Realistically (i.e. I know it is possible that they'd hire you), is it worth the time and heartache of applying to a (e.g.) Christian private school, if you are not Christian? And then, again on a "real" level, would a non-Christian (in this case), feel any sort of backlash, reverse pressure, or any of the like if she/he were employed in this environment? Or is it "just like" any other school by and large?
I've worked in Catholic schools with non-Catholics. The culture is different than most public schools, but each school is different.
I am a non-Catholic agnostic working at the moment in a Catholic school. Among my colleagues are Christians of various denominations, a Taoist, a Hindu, and a few (quiet) atheists. It was explained when I was hired that it did not matter what my personal beliefs were as long as I could support the mission of the school.
Great question John Lee. I have a couple of religious schools in my area that my mother actually told me I should apply to..but I had the same question as well. With the responses so far, I think I may have to go ahead include them in my job hunt. It couldn't hurt. I have no problem supporting a mission of a school so long as it is a positive one for the students and staff.
From what I've heard Catholic schools are a lot less strict about religion than Christian schools. My mom had to be a regular church attender and sign a statement of faith for her school, and I know all of the others in her area are the same, whereas I've had non-Catholic friends teach at Catholic schools without a problem. My friend tried to get a job at a Christian school around here. She is religious, but they made her take a "test" asking questions about her beliefs including abortion and gay marriage. They said she was "too liberal."
The only reason this is an issue, is not anything to do with conflicting beliefs or anything like that. But IMO, we all have a certain amount of hope and energy... and at this point, I don't want to waste it on an already shut door. e.g. There is a listing I just saw on edjoin. It is across state, so I have no history or even much idea where it is. And there is no Click Apply button. So I would have to go to my other (old) computer, which is hooked up to the printer... open up the listing, go to the district website, bring up the application, print it out, fill it out... get my other application materials in order... take a trip to the post office... I mean, if this was June, it would be no problem. But as I said--only so many times you can have educators flash a big middle finger in your face, before you decide you've had enough.
I don't know what you are so angry about. No one owes you a job. If you keep trying, you will get something.
John, I know you are tired and feeling defeated, but you need to pull yourself up and keep at it. You have a lot of subbing experience and a deep desire to have your own classroom...those are positives you need to bring out to those who are hiring. Don't let your rejections thus far color who you are on an interview...your frustration is clear in your posts, but you really don't want in any way to have that negativity come through to hiring committees or administrators. Take some time today and put together some hard copy packages for EVERY private and charter school within a reasonable commute and also for any private schools with postings for which you'd be willing to relocate. Then mail the far away ones and hand deliver the closer ones. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, John. You can do this. Good luck to you.
I know exactly how you feel. But look at each new interview as a fresh start and clean slate. Those people have called you in because they want to meet you. They think you have something to offer. Something special that they are looking for. Hang in there and do not give up! So many hires happen in August. It has happened to me 2x!
I taught in Catholic school for 13 years, and I'm not Catholic. They sister who hired me knew I was not Catholic, and it wasn't a problem until our enrollment started going down. Non Catholic teachers are not allowed to teach religion and scheduling became difficult, but not impossible. In the end, they needed to get rid of someone, and I was the easy choice because of my religion. (Totally my opinion; they won't tell me why they didn't offer me a contract...)
I had a phone interview with a Catholic school, and they wanted me to provide my baptism certificate, as well as a reference from my priest (I don't have either, I'm not Catholic...) I think it all depends on the school you interview with.
It was a joke on my part. In the movie, Morgan Freeman's character goes up for parole a few times over the course of his life sentence. At each of these hearings (as a younger man), he is everything you might think of someone ready for parole: genuine, attentive, nervous, respectful, etc. DENIED every time. At the end (as an older man who doesn't care anymore), he is: dismissive, to-the-point, fed up, and clearly doesn't give ash it... and he gets parole. I really do think about that aspect of the movie as it relates to life a lot. "Every man has their breaking point."
Thanks for the clarification...I understand completely. Channel those feelings, John, this is the final leg for the summer...keep going!
I've taught in religious schools just about my entire career. I know the ones I've worked for made you sign a statement saying you agreed with, and believed in, Christian beliefs. Not sure if any you may look at require this, but if so them it would be up to you if you could morally sign it. I Jamie we had a great candidate come in for a 3rd grade position, but said she would not sign it because she was Mormon. She was told she would not be considers for the job. All in all, i think it is up to the individual school and its policies.
Truthfully, in most religious schools, the religion is part and parcel of the culture...it's not just a matter of having another teacher cover the religious Ed content. Unless one is truly comfortable and supportive of that culture, they really shouldn't consider accepting a job in a religious school...no matter how badly a job anywhere is desired.
I think you are more likely to get a position at a catholic school if you are not catholic than you are to get a position at a 'christian' school. I worked at a christian school and you had to be a born again christian to work there. But I have seen some of the catholic school postings that say that it is preferred or not necessary to teach at their school.
