​​5.11.2 Core Values for Teachers

The importance of the faith and life of the teacher was highlighted by The Sacred ​Congregation for Catholic Education (The Catholic School, 43):

"The achievement of [the] specific aim of the Catholic school depends not so much on the subject matter or methodology as on the people who work there. The extent to which the Christian message is transmitted through education depends to a very great extent on the teachers. The integration of culture and faith is mediated by the other integration of faith and life in the person of the teacher. The nobility of the task to which teachers are called demands that in imitation of Christ, the only Teacher, they reveal the Christian message not only by word, but also by every gesture of their behavior. This is what makes the difference between a school whose education is permeated by the Christian spirit and one in which religion is only regarded as an academic subject like any other."

Teachers are called to strive toward the ideals and qualities desired in persons engaged in the ministry of Catholic education. Those who are members of the Catholic Church are called to live in accordance with the teachings and precepts of the Church. Those who are not Catholics are called to live according to the Gospel values that apply to all Christians.

Teachers will model qualities and attitudes that strengthen the school as a faith community by:

• Living their commitment to Gospel values and Catholic tradition

• Integrating faith and prayer in both private and professional life

• Understanding that teaching in a Catholic school is a participation in the Church's ministry of education

• Accepting that the school functions in accord with Catholic tradition and the school is committed to the Catholic philosophy of education

• Accepting and supporting the faith community as a reality to be lived in worship, service, and interpersonal relationships

• Taking responsibility for contributing to an atmosphere that fosters the development of the faith of the students

• Being committed to personal, professional, and spiritual growth for self and others

• Exhibiting personal commitment to social justice by practicing Christian justice in the classroom and school community

• Acknowledging that faith is a free gift of God, requiring in response both a personal relationship and an intellectual assent

As professionals, teachers will also model other qualities consonant with their role as educators by:

• Recognizing and respecting the primary role of parents/guardians in the education of their children

• Integrating Christian truth and values into all courses

• Acting professionally in matters of attendance, punctuality, grooming, language, class preparation, and interaction with students, parents/guardians​, and staff

• Giving evidence of adequate and appropriate educational background for the assigned task

• Understanding the goals and objectives of the entire school program

• Striving for continual professional growth

• Being innovative and open to the use of current technologies and varied approaches in instruction and methodology

• Being accountable to the principal and accepting of the professional evaluation of performance