Theology Teacher

JOB SUMMARY

Mount Saint Joseph Academy is a Catholic, college preparatory school for girls located outside of Philadelphia with a mission of empowering young women to realize their fullest potential.  The Mount is seeking an innovative and collaborative educator for a full-time position that works in both the Theology Department and Campus Ministry, within the Office of Mission & Inclusion.  

The successful candidate will partner with the Theology Faculty and Campus Ministry to present a broad range of topics and programming in a style that is both student-centered and mission-driven. The candidate will develop a deep understanding of the mission, charism, and spirituality of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and speak fluently and comprehensively about its central tenets. As a teacher, the candidate will be skilled in teaching various learners at all levels and will be fluent in various types of assessment strategies. In work with Campus Ministries, the successful candidate will be an organized, student-centered, developer of dynamic and inclusive programs and opportunities for our communities. In the spirit of the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia, we believe that “On the education of women largely depends the future of society," and so empower young women to reach their fullest potential—the candidate will demonstrate a passion for this mission.

Approach to Theology and Ministry

Theology and ministry at Mount Saint Joseph Academy are rooted in the Catholic tradition and the mission, charism, and spirituality of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The successful candidate will approach students with welcome, humility, and pastoral sensitivity to help them grow in their learning and in their spirituality. This work requires a thoughtful and student-centered approach to Catholic teaching: one that is faithful, intellectually honest, attentive to conscience and lived experience, and never coercive. Theology and Campus Ministry should help students recognize God’s presence in their lives, grow in love of God and neighbor, and become agents of transformation through commitments to justice, inclusion, reconciliation, care for creation, and the dignity of all people.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching Responsibilities

• Support the mission of Mount Saint Joseph Academy, in particular its vision to empower young women to realize their fullest potential through the spirit of unity, reconciliation, gentleness and compassion.

• Develop rigorous, student-centered, creative, and appropriate lesson plans, assignments, and assessments that align with or embody the Mission and Charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

• Create inclusive classroom and ministry spaces where students of varied religious backgrounds, levels of belief, identities, and experiences feel welcomed, respected, and able to participate meaningfully.

• Share Catholic teaching with clarity, nuance, humility, and pastoral sensitivity, helping students engage the Catholic tradition thoughtfully while honoring conscience, lived experience, and respectful dialogue.

• Maintain careful records of student progress in line with departmental and school policy.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date curriculum information/syllabi on all classes taught.

• Maintain an accurate and updated gradebook through PowerSchool and course material through our LMS, Canvas.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times through communications with students, parents and colleagues.

• Collaborate with the Dean of Studies, Department Chair, Learning Team, and any other mentors or colleagues to design and implement learning experiences that serve diverse learners

• Engage families in their student’s education by building relationships and maintaining timely and consistent communication with parents and caregivers.

• Act as a positive role model, who promotes the aims, values and mission of the school and uphold all rules and policies.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Campus Ministries Responsibilities 

• Demonstrate a pastoral, synodal approach to ministry that meets students where they are, invites honest questions, and supports spiritual growth without pressure.

• Design, schedule and coordinate specific Campus Ministry events, including overnight service-immersion trips and after-school service team activities. Manage bookings of venues and partner organizations as required. Ensures safety procedures are followed.

• Serve as a chaperone on retreats, service-immersion trips and after-school service team activities, ensuring student safety and supporting programming. Includes driving a 9-passenger van. 

• Engage students in Catholic social teaching and the justice priorities of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, including immigration, care for creation, racial and economic justice, and the dignity and inclusion of marginalized communities.

• Support the formation of young women as faith-filled leaders and agents of transformation, including attention to women’s leadership, voice, and participation in the life of the Church and society.

• Assist with coordination of school liturgies. 

• Build relationships with students; serve as a welcoming, pastoral, supportive presence in the school. 

• Facilitate student meetings - lead prayer, create a welcoming environment, facilitate  spiritual conversation. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

COMPETENCIES

• Able to motivate, support, and challenge students in a student-centered, success-driven classroom community

• Outstanding instructional skills delivered through varied, culturally responsive, and engaging strategies

• Excellent communications skills (both written and oral) including professionalism with a variety of people face to face, via email and written communications, and by phone; various communication with a diverse array of contacts

• Excellent organizational skills including project management and  completing administrative tasks in a timely manner and with accuracy, meeting deadlines, and working independently

• Prioritize responsibilities based on importance and urgency

• Good computing/technology skills for the classroom and the general work environment including proficiency in use of Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Word and Excel and Google Suite; able to learn other programs quickly and effectively

• A cooperative, collaborative and team-centered mindset as a full member of the MSJA community

• A strong sense of professional responsibility, as well as the belief that all students have the capacity to be successful

REQUIRED EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in the field of study or a related field (required)

• Master’s Degree in the field of study or a related field (preferred)

• Experience teaching the field of study at the high school or college level (strongly preferred)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and computer/technology-use throughout the working period

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds as needed

Employee Classification:                      Exempt

Position Type:                                        Full-time (10 months/year)

Expected Hours of Work:                      Monday – Friday (8:00am-3:15pm), Campus Ministry events, select events on                                                                               weekends/evenings that pertain to all faculty                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Reports to:                                             Principal (teaching responsibilities) and Executive Director of Mission and Inclusion                                                                      (ministry responsibilities)