Teacher - PSR

Archdiocese of St. Louis•Chesterfield, MO

About The Position

The Parish School of Religion (PSR) Teacher provides engaging, age-appropriate religious instruction supporting students’ spiritual, moral, and personal development. The teacher helps students deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, Church teachings, and traditions, and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The role creates a welcoming, respectful, and supportive learning environment where students can ask questions, participate in discussions, and grow in faith. The teacher serves as a positive role model and supports the parish’s mission and values through a classroom environment rooted in respect, compassion, integrity, and understanding. The Archdiocese of St. Louis is headquartered at the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, Missouri. Candidates receiving an employment offer must complete pre-employment screening, which includes a criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary. Offers are contingent on successful completion of required screening.

Requirements

Knowledge of the Catholic faith, including Scripture, Church teachings, sacraments, and traditions.
Completion of, or willingness to participate in, required diocesan catechist training and ongoing faith formation.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and classroom management skills.
Ability to explain Catholic teachings clearly and in an age-appropriate manner.
Ability to create an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Patience, flexibility, dependability, and a genuine interest in helping students grow in faith.
Ability to work collaboratively with parish staff, families, and fellow catechists.
Commitment to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.

Nice To Haves

Previous catechetical training or coursework in religious education.
Previous experience teaching, catechizing, mentoring, or working with children and youth.
Experience planning and facilitating age-appropriate learning activities.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons in accordance with the parish’s religious education curriculum and guidelines.
Teach Catholic beliefs, Scripture, Church teachings, sacraments, prayers, traditions, and liturgical practices.
Help students understand Catholic values and apply them to everyday life.
Encourage students to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and grow in their understanding of prayer and worship.
Use engaging teaching methods, activities, discussions, and resources to support student learning and participation.
Prepare lesson materials and classroom activities before each session.
Establish and maintain a welcoming, respectful, and organized classroom environment.
Encourage active participation, thoughtful questions, and meaningful discussions about faith.
Promote positive behavior, mutual respect, cooperation, and personal responsibility.
Adapt teaching approaches to students’ varying ages, learning styles, and developmental needs.
Support students in developing compassion, empathy, integrity, and respect for others.
Serve as a positive role model of Catholic faith and Christian living.
Foster students’ spiritual and moral development through prayer, reflection, Scripture, and faith-based activities.
Encourage participation in parish life, liturgical celebrations, service opportunities, and other faith-building experiences, as appropriate.
Demonstrate respect, patience, kindness, and understanding in interactions with students.
Support the parish’s mission of evangelization and faith formation.
Communicate professionally with the Director of Religious Education, parish staff, parents, and guardians about student participation, progress, and concerns.
Collaborate with parish leadership and fellow catechists to support consistent and effective religious education.
Participate in teacher meetings, training sessions, and ongoing catechetical formation as required.
Maintain appropriate records of attendance, lesson completion, and other documentation as needed.
Maintain confidentiality and follow parish policies regarding communication and student information.
Provide a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment for all students.
Follow parish, diocesan, and applicable child protection policies and procedures.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and promptly report concerns, incidents, or suspected abuse in accordance with applicable policies and laws.
Complete required child-safety training and employment screenings.