​​Essential Qualifications​​​

All religion teachers in Catholic high schools must:

• Be practicing Catholics with an active sacramental and faith life and a commitment to ministry in education

• Have a strong theological foundation in Catholic theology

• Continue theological and faith formation to include personal, spiritual, and psychological development

• Receive approval from the Department of Catholic Schools before being hired

• Have a college transcript on file at the Department of Catholic Schools

• Have or be working toward religion certification (see Process of Certification ​for High School Religion Teachers)

• Have or be working toward an MA in theological studies, religious studies, religious education, or a related field from a Catholic institution

• Renew​ religion certification​ every four years (see Recertification Form for High School Religion Teachers​​)

Special Considerations

All special consideration cases are evaluated by the Department of Catholic Schools. High school administrators should seek approval from the Department of Catholic Schools if a teacher who may be given a regular assignment to teach religion does not meet one or more of the essential qualifications.​

• Teachers with an MA in theology or a related field from a non-Catholic institution may need to supplement their education with additional coursework in Catholic sacramental and moral theology.

• Teachers with a BA in theology or a related field are required to earn an MA in theology or a related field, or a Master Catechist Certificate.

• Teachers with a BA in a secular field are required to earn an MA in theology or a related field, or a Master Catechist Certificate.

• Teachers coming from other dioceses are required to submit a transcript to the Department of Catholic Schools for coursework evaluation. The religion supervisor determines if there is a need for additional coursework.