The Religion Specialist fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by planning, guiding, and evaluating the learning process of the students in the Catholic school for whom the teacher is responsible within the framework of the school’s philosophy, organization, and curriculum. At. St. Joseph Montessori School the curriculum follows the Sophia Institute and Ruah Woods Textbooks.
The Religion Specialist provides the appropriate learning atmosphere and activities designed to maximize student competencies and skills for intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual growth toward a successful future. 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.
Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
Plans for instruction with logically sequenced objectives, based on adopted curriculum and submitted according to the local school policy
Provides appropriate material and resources for students to engage in learning
Uses effective instructional methods/models according to professional standard practice
Uses varied assessment tools to perform both formative and summative assessments
Provides instruction and assessment for understanding
Maintains current and accurate records according to school policy
Practices positive, consistent discipline in the management of the classroom
Communicates with parents regarding academic, behavioral, or safety concerns
Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration and attends weekly staff meetings
Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
Collaborates with level teachers and specialists to enhance and support instructional planning
Conferences with parents upon request and responds to messages in a timely manner
Demonstrates gains in student performance that are in keeping with school goals
Demonstrates a willingness to respond to individual learning needs
Collaborates with content area teachers on cross-curricular assignments
Minimum qualifications:
Education/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) in area/level of teaching
CPR/First Aid certification (SJMS will provide if not already completed)
Willingness to complete professional development on an ongoing basis. This includes any additional safety training required for the position.
For those with a 5-year or Permanent Non-Tax they will submit an individual professional development plan (IPDP) to the Diocesan Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC). Those individuals who are Resident Educators will gain their hours from their work and time spent with their mentors.
Preferred Knowledge, abilities, and skills:
Full knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church
Knowledge of subjects taught, instructional methods/strategies, and curriculum differentiation
Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior
Able to manage student behavior in classroom setting
Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
Able to work well with others in the school community
Skilled in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Skilled in pacing and differentiating instruction
Skilled in motivating and engaging students in the learning process
Skilled in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
Skilled in job appropriate technology
Skilled in critical thinking and planning
Ability to 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
Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25 pounds on an occasional basis
Enthusiasm when working with children and adolescents
Required to complete 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.
Diversity and Inclusion:
St. Joseph Montessori School is committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment not only enriches our company culture but also drives innovation, creativity, and success. We value and respect the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that each individual brings to our team.
In our pursuit of diversity, we actively seek to create a workplace that is representative of different races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds. We recognize that diversity goes beyond visible differences and encompasses a wide range of identities and life experiences. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
Our commitment to inclusion means fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work. We strive to create an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect. We understand that embracing differences leads to a stronger, more dynamic team that can tackle challenges with a variety of perspectives and solutions.
We actively work to eliminate biases and barriers that may hinder equal opportunities for all employees. Our policies and practices are designed to create a fair and inclusive environment, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive and advance within the organization.
By embracing diversity and inclusion, we believe we can build a stronger, more innovative company that reflects the world we live in. We invite individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to join us in our mission, knowing that their unique contributions will help us achieve our goals and create a workplace that truly values and respects diversity.
At St. Joseph Montessori School, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment. We value the unique perspectives and backgrounds each teacher brings to our team. We believe that a diverse faculty enriches the educational experience for all students and promotes a culture of understanding and respect. We are committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We will recruit, select, promote, train, compensate, and discipline individuals in full compliance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability to provide fair and equal treatment to all employees and job applicants.
St. Joseph Montessori School (SJMS) was established in 1968 as a preschool preparation program for St. Joseph Academy, operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The Academy consisted of grades one through twelve. Recognizing the value of the Montessori approach to education, parents requested and were granted the extension of the program into the elementary school.
Although declining enrollment forced the closing of the 100-year-old high school in 1977, a cooperative effort between the Sisters and the parent body resulted in the transition of SJMS into a private Pre-K-8 Diocesan Montessori school with nonprofit status and an elected parent Board of Trustees.
In 2021, SJMS opened its first Toddler program, accepting students as young as 18 months of age. In 2023, St. Joseph Montessori School became the first American Montessori Society Accredited Montessori School in Central Ohio and is 1 of 222 AMS accredited schools worldwide.
We offer an alternative educational program to families in Central Ohio, serving families from 44 different zip codes. Our school is located in a vibrant and historic residential neighborhood minutes from Downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University. We have made many additions to the school, such as adding a new library, a greenhouse, and multiple classrooms to accommodate our expanding population.
The Montessori Method allows students to learn and receive individualized lessons in small group settings with a low student-teacher ratio. Students learn to become independent, confident, and curious learners. They thrive in a peaceful environment while developing a responsibility for themselves and the natural world.
School Mission:
St. Joseph Montessori School provides a Montessori Catholic learning community that honors the whole child and their immense potential.
School Vision:
To be a school of choice sought out by Central Ohio families attracted to the power of the Montessori Method of educating children in a diverse, engaging, and compassionate community.