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Job Description
Religious Studies Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)
Potential Salary:
$82,674 - $124,974 DOE & placement on
BOD Faculty Salary ScaleLocation:
Oakland, CA Bishop ODowd Mission/CharismMission:
Bishop ODowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates its diverse student body to build a more just, joyful and sustainable world.
Charism:
Finding God In All Things Calls Us to:
Community in DiversityStrength of CharacterAcademic ExcellenceKinship With CreationSocial JusticeJoyReligious Studies Teacher Job SummaryBishop ODowd High School is seeking excellent candidates for a high school religious studies teacher for the upcoming 2026 - 2027 school year. The classroom teacher is responsible for teaching 5 full-time, multi-level classes, ranging from 9th graders to 12th graders. Such classes may range from 9th grade Introduction to Religious Studies to 10th grade Foundations of Biblical Scriptures to 11th grade Christian Morality to 12th grade Peace and Justice. Classes will be assigned towards the later part of the current semester. The individual in this position will collaborate most closely with the Religious Studies department, ensuring consistency across grade-levels and content areas.
Other responsibilities may include teaching electives, maintaining regular office hours, supporting student co-curricular activities, and collaborating regularly with colleagues. Teachers at Bishop ODowd High School are responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing an appropriate instructional program in alignment with Bishop ODowd High Schools Integral Student Outcomes. The individual in this position will collaborate most closely with their respective department team, ensuring consistency across grade-levels and content areas. Teachers are also expected to collaborate and communicate consistently with counselors to ensure whole-student support and success while maintaining open and engaging lines of communication with guardians and families. Please note that only candidates who are of the Catholic faith and practice the Roman Catholic faith tradition will be considered for this position. Religious Studies Teacher Job requirements may include but are not limited to:
Practice the Roman Catholic faith traditionPlan, prepare, and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning and are in accordance with school standardsObserve and evaluate student performance and developmentUse appropriate technology to support and differentiate instructionEncourage and monitor student progress and use data to enhance or adjust teaching strategiesProvide appropriate feedback to students in a timely mannerMaintain accurate and complete records of student progress and masteryWork outside the normal schedule periodically in order to collaborate with colleaguesMaintain restorative policies in accordance with the rules of Bishop ODowd High SchoolParticipate constructively and professionally in department, school, and parent meetingsParticipate constructively and professional in departmental and school-wide professional developmentParticipate in co-curricular activities such as social activities, sporting events, clubs, retreats, student organizations, student advisories, and affinity spaces as directedA successful Religious Studies Teacher candidate will:
Communicate effectively orally and in writingArticulate and skillfully promote equity and justice work as well as anti-biased teaching and learningEstablish a classroom culture that is built on strong teacher-student relationships and allows for risk-takingHave comfort and skill in personal inquiry and reflection of anti-racist practices and racial consciousnessProvide a differentiated curriculum addressing various skill levels and learning styles/differences Provide inquiry-based teaching strategies and real-world applicationsHave familiarity with classroom-based technology and implement relevant applications for classroom instruction and student learningBe self-aware and able to build on others ideas, capitalize on others strengths, and effectively share responsibilityBe coachable and open to constructive feedback from both peers and supervisorsDemonstrate a drive to learn and constantly seek ways to improve professional skills and implement best practicesHave knowledge of the developmental stages of adolescents ages 13-18Initiate, fully participate in, and foster strong collegial and student relationships across diverse backgroundsDemonstrate value and willingness to support and mentor students beyond designated class periodsHave knowledge of and experience with restorative practicesHave a growth mindset, positive attitude, flexibility, and passion for helping all students reach their potentialSupport the Catholic mission and charism of the schoolWork with pride and enthusiasm as a member of the ODowd communityBe flexible and seek growth and change opportunitiesReligious Studies Teacher Required QualificationsDemonstrated understanding of and passion for high school education and adolescent development.
Evidenced knowledge of and experience in subject area, culturally responsive teaching, and social-emotional learningProven ability to differentiate learning and provide experiences for varied learning stylesAbility to foster a safe, inclusive, equitable, and joyful learning environmentNuanced understanding of DEI from a personal and/or professional perspectiveExperience authentically engaging with diverse working environmentsProven success collaborating with colleagues and innovating practicesBachelors degree and/or related education or experience applicable to the responsibilities of the positionThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Additionally, all personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, salary requirements and three references through the posting on our Career Center. Pre-employment background screening, including livescan and SB848, is required for all positions.
For more information on Bishop ODowd High School, please see our website at: http://bishopodowd.org.
Bishop ODowd High School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment policies and procedures. It follows the Diocese of Oakland's policies prohibiting illegal harassment, retaliation or discrimination. However, as a Roman Catholic high school with a stated mission, goals and objectives that clearly reflect the teachings and educational philosophy of the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop ODowd High School reserves the right to require all current and prospective employees to commit to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that clearly and unconditionally demonstrates support of and respect for the schools mission and Catholic identity. Persons who in good conscience are unable to agree to this commitment should not seek or accept employment at Bishop ODowd High School.
As a faith-based institution, we reserve the right to use religion as a criterion in hiring decisions, as permitted by law, as it relates to performing essential job duties.