must have the physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, And/or Abilities Required)

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in Social Studies Education, Middle-Level Education, Elementary Education, Religion, Theology, Catholicism, History, Civics, or a related field.
• Teaching certification preferred. Otherwise, be willing to work towards obtaining one.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Must comply with PA State clearance requirements.
• Must be a Catholic in good standing.