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How to Become a Catholic School Teacher

How to Become a Catholic School Teacher

Becoming a teacher is a dream for many, but there are many other factors to consider when you want to become a Catholic school teacher. You may have wondered if it is the right job for you, and to see if it is indeed a good fit, you need to be able to see the requirements for a Catholic school teacher. So what exactly does this entail?

In order to become a teacher in a Catholic school, you may need to have a state certificate. Additionally, you will probably need to have at least a degree at the level of a bachelor’s in the subject you wish to teach. However, theology teachers may need a graduate degree to teach. It is important to note that the requirements for Catholic teachers can vary depending on where you are. 

However, there is a lot more that comes into play when you are considering becoming a Catholic school teacher. So, keep reading this article to precisely understand what is necessary and what Catholic schooling is. 

Requirements To Become A Catholic School Teacher

One of the great things about teaching at a Catholic school is that there is the possibility of employment even for new teachers that are in their first year of the profession. Depending on the state that you are in, you may have to get a state certificate in order to qualify. 

There is plenty of opportunity within this sector of teaching for teachers who have alternative certificates. However, in that case, you will always have the edge over other candidates if you have multiple certifications and experience or the right degrees. 

In order to qualify to be a Catholic school teacher, there are some minimum requirements. In most cases, this is that the teacher has at the very least a bachelor’s degree within their focus subject area. However, this stipulation can be different between varying states. 

Catholic schools require you to have, at the very least, a graduate degree in the subject of Roman Catholic theology. However, the requirements can vary once again depending on the state and the institution. In the case that you wish to teach theology, you will have to have different minimum requirements. The best way to find out what the correct requirements are is to contact the school you wish to apply to for their minimum qualifications for teachers.

Related: A Few Things You May Not Have Known About Catholics

What Is The Catholic Education System

The Catholic school education system uses a holistic approach. What this means is that the point of schooling is not to simply attain knowledge but to develop skills and learn what can develop the mind, the body, and the soul simultaneously. 

The system includes all of the core areas of the curriculum that another school would have, but the approach is taken to help shape the lives of students with the help of theology studies. The role of the teacher is essential in the Catholic education system, meaning they are expected by the institution to be role models to help students become kinder, caring, and model persons. 

All teachers at a Catholic school are, in part, teachers of the doctrine. What this means is that they all embody the teachings of Catholic beliefs in their schooling, their attitudes, and their words to their students. 

Should I Teach At A Catholic School?

There are a lot of benefits that come with the experience of becoming a teacher at a Catholic school. So, to make it easier for you to decide if teaching in a Catholic school is for you, we will talk about the benefits of working at such a school.

Greater Working Conditions

In general, public school teachers do make better pay than teachers at private schools such as Catholic schools. However, there is a massive difference in the way that teachers work and the conditions in which they work. This difference in work facilities is often why many teachers will choose to work at a Catholic school rather than other public schools.

Flexible Curriculums

Another significant upside to choosing to work at a Catholic school is that there is far greater control over what the curriculum includes. Because public schools completely follow state regulations, they have to teach a set curriculum. 

Better Discipline

There are other benefits as well that you should consider. For example, you can have a better overall discipline, as there is voluntary admission rather than an admission that is mandatory by the state. This lends teachers far more control over the discipline they can achieve in their classrooms. 

No Overcrowding

One of the other issues that public schools can run into is overcrowding. To keep up with the demand of schooling, classes often include a large number of students, with fewer teachers available to take on the size of the class. However, private schools such as Catholic schools do not often run into this issue. 

Instead, a Catholic school can keep class sizes much smaller. This is because there is often a selection process for schools like this to determine students who can join in and because the students’ families themselves are paying tuition fees. As a result, as a Catholic school teacher, you have the opportunity to give students more individual attention. This helps students do better in school and allows them to have better outcomes in the long run.

Better Work Environments

One of the things you will also often hear from other teachers who have worked at Catholic schools in the work environment is much better. Because of the lower workload, teachers have more time to develop meaningful working relationships with their colleagues. This camaraderie helps everyone in the long run and makes the experience far better. 

Conclusion

So there you have it! You are now aware of what you need to accomplish in order to work as a Catholic school teacher. Alongside that, we also have explained how beneficial it can be to work in a Catholic school. We hope this article has been useful in helping you understand what you need to become a Catholic teacher!