Middle School Religion Specialist (PART-TIME)

St. Joseph Montessori School; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph Montessori School in Columbus seeks a Religion Specialist for its Middle School grades 7 and 8. The role involves guiding students in accordance with the school’s Catholic philosophy and curriculum, ensuring a supportive educational environment.

Key responsibilities include planning lessons, assessing student performance, and collaborating with other teachers. Candidates must be Catholic and hold relevant teaching certifications, including a State of Ohio Teachers License. A commitment to ongoing professional development is essential.

Qualifications

• Must be Catholic.
• Certification in Religion/Theology required.
• Valid State of Ohio Teachers License appropriate to teaching level.

Responsibilities

• Plan instruction based on the adopted curriculum.
• Support the Catholic education philosophy.
• Communicate with parents regarding students' progress.

Skills

Knowledge of Catholic teachings

Instructional methods

Classroom management

Effective communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Certification in Religion/Theology

State of Ohio Teachers License

CPR / First Aid certification

Tools

Technology proficiency

Job description

Job Description

Join the St. Joseph Montessori School team as a Religion Specialist in our Middle School (7th and 8th Grade) environment.

Position Overview

The Religion Specialist fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by planning, guiding, and evaluating the learning process of students in accordance with the school’s philosophy, organization, and curriculum. The curriculum follows the Sophia Institute and Ruah Woods Textbooks.

The Specialist provides a learning atmosphere and activities designed to maximize student competencies and skills across intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual growth. The teacher has decision‑making responsibilities within essential job functions, in keeping with school policies. The position is hired and evaluated by the Head of School.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic education and the school’s mission.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Support and adhere to the Code of Conduct, policies, and procedures of the school and Diocese.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Plan instruction with logically sequenced objectives based on adopted curriculum and submit plans according to local policy.
• Provide appropriate materials and resources for students to engage in learning.
• Use effective instructional methods and models according to professional standard practice.
• Use varied assessment tools to perform both formative and summative assessments.
• Provide instruction and assessment for understanding.
• Maintain current and accurate records according to school policy.
• Practice positive, consistent discipline in classroom management.
• Communicate with parents regarding academic, behavioral, or safety concerns.
• Meet staff development guidelines set by the Diocese/local administration and attend weekly staff meetings.
• Demonstrate professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Collaborate with level teachers and specialists to enhance and support instructional planning.
• Hold conferences with parents upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate gains in student performance that align with school goals.
• Show willingness to respond to individual learning needs.
• Collaborate with content area teachers on cross‑curricular assignments.

Education and Certification

• Must be Catholic.
• Certification in Religion/Theology.
• State of Ohio Teachers License (Resident Educator, 5‑year professional license, Permanent Non‑Tax Certificate, or Substitute Teacher License) appropriate to teaching level.
• CPR / First Aid certification (provided if not already completed).
• Willingness to complete ongoing professional development, including any additional safety training required.
• Those with a 5‑year or Permanent Non‑Tax license must submit an individual professional development plan to the Diocesan Local Professional Development Committee; Resident Educators gain hours through work and mentorship.

Preferred Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Full knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of instructional methods, strategies, curriculum differentiation, and child development.
• Ability to manage student behavior in the classroom setting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative skills within the school community.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to pace and differentiate instruction.
• Ability to motivate and engage students.
• Organizational skills for presenting information clearly.
• Job‑appropriate technology proficiency.
• Critical thinking and planning skills.

Position Requirements

• Support and promote a team environment.
• Enthusiasm, initiative, high energy level, sense of humor, and flexibility.
• Physical ability to work around children, including sitting on the floor, standing, crouching, and climbing stairs.
• Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Enthusiasm when working with children and adolescents.
• Mandatory completion of FBI/BCI Background Check, Protecting God’s Children 3‑hour workshop, CPR/First Aid certification, Religion I course of study (Diocese of Columbus requirement), State of Ohio Science of Reading, and other professional development as assigned.

EEO & Diversity Statement

St. Joseph Montessori School is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value and respect the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of all individuals. Our policies and practices promote a fair and inclusive environment, ensuring equal opportunities and compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.