Teacher, PSR

Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri•New Haven, CT

13d

About The Position

The Parish School of Religion (PSR) Teacher provides engaging, age-appropriate religious instruction that supports students’ spiritual, moral, and personal development. Through lesson planning, classroom activities, prayer, and faith-based discussions, the teacher helps students understand the Catholic faith, Scripture, and Church teachings and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. The teacher fosters a welcoming, respectful, and supportive learning environment that encourages participation, reflection, curiosity, and spiritual growth. As a positive Christian role model, the teacher supports the parish’s mission by promoting compassion, respect, integrity, and service, and helping students apply their faith in daily life. The role includes planning and delivering instruction aligned with the PSR curriculum and parish expectations; maintaining an inclusive, organized classroom and following safety and child protection requirements; participating in religious education activities and supporting parish programs; keeping student records; communicating with families; collaborating with PSR leadership and fellow teachers; and completing required training, meetings, and administrative duties.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of, commitment to, and willingness to share the Catholic faith in support of the mission and values of the parish and PSR program.
Ability to provide engaging, developmentally appropriate religious instruction for children and youth.
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and classroom management skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with students and families while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Dependability, patience, compassion, flexibility, and enthusiasm for teaching and faith formation.
Willingness to collaborate with PSR leadership, fellow teachers, parish staff, and families.
Willingness to participate in required training, parish activities, and PSR events as appropriate.
Ability to comply with parish child protection policies, required background screening, and applicable safe environment training.
Candidates receiving an employment offer must submit to pre-employment screening, including a criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and other screenings deemed necessary. Any offer is contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate religious instruction aligned with the established PSR curriculum, Catholic teachings, and parish expectations.
Teach foundational Catholic beliefs, Scripture, prayer, sacraments, Church traditions, and moral teachings appropriate to the assigned grade level.
Use interactive activities, instructional materials, technology, and real-world examples to support student understanding and participation.
Encourage questions, respectful dialogue, participation, and reflection in a supportive classroom environment.
Support students’ spiritual, moral, and personal development by modeling Christian values and encouraging them to apply their faith in daily life.
Adapt instructional approaches to students’ developmental levels, learning needs, and individual circumstances.
Maintain a positive, organized, respectful, and inclusive classroom, using appropriate classroom management and professional boundaries.
Follow parish and PSR policies, procedures, safety protocols, and applicable child protection requirements.
Participate in PSR liturgies, prayer services, sacramental preparation, and other religious education activities as assigned or appropriate.
Reinforce the connection between classroom instruction, parish life, Catholic traditions, and the broader faith community.
Support parish and PSR programs, events, and initiatives that contribute to students’ faith formation and engagement.
Model Christian living in interactions with students, families, colleagues, and the parish community.
Maintain accurate attendance records, student progress documentation, and other required classroom records.
Communicate professionally and appropriately with parents and guardians about student participation, progress, and classroom needs.
Collaborate with PSR leadership and fellow teachers on curriculum implementation, instructional practices, and program consistency.
Maintain a professional, welcoming, and well-prepared classroom.
Complete required training, meetings, and administrative responsibilities in accordance with parish and PSR guidelines.