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Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois Catholic Schools
2025-2026 Full-time High School Religion Teacher
Bishop McNamara Catholic High School; Kankakee, IL
Position available:  August, 2025

Bishop McNamara Catholic School; 550 West Brookmont Blvd., Kankakee, IL 60901
Work Schedule Status: Full-time with Benefits
About Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Bishop McNamara Catholic School, a Catholic co-educational school dedicated to maximizing the potential of its students, spiritually, morally, and intellectually is currently accepting applications for a High School Religion Teacher. As a member of the Bishop McNamara faculty, the teacher has every opportunity to make the difference in a student's life. The Bishop McNamara learning environment is one in which the teacher is educating with a purpose and guided by a mission and vision for success. The school environment is focused on community. The classroom environment is conducive to learning and the Bishop McNamara student expects to be challenged and to broaden his/her learning experience.
Instructional Expectations

Under the general supervision of the school principal, the teacher will:

• Serve as a positive role model and support the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church at all times.
• Create a vibrant Catholic culture within his or her classroom that is emphasized through the candidate's words, deeds, and actions.
• Facilitate student success and growth in both academics and interpersonal skills.
• Document student progress, activities, and outcomes.
• Actively participate in building committees and/or Professional Learning Communities.
• Utilize available technology to enhance lessons.
• Differentiate instruction to address specific educational needs of individual students.
• Create a flexible, safe, and optimal learning environment.
• Regularly provide feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 
1. Instruction & Curriculum Development

• Teach Catholic theology, Scripture, morality, sacraments, Church history, and social justice in alignment with Diocesan standards and the Magisterium.
• Develop lesson plans that integrate faith formation, critical thinking, and real-world application.
• Use engaging and age-appropriate teaching methods (discussions, projects, multimedia, etc.).

2. Faith Formation & Witness

• Model a Christ-centered life and uphold Catholic teachings in and out of the classroom.
• Encourage student participation in Mass, retreats, prayer services, and service projects.
• Foster a classroom environment rooted in Gospel values (love, mercy, justice, and discipleship).

3. Assessment & Student Growth

• Evaluate student progress through exams, essays, presentations, and participation.
• Provide constructive feedback and support students' spiritual and academic growth.
• Address diverse learning needs with differentiated instruction.

4. Collaboration & Professional Development

• Work with Campus Ministry, and Administration to strengthen the school's Catholic identity.
• Attend Diocesan workshops, faculty meetings, and faith formation programs.
• Stay updated on Church documents (e.g., Catechism, Vatican II, Papal encyclicals).

5. Pastoral Care & Community Engagement

• Mentor students in their faith journey, offering guidance on moral and spiritual matters.
• Support school-wide Catholic traditions (Advent, Lent, May Crowning, etc.).
• Engage with parents and the parish community to reinforce Catholic education.

Required Skills & Abilities
Theological & Doctrinal Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Catholic theology, Scripture, and Tradition.
• Ability to teach in accordance with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Diocesan guidelines.
• Familiarity with ecumenical and interreligious dialogue (when applicable).

Teaching & Communication

• Excellent classroom management and instructional skills.
• Ability to make complex theological concepts accessible to teens.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to communicate with all constituents including (but not limited to); School administration, colleagues, students, parents, and prospective parents.

Spiritual & Personal Qualities

• A practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church (may require a Diocesan catechist certification or Virtus training).
• Compliance with Diocesan Safe Environment policies (background check, VIRTUS training).
• Commitment to ongoing faith formation and personal prayer life.
• Patience, empathy, and enthusiasm for working with adolescents.

Professional & Technical Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Illinois teaching license (preferred) or willingness to obtain necessary certification.
• Proficiency in educational technology (Google Classroom, multimedia tools, etc.).
• Participation in faculty retreats and school-wide liturgical events.

Education and Experience

• Hold minimally a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within their curricular area of expertise. Being qualified in another discipline either within the same curricular department or another curricular department would classify the candidate as a preferred candidate.
• Previous experience in teaching is preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and classroom management skills are essential to success in this position.

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation: Base Salary with BA1 $31,509-BA5 $34,245 based on skills and experience
• School pays 95% of single employee insurance includes Dental and Vision
• Retirement Savings: 403 b with employer contribution of 4% with a match up to 2%
• Insurance and Additional Benefits: Life Insurance, short and long term disability insurance, Flexible Spending Account

Other Opportunities
Other opportunities to make a difference in a student's life include coaching as well as other extra-curricular moderator opportunities.
To apply for this position, please email the building principal your cover letter, resume, and any letters of recommendation to:
Kaelyn Bess
Principal, Kankakee Site
9th-12th Grade
550 W. Brookmont Blvd., Kankakee
kbess@bmcss.org