Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

Catholic Schools Office

Preschool Teacher I Job Description

POSITION TITLE:         Preschool Teacher

Department:                Catholic Schools

Grade:                            

Supervisor:                  Preschool Director

Purpose and Scope

Under the general supervision of the preschool director, the preschool teacher strives to achieve the goals of Catholic education; assumes responsibility for leadership; works as a member of the preschool team; develops an appropriate learning and social environment; evaluates the needs of each student; assists in developing and supervising all areas; evaluates and reports student progress; establishes positive school community relationships; continues professional development; performs other job related tasks as deemed necessary and/or assigned by the director.

Essential Job Functions

Strives to achieve the goals of Catholic education

• shows evidence of the Catholic philosophy of education.
• promotes Gospel values and Catholic moral teachings.
• upholds the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Exemplifies Catholic living both in and out of the classroom.

 Assumes responsibility for the leadership of the classes assigned

• demonstrates knowledge and understanding of effective teaching techniques and child development.
• provides daily instruction and selects learning activities appropriate to the students’ needs.
• establishes learning outcomes or educational objectives based on Diocesan Early Childhood Standards and reviews curriculum materials.
• develops appropriate lesson plans and evaluates them daily.
• acts as a positive role model.
• is adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situations.
• uses good judgment in daily encounters.

 Works as a member of the preschool team

• attends staff meetings.
• attends trainings as assigned by the director.
• participates in parent activities.
• maintains a professional attitude.
• uses positive communication skills both in and out of the classroom.

Develops an appropriate learning and social environment

• works toward the creation of a Catholic community within the classroom and the entire school community.
• creates a room arrangement most appropriate to the educational objectives.
• develops an environment that promotes learning and social interaction.
• provides for the safety, welfare and care of the students while they are in school.

Evaluates the needs of each student

• observes and records information on child’s development.
• alters learning activities to meet specific needs.
• refers students with suspected learning challenges to the Director.

Assists in the development and supervision of all areas

• consults with the director and staff.
• provides appropriate materials.
• insures that the area is safe.

Evaluates and reports student progress

• observes and maintains record of student’s progress regularly.
• reports students’ progress to the director.
• confers with parents as needed.

Establishes positive school community relationships

• maintains cooperative relations with parents.
• provides for regular conferences and meetings with parents.
• cooperates with and helps promote all school programs.
• maintains awareness of his/her role as a Catholic preschool teacher and its impact on the community.

Continues professional development

• remains current with religious and academic standards.
• keeps informed of current instructional practices through professional reading and educational opportunities.
• participates in professional activities and joins appropriate professional organizations.
• attends school and diocesan sponsored in-services and staff development opportunities.
• attends and participates in school faculty meetings and in-services.

Performs any other job related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must meet Ministry Formation Certification as required by Diocesan Policy.
• If Catholic, willing to make a public Profession of Faith.
• Ability to comply with the requirements specified in the Arizona Department of Health Daycare Licensing Regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• AZ Teacher Certification, preferably in Early Childhood Education.
• Preference given to Catholic teachers.
• Participated in Safe Environment Training and signed the Code of Ethics.
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance completed.