5.11.5 Recruitment and Hiring of Teachers​​

The recruitment and hiring of teachers is the responsibility of the principal. Before hiring any applicant, the principal must:

• Identify the values​ and beliefs of the applicant and his or her compatibility with the role of a teacher in a Catholic school (see the Sample Interview Questions Related to Catholic Identity for Teacher or Staff Applicants​​)

• Examine the​ appl​icant'​s background to verify academic preparation and teaching experience required for the position in question

• Obtain and give careful consideration to recommendations of previous principals

• Ascertain from references and other sources the nature of the applicant's personal convictions, lifestyle, and behavior patterns

• Check the Volunteer/Personnel Information Network (VPIN) database for any previous archdiocesan employment

• Confirm the teacher completes and clears the fingerprinting process before the teacher begins his or her assignment

While Catholic candidates are ordinarily preferred, teachers of other faiths who accept the Catholic identity of the school and who themselves are committed to the religious education of youth may be considered (see Equal Employment Opportunity).​​​ In both the teacher's professional and private life, the teacher is expected to model and promote behavior​ in conformity to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in matters of faith and morals. Anyone hired to teach religion, whether part-time or full-time, must be a Roman Catholic in good standing and currently participating in the sacramental life of the Church.

In high schools, before an applicant is given a verbal agreement or offered a High School Faculty Employment Agreement​, the high school principal must submit a Request for Employment of Certificated Personnel to the assistant superintendent of the Department o​f Catholic Schools and receive signed approval for hiring.

All employees must be entered into the VPIN​ database.

5.11.5.1 Non-Degreed Teachers

Transitional kindergarten teachers through 12th grade teachers, including substitute teachers, are expected to have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Non-degreed teachers may be hired with the approval of the Department of Catholic Schools​ unde​​​r certain exceptional circumstances; their continued employment shall be conditioned on acceptable progress toward a degree or other requirements as determined by the school in consultation with the Department of Catholic Schools. These persons may be assigned to classroom teaching in non-core subject areas only (i.e., music, PE, and computers) and may not hold any administrative position within the school, including that of a departmental chairperson.

5.11.5.2 Substitute Teachers

A substitute teacher is normally hired to work for a specific period to fill in for an absent employee or for a position vacated during the school term. Substitute teachers are considered temporary employees and are not eligible for benefits except as required by law (such as workers' compensation). All substitute teachers must be cleared by the Department of Justice/FBI and be VIRTUS® trained​. A teacher's agreement is not signed for a temporary position and compensation is paid on a per diem basis.