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 throughout the year as a teacher, tutor or co-teacher. Others work on short-term projects - like producing and directing the Christmas Play, Stations of the Cross, Drama coaches, office aids, Family Liturgy, hospitality, singers and musicians. If you have a talent, we have a need, so please volunteer today!

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 1 ratio). By sharing our faith in small 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 may opt to co-teach with a friend. Teachers pick the day and time most suited to their schedule and meet with the children weekly for a one hour 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 choose to meet twice a month for two hours. We do not recommend this option for K-5 classes. The children's attention spans cannot tolerate a session that long. Missed Monday holidays/weekend lessons are hard to make up. We suggest that Sacramental and first time teachers schedule lesson on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Kindergarten through grade eight will use the "We Believe" series by Sadlier Publishing Company. This is a multi-media use text. This program is in full compliance with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and all church teachings. It includes the parents in various ways and has an internet component for teachers and families alike. We have chosen this series because it is perfectly suited to the students' age and ability. Busy people (like you) find it teacher friendly and easy to use. Clear, concise chapter outlines and lesson plans are easy even for first year teachers to follow.

A program is only as good as its teachers and this series allows you to be a great teacher with the shortest amount of preparation time.

Grades seven and eight use "Fireside Youth Bible" in addition to the "We Live Our Faith" portion of the "We Believe" series. These lessons are suited to the social and academic levels of today's youth. The lessons deal with current issues facing kids and integrate the lessons with moral and religious teachings. All teacher manuals give background information allowing you to see the theology behind the principles you will share with your students as well as giving you the answers.

For the safety of everyone, and especially the Children:
New volunteers must attend and complete a one-time only mandated (3 hour) Archdiocesan safety program. (We encourage every parent to take this free, informative course even if you are not volunteering.) STM also requires a Volunteer Application for new teachers to be on file and all references are checked prior to teaching!

Every teacher must complete and pass a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check each year! We ask that teachers attend at least 4 of the many teacher meetings and workshops that are held at regular intervals throughout the year. We 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. We encourage you to take advantage of all these great resources.

At grade level teacher meetings In September, we 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 teacher manual, class list, students texts and all supplies. A schedule of these meetings will be mailed or emailed to you. Also, check the bulletin for more information.

First time teachers are asked to meet again. That will give you time to review the materials, meet with others, have any questions answered, policy clarified and a chance to look over the supplemental resources available.

Teachers are responsible for picking up notices, newsletters, supplies, etc. on a regular basis from an assigned mail slot in the church foyer stairwell. Each year, first time teachers tell us what a great learning experience it was for them and how they feel they got more out of teaching than the students whom they taught! All agree, that looking at our Religion through the eyes of a child gives them a new perspective and makes teaching a very rewarding and positive time! We hope this introduction has been helpful. E-mail us at STMPRelEd@aol.com. Drop by, or phone 781-843-2142 anytime for more information! Our voice mail is available 24/7!

(revised 6/2010)