A staff member at St. Michael School in Gastonia works with students. (Provided by Crystal Koury)CHARLOTTE — Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte are looking to fill 25 support staff positions to help accommodate growing enrollment across the school system.
With most teaching positions filled, the diocese’s 20 Catholic schools are not experiencing the challenge of staffing classrooms that other school districts are facing, said Crystal Koury, assistant superintendent of diocesan schools.
But Catholic schools need substitute teachers, teaching assistants, maintenance personnel, bus drivers and many other support staff members – both full- and part-time – primarily in the Triad, Charlotte and Asheville.
Official student counts are taken in October, but projected enrollment systemwide is up 15% from the 2019-’20 school year, when the pandemic began, according to the Catholic Schools Office.
Yet during much of the pandemic, support staff and volunteers were not allowed in the schools, creating a shortage of help in growing schools.
“We are fortunate in that we’re not looking to recover from the pandemic,” Koury said. “We’re looking to further our mission, strategically plan and take our schools to the next level. We need those extra hands to give time back to the other individuals who have been taking on additional roles and responsibilities.”
At Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte, faculty and staff have been covering gaps while substitute teacher and volunteer roles remain open.
Even the school’s Principal Tyler Kulp has been pressed into action, serving as a substitute teacher in multiple grade levels on occasion.
“Substitute teachers are very important to fill in, be a positive presence for our students, and help in a time of need,” Kulp said. “Often, teachers are having to cover classes during their planning time, and some days they do not have a break in the day to take a 30-minute lunch or go to the restroom.”
Despite the need for more support, Koury and Kulp agree it is gratifying to see steady enrollment growth and that families are finding value in Catholic schools.
They’re also great places to work, Koury said. “All of our schools are Christ-centered and places of joy,” she said. “The beauty is that school staff members get to be Gospel witnesses to these students every day, and many of the positions are flexible to fit your family’s schedule.”
Kulp added, “Teaching in our schools is priceless. Watching students grow academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically is powerful.”
For more information and to apply, visit www.charlottediocese.org/schools-office/employment-opportunities.
— Annie Ferguson