Sacred Music Teacher PreK-8th Grade

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Head of School, the Sacred Music Teacher is responsible for the instruction and formation of students in sacred music according to the principles of Catholic classical education. This position emphasizes systematic instruction using the Ward Method, with Gregorian chant as the normative musical language of the Roman Rite and supports the liturgical life of the school.

The Sacred Music Teacher shares in the work of forming students in wisdom and virtue by integrating faith and reason through music, leading students toward truth, goodness, and beauty as expressed in the sacred musical tradition of the Church. The teacher plans and delivers instruction aligned with the school's classical curriculum and mission, fosters a reverent and orderly learning environment, collaborates with faculty and administration, and communicates effectively with parents and parish partners.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree; advanced training in Sacred Music is preferred. Familiarity with classical education is required. This position is hired and evaluated by the Head of School.

Essential Job Functions:
• Support, implement, and uphold the mission, philosophy, and Catholic identity of Saint Theresa Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
• Live a life consistent with Catholic educational values and give clear evidence of living by Gospel principles
• Serve as a visible witness to the teachings of the Catholic Church through personal conduct, professional responsibilities, and relationships
• Participate actively in building up the faith community of the school and parish
• Teach sacred music in accordance with the principles of Catholic classical education, with Gregorian chant at the heart of instruction
• Utilize the Ward Method to develop musical literacy, vocal technique, rhythmic precision, and disciplined ensemble singing
• Prepare students for active, reverent, and informed participation in school liturgies, feast days, and seasonal celebrations
• Plan and deliver instruction aligned with the school's classical curriculum, adopted scope and sequence, and instructional standards
• Utilize effective instructional strategies and varied assessment tools to support student learning and growth
• Maintain accurate records of grades, attendance, and student progress in accordance with school policy (FACTS)
• Establish and maintain a safe, orderly, and respectful classroom environment that promotes learning and growth in virtue
• Communicate professionally, clearly, and proactively with parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and concerns
• Participate fully in faculty meetings, professional development, committees, and assigned school initiatives
• Adhere to all school and diocesan policies, including confidentiality, code of conduct, and professional expectations
Important Job Functions:
• Teach sacred music using age-appropriate classical pedagogy across PreK-8th grade
• Provide explicit instruction in Gregorian chant, including modality, Latin pronunciation, chant notation, and liturgical context
• Introduce students to the Church's sacred musical heritage, including chant and sacred hymnody
• Collaborate with clergy, administration, and faculty to support the liturgical and cultural life of the school
• Collaborate with colleagues to support curriculum development, instructional planning, and student success
• Encourage student growth in virtue, responsibility, empathy, gratitude, and respect for others
• Participate in school liturgies, parish events, and activities essential to the role
• Supervise students during instructional and non-instructional activities as assigned
• Grow in personal faith life through continued study, prayer, reflection, and participation in faith formation opportunities
• Engage in ongoing professional formation in sacred music, Gregorian chant, and classical pedagogy

Religion Certification Requirement
• Teachers are required to obtain and maintain Catechist-level certification in Religious Instruction as required by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
• Teachers not currently certified must demonstrate a willingness to begin and complete certification within the timeframe established by the school and Diocese

Additional Duties
• Perform all other related duties as assigned by the Head of School or designee

Supervision Given and/or Received:
• Reports directly to the Head of School

Internal Contacts:
• Effectively communicates with other school staff

External Contacts:
• Effectively communicates with parents, volunteers, adults, as well as other schools, churches and employees throughout the diocese.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to teach a full-time schedule
• Required to work in standard classroom and school conditions
• Required to lift or carry classroom supplies, textbooks, furniture, and equipment
• Required to maintain composure and avoid inappropriate displays of emotion
• Required to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, grab, pull, hear, see, and speak on a daily basis
• Required to perform repetitive physical tasks such as computer keyboarding, writing, and reading
• Required to monitor students in a variety of locations including those with noise, activity, and inclement weather

Travel Requirements:
• No travel required other than field trips

Education and Experience Preferred:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Humanities or related discipline applicable to teaching assignments.
• Meets the minimum requirements for teaching field as set forth by the Archdiocese and TCCED
Knowledge and Skills Preferred:
• Knowledge of the basic 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
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

FLSA Designation: Exempt School Classification: Full-time

Please Be Advised... The position, as outlined above, is subject to change as the needs of Saint Theresa Catholic School/Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston change. However, any and all changes will be communicated in advance to the incumbent(s) as is necessary and practical. All questions, concerns and/or requests for revisions concerning this position should be directed to the Saint Theresa Catholic School Business Manager and must be approved in advance before any requests for changes are incorporated in this position.

About the Employer

Saint Theresa Catholic School is a Classical educational institution in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serving Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade students and is a member school of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education. Our school is fully committed to furnishing students with an education that combines the wisdom of the classics with a firm foundation in faith and morals. In keeping with our mission, we "strive to form students who have a genuine love of God and the Church and who are prudent, compassionate, kind, courageous, and generous in their service of one another and to others."