When applying for a teaching role in an Australian Catholic school, you’ll often be asked to address specific selection criteria, including how your values align with the Catholic ethos. We provide addressing selection criteria for catholic schools examples and provide advice on how to present your application effectively.

Understanding the Application Process

Addressing selection criteria for catholic schools might look slightly different from what you’re used to, especially if you’ve applied to public schools in the past. Here’s a sample of what the instructions might include:

Application Procedures
Complete the attached application form along with a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and provide 3 referees, including your current Principal.

Formatting Selection Criteria for Catholic Schools

You may be used to writing lengthy selection criteria responses, but this might not be necessary for Catholic school applications. Unlike public sector schools, private schools aren’t bound by the same policies regarding selection criteria, so it’s essential to check for any school-specific instructions. Sometimes schools provide guidance on the expected length of responses, while other times they do not. If in doubt, contact the recruitment officer for clarification on the application format.

Addressing Catholic Ethos Selection Criteria

One of the most critical parts of applying to a Catholic school is addressing the Catholic ethos selection criteria. Catholic schools are looking for candidates who not only excel in teaching but also embody values that align with Catholic Social Teaching. Even if you’re not Catholic, you can still successfully address these criteria by drawing parallels between your personal values and those of the school.

How to Address Catholic Ethos Selection Criteria

1. Draw Parallels to Your Own Values:
   Reflect on your personal principles and experiences. How do they align with Catholic values such as compassion, respect, community, and justice? Even if you’re not religious, you can highlight your commitment to similar ideals.
2. Highlight Volunteer and Social Justice Work:
   If you’ve been involved in volunteer work, social justice initiatives, or community service, these experiences demonstrate your commitment to caring for others, which is a core component of Catholic Social Teaching.
3. Reflect on Your Spirituality:
   If you have a personal spiritual practice, you can mention this and draw parallels between your own spirituality and the school’s Catholic ethos. Mention your openness to learning more about the beliefs and traditions of the Catholic faith.
4. Emphasise Pastoral Care:
   Catholic schools place a high value on pastoral care—caring for the whole student, not just academically but also socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Describe how you foster this holistic approach in your teaching.
5. Incorporate Catholic Social Teaching:
   Catholic Social Teaching emphasises values like human dignity, solidarity, care for the vulnerable, and the common good. These principles are universal and can be integrated into your teaching philosophy.

STAR Format

One effective way to structure your response is to use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Situation – What role were you in?

Task – What were you faced with? What did you need to do?

Action – What DID you do?

Result – What was the outcome/ result of your efforts?

Example of Addressing Catholic Ethos Selection Criteria Using STAR

Here’s an example that incorporates Catholic Social Teaching principles:

As a teacher at ABC School, I noticed that several students in my class, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds, were struggling. They faced external challenges that affected their ability to keep up with schoolwork, which in turn led to decreased engagement and academic performance. My goal was to create an inclusive classroom environment where every student felt valued and had the opportunity to thrive. I wanted to ensure that students facing challenges were given additional support, in line with the Catholic principle of the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.

I implemented a peer mentoring program, pairing students who were excelling academically with those who needed extra support. This approach promoted solidarity, as students learned to recognise the struggles of their peers and took responsibility for helping one another. I also collaborated with the school counselor and parents to provide additional resources, such as tutoring and emotional well-being programs, ensuring that students received holistic support. This emphasised the dignity of the human person, ensuring every student felt valued and understood.

The peer mentoring program led to improved academic performance for the struggling students, many of whom regained confidence and actively participated in class. The sense of community within the classroom also strengthened, with students showing greater empathy and support for one another. By prioritising the common good and ensuring that every student’s dignity was respected, the classroom became a place where all students could succeed. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of Catholic Social Teaching, especially in helping students grow not just academically, but as compassionate and socially responsible individuals.

We hope these addressing selection criteria for Catholic schools examples have been helpful. Schools are looking for candidates who understand and can contribute to their Catholic ethos. By drawing on your own values and experiences, using the STAR method, and reflecting on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, you can create a compelling application that highlights your suitability for the role.

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