About Our School
Located in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and canonically established by Archbishop Paul Coakley in 2025, St. Monica Catholic Academy is a newly founded Catholic classical school in Edmond, Oklahoma, opening in fall 2026. It will begin with grades PreK4 through 2nd grade, expanding one grade level annually toward a full PreK–12 program. Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and a classical liberal arts curriculum, the academy's mission centers on forming the whole person through a joyful encounter with Jesus Christ through daily Mass, a rich sacramental life, and the harmonious integration of faith, reason, and culture. It emphasizes the careful cultivation of intellectual and moral virtues, the diligent practice of the manual arts, and a deep and abiding appreciation of the timeless treasures of Christendom, preparing students not as mere efficient workers but as truly free citizens of the earthly city and saints destined for Heaven.
Position Overview
The Art Instructor will cultivate in students a love for beauty, craftsmanship, and attentive observation through the study and practice of the visual arts. In the classical tradition, art is not primarily a vehicle for self-expression but a disciplined pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty through the skilled making of beautiful things.
The successful candidate will introduce students to drawing, painting, sculpture, and design while fostering an appreciation for the great artistic inheritance of Western civilization and the Church. The Art Instructor will help students develop habits of patience, wonder, precision, and craftsmanship, encouraging them to see the created world as a gift worthy of contemplation and imitation.
Key Responsibilities
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Teach age-appropriate art classes for students in PreK through elementary grades.
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Introduce foundational artistic skills including drawing, painting, color theory, composition, perspective, and sculpture.
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Familiarize students with the great artistic tradition of Christendom, including sacred art, iconography, architecture, and masterworks of Western civilization.
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Encourage careful observation of nature and the created world as the basis for artistic work.
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Incorporate elements of the manual arts, including craftsmanship, design, and traditional artistic techniques.
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Plan and coordinate student art displays, exhibitions, and seasonal showcases.
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Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate art with history, literature, nature study, theology, and the liturgical year.
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Maintain art supplies, materials, and classroom resources in an organized and responsible manner.
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Foster a classroom culture marked by order, joy, attentiveness, and respect for beauty.
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Model and support the Catholic faith and the school's mission in word and deed.
Qualifications
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Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, faithful to the Magisterium.
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Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Art Education, Studio Art, Design, or a related field (preferred).
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Experience teaching art to children.
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Knowledge of traditional artistic methods and techniques.
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Appreciation for classical education and the role of beauty in the formation of the human person.
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Ability to obtain or hold appropriate Oklahoma teaching credentials (or willingness to pursue diocesan requirements).
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Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.
Preferred Attributes
- Familiarity with classical Catholic education and the educational philosophy of the liberal arts tradition.
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Interest in sacred art, architecture, iconography, and the artistic heritage of the Church.
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Passion for integrating nature study, craftsmanship, and hands-on learning into the curriculum.
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Excitement to help launch and shape a pioneering PreK–12 classical Catholic school.
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Ability to contribute to broader campus beautification efforts, student exhibitions, and artistic culture.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary commensurate with experience (aligned with Archdiocese of Oklahoma City scale).
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Opportunities for professional development in classical Catholic education.
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A supportive, faith-filled community dedicated to forming students in wisdom, virtue, and holiness.
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The joy of contributing to the liturgical and cultural life of a vibrant Catholic school.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; priority given to early submissions as we build our founding faculty. St. Monica Catholic Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to the Catholic mission and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other protected status in accordance with applicable law. All staff must wholeheartedly support and live the school's Catholic identity and teachings.
We prayerfully seek educators called to form young hearts in Christ - one student at a time - in this exciting new chapter!
JOB SUMMARY
This position is required to convey the Church's message and to assist in carrying out the Church's mission. This position is required to uphold the standards of the Catholic Church in his/her day-to day work and personal life. All employees are expected to be persons of integrity and must conduct themselves in an honest and open way, free from deception or corruption and in a manner consistent with the discipline and teachings of the Catholic Church. Employees are expected to
follow rules of conduct that will protect the interests and safety of all, including the standards and policies set forth in the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct, Archdiocesan Policies and Guidelines, teacher contract, Parent/Student Handbook, and Employee Handbook.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in education field or content area
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Oklahoma teacher certification in the assigned teaching field or exemption from Senior Director of Catholic Education
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General knowledge of the instructional process
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Ability and willingness to work with children of all ages
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Knowledge of and ability to use English correctly and appropriately
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Computer skills
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Ability to communicate effectively
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Experience teaching in a Catholic school
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Integration of technology for instruction
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Ability to keep records
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Self-motivation and self-direction
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Ability to demonstrate positive attitude, team cooperation, and positive work performance for the purpose of maintaining the instructional process and well-being of the school
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Ability to follow oral and written instructions
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Ability to communicate with staff, students, parents, and community in a professional manner concerning the school program and adherence to confidentiality
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Ability to meet and interact with public and employees with tact, courtesy and
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Ability to exercise independent judgment in the interrelation and application of standard practices and procedures
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Ministry in the Catholic school
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Demonstrates understanding of teaching as a ministry.
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Implements the school’s philosophy and goals
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Gives witness to the religious dimension through attitude and example.
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Supports the formal religious education program.
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Actively participates as a member of a faith community.
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Welcomes all to the community with a spirit of openness and acceptance.
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Integrates Catholic attitudes and values into subjects and school life.
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Makes decisions which reflect a sense of mercy, justice, and compassion.
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Models an attitude of service.
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Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters, and handles confidential information and documents with complete security.
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Plans and participates in the liturgical prayer, faith sharing, retreats, and other forms of prayer with faculty, students, and parents.
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Professional growth and responsibilities
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Participates in activities which contribute to the accomplishment of annual personal and school goals.
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Demonstrates a continuous effort to improve instructional effectiveness.
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Tries new methods, techniques, and materials.
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Welcomes supervision as a means to professional growth.
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Plans and organizes instruction
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Continues to improve computer skills.
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Reads professional materials.
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Seeks advice and help of colleagues.
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Takes an active role in faculty meetings and in-service programs.
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Uses oral and written language correctly.
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Is regular and punctual in attendance.
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Maintains student records accurately, securely, neatly, and up-to-date
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Adheres to the local policies of professional dress.
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Volunteers for and performs extra-curricular duties as needed.
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Participates in self-study and evaluation activities.
III. Instructional program and curriculum
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Demonstrates knowledge in subject area(s).
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Presents lessons with clarity.
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Tests for prior knowledge.
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Provides for the individual differences among students.
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Regularly and effectively uses a variety of teaching techniques, materials, and assignments.
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Motivates students to be interested and participate in their learning.
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Shows evidence of long and short range planning.
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Stimulates thinking through appropriate questions and provides opportunities to explore problems and consider alternatives
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Checks for comprehension.
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Assigns activities which require students to apply skills and concepts they have been taught.
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Directs the development of good study skills.
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Avoids unnecessary interruptions of instruction and mains appropriate pace.
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Continues learning activities for full duration of scheduled instructional time.
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Uses a variety of evaluation techniques.
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Provides prompt feedback of test results and assignments.
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Constructs tests that are directly related to concepts and skills taught.
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Monitors guided and independent practice.
IV. Classroom Environment
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Creates a climate that facilitates learning.
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Fosters an atmosphere where mutual respect and a cooperative spirit are evident.
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Maintains an attractive, orderly, and safe classroom environment free of hazards.
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Maintains standards of appropriate student behavior that are conducive to learning.
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Systemizes routine procedures and tasks.
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Circulates from student to student to monitor progress and meet individual needs.
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Follows the school’s discipline policy for students and applies rules consistently and justly.
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Corrects inappropriate classroom behavior, moving students toward self-discipline.
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Reinforces appropriate behavior.
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Demonstrates flexibility in use of space.
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Ensures materials and information can be read, seen, or heard by students.
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Involves students appropriately in establishing classroom rules.
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Respects the individual’s right to hold different views.
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Uses discretion in handling sensitive information confided by a student.
V. Communication and rapport
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Contributes to the spirit of unity and cooperation among staff.
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Deals fairly and consistently with students.
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Keeps parents/guardians informed about student performance and behavior.
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Demonstrates a respect, understanding, and acceptance of each person as an individual, regardless of sex, race, ethnic origin, cultural or socioeconomic background, religion or handicapping condition.
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Seeks to resolve problems through cooperatively listening and speaking with colleagues, parents, and principal.
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Shares ideas, materials and methods with other staff.
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Responds to parents’ concern in a timely manner.
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Promotes a positive image of the school within the community.
VI Supervises students.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
Other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and DEMANDS
Not limited to the following:
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Physical ability to perform the above listed essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
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Sitting or standing for long periods of time
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Walking/ climbing stair
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Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a classroom environment and duties may be performed outside in inclement weather conditions.
TRAVEL
Travel is required as needed to attend workshops and in-service trainings sponsored by the Archdiocese and others approved by the principal.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. These statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign job duties as required. This job description is not to be construed as a guaranteed contract of employment for a definite period of time.
