Elementary School Teachers
Because of the nature of Catholic schools, all administrators and teachers are viewed as catechists. Therefore, all elementary school (grades Pre-K -8) administrators and teachers, regardless of what subject(s) they teach, are required to complete Basic Catechist Certification within two (2) years of engagement or employment if they are employed three (3) or more days a week in a Catholic school.
All Catechists in a Catholic school who teach religion, even if they work as part-time catechists or are volunteer catechists, must complete Basic and Standard certification. The Basic certificate should be earned within the first two (2) years of engagement. The Catechist should complete Basic and Standard certification within five (5) years of engagement. In extraordinary circumstances, catechists may apply for a one year extension to the Office of Catholic Schools, if employed in a school.
A Catholic School Teacher who is primarily a religion teacher (Religion Specialist), defined as teaching three (3) or more classes of religion per day, is obligated to the standards found below in the section marked “High School Teachers and Religion Specialists.”
All school or parish Catechists, after the completion of their required level, maintain their certification by completing 30 hours of continuing faith formation to be submitted every three (3) years to the Office of Faith, Family, and Discipleship.
