Catholic School - Teaching Position Questions

[LaMusicaSenior]

Hi All!

So, I have this question. This weekend I was reading a Catholic book and it said that you know where God wants you when your great desire/love/skill meets the world’s great hunger.

My local Catholic high school is torn up. Most of the Catholic theology teachers are not Catholic themselves (there is actually only one Catholic religion teacher) A paper that one of the religion classes had to write this semester was “If I could change the Church’s position on something, it would be ___”. The paper wasn’t taken as an opportunity to explain the Church’s position, but rather bash the “out of date” Church.

This isn’t what Catholic theology education should look like. I have this great desire to change that - but here in lies the issue.

I’m currently a sophomore at a state university. My current degree trajectory is history secondary education…but it’s not what I love. I LOVE teaching and learning about my Catholic faith. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about…because I want Heaven to be chock full…and I want these kids to taste the truth, and discover the authentic beauty of Catholicism. Yet I can’t afford a Catholic college education to attain a degree in theology education.

How can I accomplish my goal to teach theology in this so-called Catholic school?

Any advice is much appreciated!!

God bless,

Chloe

 

[jeannetherese]

Perhaps you might contact your archdiocese to investigate the requirements for sucha teaching position.
You might also consider online Catholic education: quite a few of the Neuman guide schools have online theology programs and online tends to be less expensive.

www.thenewmanguide.com

You might talk with a local Knights of Columbus group or another group with a strong reputation for supporting Catholic catechesis (our local group helps to support priestly formation) to see if they know of scholarships which might be helpful to you.
May God bless you!
jt

 

[1ke]

I think getting your degree and secondary education certificate are the right path. To teach religion in Catholic school, I don’t believe you need a degree in theolgoy. There are many paths. In some diocese, they have institutes where you can get the required hours or you can take the required hours through a college, perhaps Catholic Distance University.

Again, I don’t think you necessarily need a theology degree, just X hours of doctrine, scripture, etc., in a certificate program.

Check the diocese you plan to live in. Talk to their Catholic schools superindentent or other diocesan personnel and ask what they recommend and how most religion teachers in their diocese get credentialed.

 

[Corki]

To teach Religion, you don’t need a degree in Theology. In our diocese you just need a BA with teaching credentials and take a theology sequence of classes. (the theology classes are often taken after the teacher starts working). Now high school is different. Many Catholic High Schools want a MS degree for most subjects, not just theology.

You could start teaching with your BA in elementary and then start taking theology courses once you are gainfully employed.

Good luck.

 

[Xantippe]

LaMusicaSenior said:

“My local Catholic high school is torn up. Most of the Catholic theology teachers are not Catholic themselves (there is actually only one Catholic religion teacher) A paper that one of the religion classes had to write this semester was “If I could change the Church’s position on something, it would be ___”. The paper wasn’t taken as an opportunity to explain the Church’s position, but rather bash the “out of date” Church.”

Gah.

“I’m currently a sophomore at a state university. My current degree trajectory is history secondary education…but it’s not what I love. I LOVE teaching and learning about my Catholic faith. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about…because I want Heaven to be chock full…and I want these kids to taste the truth, and discover the authentic beauty of Catholicism. Yet I can’t afford a Catholic college education to attain a degree in theology education.”

It sounds like the existing teachers don’t have that either, though.

Having multiple certifications is a good thing, right? Being able to coach a sport or extracurricular activity would probably also be very helpful.

“How can I accomplish my goal to teach theology in this so-called Catholic school?”

What if the current administration is happy with the situation and doesn’t even want somebody like you? Also, they may not have any openings at the correct time for you.

I wouldn’t get too attached to the idea of working at this particular school. Just make sure you pick up a bunch of certifications and are able to offer as much as possible to the schools you apply for after graduation.

Bear in mind that if you have a family, you may eventually discover that you can’t afford to work as a Catholic school teacher.

Best wishes!

 

[Blessedwithfive]

You can always volunteer to teach CCD at your local church while you are in college. That’s what my daughter does while she is away a college.

 

[Xantippe]

Blessedwithfive said:

“You can always volunteer to teach CCD at your local church while you are in college. That’s what my daughter does while she is away a college.”

That’s a very good idea.

 

[LittleRose]

Some dioceses and Catholic colleges offer certification programs for catechists. They do usually require tuition payments, but it’s not as expensive as a full degree in theology. Your diocesan office should have information on programs available locally.

Also, getting your history degree and teaching certification is important. It keeps your job options open. While you may have a particular school in mind as your preferred place to work, your prospects and security will be much greater if you can teach history as well as theology.

 

[SJG1759]

I’m guessing your university has a Newman Center, right? See if they offer theology classes there. I went to a state university as well, and my alma mater’s Newman Center had several theology classes per semester - enough that some graduates were able to earn their Master Catechist certificates. Such a thing would come in handy if one wanted to teach theology.