Job Description
Secondary School Social Studies Teacher (Grades 9-12)
Full-Time for the 2025-2026 School Year
City & State: Lancaster, PA
School: Lancaster Catholic High School
Payroll Grade: 14 FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Purpose: Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' knowledge and understanding of world cultures and cultural evolution; to develop skills in research of social orders; and develop an understanding of the existence and importance of geographical, historical, cultural and political factors that influence the development of world societies, socio-economic systems and political systems, as well as their inter-relationship and interdependence. To foster an understanding and appreciation of world cultures, languages, racial, ethnic and religious groups, and political systems.
The Lancaster Catholic Community is one of passionate commitment to students, families, and our faith. Our mission is our guide in all things as we develop students who are IA, PF, and SR. Successfull faculty embrace opportunities to engage and support students in their co-curricular endeavors while supporting their colleagues professionally and personally. Interest in extra-curricular support (athletics, fine and performing arts, clubs) and dual certification are a bonus.
Reports to: Principal
Essential Functions
- Develops and administers Social Studies curriculum consistent with Diocesan school goals and objectives.
- Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop unit organization around historical problems, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.
- Teaches knowledge of social studies, incorporating history, geography, economics, political science, systems of government, education, responsible citizenship, and humanities.
- Fosters an understanding of the continuity and patterns of human behavior through the ages, and an awareness of the complexity and interrelationship of local, state, national and world problems and approaches to their solution(s).
- Demonstrates the manner in which the past provides a comparative basis from which to evaluate the nature of current issues and predict courses of action for the future, with continuous cross reference to contemporary matters of importance.
- Develops students' research skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to make critical value judgments and contribute to the thoughtful exchange of ideas, through a variety of reading, writing, group discussion and presentation assignments to stimulate self-reliance in problem-solving and drawing conclusions.
- Promotes students' critical analysis of the effect media has on the flow of information and shaping of public discourse, and encourage students to seek out and compare alternative sources of information concerning the key issues of their world.
- Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
- Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
Responsibilities/Tasks for: Secondary School teacher
- Create an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Instruct students individually and in groups using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
- Assign and grade classwork and homework.
- Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Communicate with parents and school counselors on student progress.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, diocesan policies, and administrative regulations.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment and/or academic problems, or special academic interests.
- Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study following curriculum guidelines or requirements of the school, state, and diocese.
- Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
- Identify students' needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve learning and health problems.
- Use technology, equipment, and materials to supplement presentations.
- Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon the request of immediate supervisors.
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by the administration.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
- Maintain professional competence by attending professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence for Act 48.
- Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
- Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine student strengths and areas of need.
- Perform administrative duties such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
- Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
- Prepare and supervise students for Mass.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to perform all the technological requirements of classroom management.
- Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels and in an outdoor environment.
- Must be able to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in both a normal classroom environment and in an outdoor setting.
- Must have the physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities Required)
- Must possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in History, Civics, Social Studies, Secondary Education, or a related field.
- Instructional certification is highly preferred. Otherwise, be willing to work towards obtaining one.
- Must possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
- Must comply with PA State clearance requirements.
- Must be willing to respect the Catholic faith and follow our basic morality guidelines.
