RELIGIOUS EDUCATION K-8

TEACHERS:

Please check mail slots for lesson plans.

Our Religious Education Program is one of the best in the area due to the many dedicated people who staff our program. Every year over 150 of you live out our parish mission statement by giving unselfishly of your time and talent to our children. Some volunteer by sharing their faith as a teacher, co/teacher, substitute or tutor, and others as office aids, Liturgy planners, hospitality helpers, or short term projects workers.

Each year first time teachers tell me what a great learning experience that it was for them and how they feel they got more out of it than the students who they taught! All agree, that looking at our Religion through the eyes of a child gives them a new perspective and that teaching was a very rewarding and positive time for them!

Primarily we are an in-home program. (Limited space is available at the church if you so desire). Our texts work well in our classes (we try to keep a 6 to I ratio). By sharing our faith in small, cozy, neighborhood group settings, the ideal that "faith is caught not taught" is easy to attain. The examples first set by the parents at home, then through church Liturgies and ritual followed up by caring knowledgeable teachers, all combine to mold strong, religious and moral values. Teachers pick the day and time most suited to their schedule to meet with the children for a one hour weekly class. After school is the most popular time for elementary classes. Middle school teachers also have the option of teaching evenings. Experienced middle school teachers also may opt to meet twice a month for two hours. I do not recommend this for younger students as their attention span cannot tolerate a session that long. I also do not recommend weekend or Monday classes for new teachers or for Sacramental classes. Having to make up classes not held on holiday weekends makes it very difficult to keep up with the schedule.. All supplies are provided for you.

Kindergarten through grade five will use "Faith First" by RCL, a multi-media use text. This is an exciting program in full compliance with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and all church teachings. RCL has also included the parents in various ways and has an internet component for teachers and families alike, very up to the minute! I have chosen this series because it is perfectly suited to the students and has the best teacher manuals that I've seen in a long time. A program is only as good as its teachers, and this series allows you to be the BEST with the shortest amount of preparation time. Clear, concise chapter outlines and lesson plans are easy to use and follow for new teachers.

Grades six through eight use "Crossroads", by Brown ROA. These are suited to the social and academic levels of today's youth and deal with current issues facing kids integrating the lessons with moral and religious teachings. Each year two topics are taught and a third in reserve should you complete the first two. There are 8 lessons in each booklet and most lessons take 2-3 classes to complete. All teacher manuals give background information at the beginning of each chapter so you will see the theology behind the principals you will share with your students.

Teachers must pass a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check and complete a mandated Archdiocesan program prior to teaching. You must also attend 4 of the many teacher meetings and workshops that are held at regular intervals throughout the year. I will also provide you with information for other sites on the South Shore should you wish to take advantage of the many ongoing Archdiocesan sponsored programs, lectures and courses. The office is open daily 9-4 throughout the public school year and mornings 9-12 in the summer. You may leave messages anytime at 781-843-2142 and your call will be promptly returned. The center contains a wealth of information from magazines, books and videos to a cup of coffee and conversation. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources.

In September of each year formal teacher meetings will be held at each grade level and I will present the format of the program discuss curriculum and policies, etc. A schedule of the year's classes and special events will be included in your teacher packet and you will receive your class list, all books, manuals, supplies and activity sheets. You will be assigned a mail slot where I will leave your newsletters, notices and future class activity sheets. A separate evening is set aside for first time teachers to meet. That will give you time to review all materials, meet with other new teachers, have any questions answered, policies clarified and a chance to look over the supplemental resources. A schedule of these meetings will be mailed to you. I hope this introduction has been helpful. Call or drop by anytime!

Ann Vail