Preschool Lead Teacher

Reports To: School Principal
Direct Reports: None
Provides work direction to: Preschool assistant teachers and aides
Receives work direction from: Pastor, School Principal, Dean of Students as delegated by School Principal

FLSA: Exempt, teaching position

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Hours: Full time, 40 plus hours per week, 10 months per year

Schedule:  Primarily Monday-Friday

Schedule may vary based on school needs; occasional evening and weekend time will be necessary (ex: marketing/community building events, parish events, family events, open house).  Specific dates and expectations will be communicated by the School Principal.

Job Purpose: To provide academic instruction and Catholic formation to the students of Transfiguration Catholic Preschool.  To be an Ambassador for Transfiguration Catholic School and execute a high level of customer care to all students, families and school and church staff through communication, collaboration, and staff development. All instruction and activities shall support the mission and philosophy of Transfiguration Church of Oakdale:

To lead all those in the East Metro to Christ, the Source and Summit of our daily and eternal lives.

Statement on working for the Catholic Church: Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment.  Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church.  Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, nor can it embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal.  It is preferred that this employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic.  It is expected that all employees respect Catholic doctrine and religious practices.  Reasonable accommodation for the religious practice of employees not of the Catholic faith will be provided.

Representative Responsibilities: 

Note:  The following responsibilities are essential functions.

Catholic Formation of Students

• Be responsible for the religious instruction and formation of students in your classroom.

• Support the Catholic Church’s teaching on Faith and Morals in all interactions.

• Support all students in their practice of the Sacraments.

• Collaborate with clergy, colleagues, and church staff in setting up teaching opportunities for students and families in the church and chapel when appropriate (ex: regular opportunities for sacraments and devotions in the Chapel or Church, inviting the pastor and other clergy into classroom, etc.).

Curriculum & Instruction

• Be responsible for the instruction of assigned classes in the locations and during the times designated.

• Prepare for assigned classes and have lesson plans posted for Preschool Director the Friday before they are to be taught that meet MNSAA accreditation standards.

• Design lessons and instruct students utilizing the designated curriculum for your subject area as well as the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs).

• Strive to implement, through instruction and action, the philosophical goals and objectives developed for Transfiguration Catholic School.

• Use a variety of educational strategies and techniques to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom.

• Model regularly for students what you are physically asking them to do during the instructional day (ex: sitting on the floor, dancing, exercising, large motor muscle movement) in the classroom, outside, or in the gym.

• Assess the accomplishments of students and provide progress reports to parents on a regular basis.

• Plan for and provide individual and direct instruction to individual students or small groups that may need supplemental teaching in a particular area.

Supervision & Classroom Management

• Make certain students are properly supervised during school, student arrival and departure, and school sponsored functions.

• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students from emotional or physical harm.

• Take all necessary precautions to protect school equipment, materials and facilities from harm or vandalism.

• Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, school policy and/or administrative requirements.

• Assist and support the administration in developing and implementing policies and rules governing student life, conduct and behavior.

• Establish and maintain a classroom environment which is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental age and interests of the students.

• Develop rules of classroom behavior and procedures that maintain order in a fair and just manner consistent with school policy.

Communication

• Communicate regularly with parents in a variety of ways - in writing, in person, via phone or video conferencing, electronic methods employed by the school, etc. - to keep parents up-to-date on student progress and behavior, and classroom and school events.

• Clearly and professionally communicate the lessons and objectives of coursework at the start of the academic year, as well as before each unit of study begins, and communicate availability for questions and concerns.

• Be available to students and parents outside of the instructional day for education related purposes such as student concerns, parent/teacher conferences, staff team conferences, or providing academic assistance.

• Actively promote and maintain open lines of communication with the teachers, staff and administration of Transfiguration Catholic Church & School.

• Submit material for social media, school website/newsletter to assigned staff member each week/month based on requirements outlined at the start of the school year.

Professional Development & Duties

• Maintain and improve professional competency through participation in professional development opportunities, including opportunities to strengthen your personal faith and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Maintain and abide by MN Department of Health (DHS) requirements for licensing.  These requirements currently include an annual on-site orientation, CPR/First Aid certification every two years, and 24 hours of continuing education units each calendar year.  Complete and turn in documentation for licensing requirements to the Preschool Director for the licensing file.

• Attend faculty meetings, formation meetings, team meetings, scheduled parent/teacher organization meetings, and all meetings deemed necessary by the Principal, Preschool Director and Pastor.

• Serve on faculty committees responsible for tasks such as curriculum development, event planning, student evaluation, and other needs as they arise.

• Abide by the policies and guidelines of Transfiguration Catholic School as stated in the Personnel Handbook.

• Actively carry out duties assigned by and expectations of the Principal, Preschool Director and Pastor.

• Practice confidentiality in regard to academic, social and discipline issues pertaining to students and staff.

• Be a positive advocate of Transfiguration Catholic Church & School.

The responsibilities listed below are representative of the job and are not inclusive.  Those preceded by an asterisk (*) are essential job functions.

*To be present where needed, ready to work as needed to meet responsibilities.  Includes recognizing when situations require more effort, satisfying responsibilities in a timely manner, providing an example of punctuality and attendance, and generally ensuring all is ready and taken care of.

*Read and sign the Transfiguration Catholic School Employee Witness Statement.  A copy has been provided along with this job description.

*Organize, prepare and maintain student and classroom files and information. Gather information in an organized manner, make regular, informal observations of students, track student progress using the Preschool Progress Report in the Fall and Spring, grade and return student assignments in a timely manner, and keep classroom assignments and resources in the designated network folders for convenient reference.

*Maintain and improve work knowledge and skills such as understanding requirements and work procedures, purpose of work completed, computer use and general building management.

*Meet all communication requirements including interpersonal skills with school and parish employees as well as, students, school families, visitors, guests. and parishioners.  Includes keeping superiors and appropriate others informed.

*Help create a productive environment where there is harmony, good morale, and cooperative teamwork.  Monitor self-productivity and take corrective action as appropriate.

*Understand the Essential 3 requirements in order to ensure that the policies are followed in regard to activities and programs under your direction.

*Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality of all work data.

Other Responsibilities: includes other responsibilities identified as needed by the employee and approved and/or assigned by the Principal, Preschool Director and/or the Pastor.

1. To have and maintain a current Minnesota teaching license in the level and/or area of specialty in which they teach, or satisfy the MNSAA requirements.
2. To have and maintain a preschool teaching license through the MN Department of Health (DHS).  Licensing requirements include - annual orientation, CPR/First Aid certification every two years, and 24 hours of continuing education units each calendar year.
3. Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of Catholic doctrine, along with a commitment to the mission of Transfiguration.
4. Successfully complete the Essential 3 requirements – Virtus training, background check, and Code of Conduct.
5. Ability to communicate positively with Transfiguration students, parents, staff, administration, parishioners, and the broader community as an ambassador of Transfiguration.
6. Ability to work in a team as a member of the Transfiguration staff, and actively promote the mission of the parish and school.
7. Computer skills that include the use of Microsoft products, Google applications, student grading and management software, digital classroom tools, email, video conferencing, and other programs and technology essential to teaching at Transfiguration.

Mental & Physical Demands

1. Ability to plan, organize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
2. Possess a clear understanding of the English language.  Able to speak and write effectively.
3. Work 40+ hours per week.
4. Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
5. Able to participate in occasional evening and weekend meetings, events or Masses.
6. Able to lift up to 25 lbs. (Books, office materials) using proper techniques.
7. Able to operate keyboard in safe and proficient manner.

Please submit cover letter, resume, and references to Fr. Nate Meyers at frmeyers@transfigurationmn.org.