Job Description

As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program, and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

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To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, or curriculum vitae, along with the contact information for three letters of reference, who will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview. Only applications submitted via our Career portal will be considered.



Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.



Position Summary

The Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality, student-focused instruction to high school students at Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University. This includes planning and delivering engaging lessons, assessing student progress, and fostering an environment that supports both academic and personal growth. Teachers also play a vital role in supporting the school's mission and values, including its Catholic identity, and promoting a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction and Curriculum Delivery:

Plan, prepare, and deliver lessons that meet the academic standards and learning objectives for the subject area.
Provide students with a syllabus and instruction that is engaging, differentiated, and adapted to the diverse learning styles and needs of students.
Incorporate technology and other resources into lessons to enhance student engagement and learning.
Foster a classroom environment that encourages critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and student participation.
Assess student understanding through formative and summative assessments, providing feedback that supports student growth.
Classroom Management:

Create and maintain a positive, disciplined, and respectful classroom environment where all students feel safe, valued, and supported.
Set clear behavioral expectations and use consistent methods to address discipline and manage classroom behavior.
Foster student engagement and participation by encouraging respect, collaboration, and responsibility.
Take attendance in each class and report absences to the office.
Provide lesson plans for class coverage when absent.
Student Support and Development:

Support the academic and personal development of each student, providing guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
Meet with students and communicate regularly with parents to discuss academic progress, address concerns, and develop strategies for improvement. Provide regular opportunities for after-school consultation with students.
Identify students who may need additional support and work with counselors, Learning Center staff, or other resources to ensure academic success.
Administer comprehensive exams or approved summative projects in all subject areas at the end of each semester. Time must be devoted to in-class review, and review materials will be provided to students.
Assign homework regularly, keeping in mind that each student is expected to have an appropriate amount of homework based on academic level.
Correct assignments & post student grades electronically in a timely manner. Gradebooks should contain sufficient entries to give parents a clear idea of a student’s progress.
Participate in all school-day community activities and school-sponsored extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or student organizations, to contribute to student life.
Participate in online learning days, as designated by the Principal, by posting and grading assignments.
Collaboration and Communication:

Collaborate with colleagues to develop and align curriculum, share best practices, and support student learning across departments.
Attend and actively participate in department meetings, staff meetings, professional development sessions, Back to School Night, parent conferences, and Open House.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, including grades, attendance, and behavior logs.
Professional Development and Growth:

Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills, subject knowledge, and understanding of current educational trends. Teachers must complete at least one outside PD opportunity annually.
Stay current with best practices in education, instructional strategies, and technology integration.
Seek out and implement feedback from colleagues and administrators to improve instructional effectiveness.
School Mission and Catholic Identity:

Integrate Catholic teachings and values into the classroom to promote the spiritual, ethical, and moral development of students.
Participate in the spiritual life of the school, including Masses, retreats, and prayer services, as applicable.
Support the overall mission of Notre Dame Prep, fostering a learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and dedicated to the growth of each student.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

Bachelor’s degree in Education or the specific subject area being taught is required (e.g., English, History, Mathematics, Science, etc.). Master’s degree preferred.
Valid teaching certification or licensure required (state or subject-specific certification where applicable).
At least 1-3 years of teaching experience at the high school level preferred, but not required.
Strong knowledge of the subject matter and the ability to communicate it clearly to students.
Passion for teaching and fostering student growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
Effective classroom management techniques and the ability to maintain a positive and respectful learning environment.
An enthusiastic approach to engaging students in the classroom and extracurricular activities.
Proficiency in using educational technology to enhance instruction.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with students, parents, and colleagues.
Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively plan and deliver lessons and assess student progress.
Ability to work collaboratively with other teachers, staff, and administrators.
A commitment to fostering a Catholic environment of respect, faith, and service within the school community.
Commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement in teaching practices.
Commitment to the mission and values of Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University and the ability to model these values in all interactions.
Unusual Working Conditions

Will be required to work occasional evenings or weekends for school events, meetings, teacher conferences, Open House, Baccalaureate Mass, graduation, and extracurricular activities.
Participation in field trips, retreats, and other school functions may require time outside of regular school hours.
Must be flexible to teach across a variety of student needs and levels.
Teachers are to arrive in their classrooms 20 minutes before the start of the school day and be available for a minimum of 30 minutes at the end of the school day for student consultation. The workday may extend beyond 3:00 pm for occasional professional meetings.