TEACHER APPLICATION

EMPLOYMENT ENVIRONMENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

Blackhawk Christian School is both a Christian ministry and a school. As such, employees must effectively represent Christ as well as possess the technical skills for the position. A successful applicant will provide evidence of being:

1. A born-again Christian with a mature walk of faith and whose lifestyle, convictions, and beliefs are consistent with Biblical principles.
2. Faithfully engaged in a local evangelical church.
3. Able to clearly articulate both the Biblical components of salvation and the ability to lead a child to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
4. In agreement with and will support the school's Statement of Faith, Mission, Vision, Core Values and Teacher’s Articles of Employment.
5. Able to provide at least 3 favorable references including a pastor, a current supervisor, (if employed) and a colleague.
6. Able to provide a “clean” criminal background check (if position includes supervising children).

INSTRUCTIONAL POSITIONS

Must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and currently hold, or be eligible to receive, an Indiana Teacher License.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER POSITIONS

1. Possesses experience in working with children/students.
2. A high school diploma and at least 60 hours of college credit preferable.
3. Experience and/or training in substitute teaching preferable.

NON-INSTRUCTIONAL POSITIONS

Must have demonstrated experience and/or training in the area or responsibility for which he/she is making application.

BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Preparing Hearts and Minds to Serve Christ

CORE VALUES

Our mission is achieved in a learning environment characterized by these principles:

Academic Excellence – employing educational practices, methods, technology and tools that exceed state and national standards; empowering students to reach their full potential and prepare them for their educational and vocational future.

Biblical Foundation – utilizing curriculum and instruction that recognizes that all truth and knowledge is rooted in God’s divinely inspired Word and that imparts a Biblical worldview to students so they see themselves, others, and their world through Christ’s eyes.

Christ Centered Community – providing a relationally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and morally safe environment, led by administrators, staff, and teachers, who in partnership with parents, model Christ and serve as examples for students to develop Christ-centered lives.

STATEMENT OF VISION

Blackhawk Christian School personnel model and students / graduates exemplify the following traits:

1. Christian Character – committed to Scripture: abiding in Christ, building community, serving others and making disciples.
2. Core Capabilities – excellent understanding and competency in core subjects.
3. Critical Thinking – purposeful, reflective judgment in thought, belief, speech and action.
4. Collaboration – highly cooperative, highly engaged in dialogue and committed to “finding a better way together.”
5. Creative Problem Solving – the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to problems and life issues.
6. Communication – effectively deliver ideas, thoughts, and information to diverse audiences through oral, written, and nonverbal expression.
7. Continuous Learning – developing a "growth mindset and humble heart": committed to putting forth best efforts, willing to try new things, understanding that mistakes are opportunities to learn.

OUR EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES

Blackhawk Christian School students will graduate with skills and traits aligned with the vision and core values of Blackhawk Christian School.

Academic Excellence

• BCS Graduates are prepared for college and career by demonstrating understanding and competency of standards in core subject areas
• BCS Graduates demonstrate the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to problems Biblical Foundation

Biblical Foundation

• BCS Graduates are committed to abiding in Christ through study of his word personally and in Christian community
• BCS Graduates own a Biblical worldview through which they use purposeful, reflective judgment in thought, belief, speech, and action Christ-Centered Community

Christ-Centered Community

• BCS Graduates are cooperative and highly engaged in collaboration and dialogue with others
• BCS Graduates are Christ-like and effective communicators through oral and written expression

ARTICLES OF EMPLOYMENT

1. The employee understands that he/she is an employee of Blackhawk Ministries, assigned to the ministry of Blackhawk Christian School.
2. The employee affirms that, as part of the qualifications for employment, he/she is a born again Christian who knows Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
3. The employee agrees to be members in good standing of a local church recognized by the school board as having a doctrinal stand compatible with that of Blackhawk Ministries.
4. The employee agrees to submit to the authority of the school board and administration and to comply with Blackhawk Ministries and Blackhawk Christian School policies and practices.
5. The employee agrees to support the practices and policies as set forth in the parent-student handbook.
6. The employee agrees to obtain such health certificates or medical examinations as shall be required by the school board.
7. The employee agrees to provide as needed; transcripts, evidence of certification, and such records as may be required by the school administration.
8. The employee agrees to continued professional growth in his/her subject areas and Christian education as required by their position.
9. The employee agrees to avoid gossiping with or about co-workers, students and parents and will attempt to implement the procedures outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 whenever the occasion of human relationship problems demands.
10. The employee agrees (per I Corinthians 6:1-8) that he/she will not take a complaint against Blackhawk Ministries or its ministries including the Blackhawk Christian School to a court of law. Rather, disputes or disagreements will be settled before a council of believers from Blackhawk Ministries.
11. The employee will be sensitive to controversial issues and will avoid careless speech or actions that may unnecessarily offend students, parents or other stakeholders from other denominations.
12. The employee agrees to live a personal life of moral purity that is separated from the world as defined by Scripture and held by Blackhawk Ministries. Further, the teacher agrees that male and female roles are clearly defined in Scripture and that homosexual acts and lifestyles are clearly perversion and sin in the sight of God. Persons so involved cannot be an employee of Blackhawk Ministries.
13. Scripture further teaches us that certain behaviors should be avoided, including: theft, lying, dishonesty, gossip, slander, backbiting, profanity, vulgarity, sexual promiscuity (including adultery, homosexual behavior, and premarital sex) drunkenness, and immodesty of dress.
14. In the role as a teacher, the duties will involve not only responsibilities normally a part of teaching, but also responsibilities which are part of that spiritual ministry to which he/she is called—the training of our students in the Christian faith and practice. It is the expectation of the board that teachers will continuously endeavor to understand, appreciate, and love the pupils that parents have entrusted to them for instruction. Teachers will, to the best of their ability, provide for their fullest spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development.
15. The contract between an employee and the Blackhawk Christian School can be voided when any of the terms in the contract or its appendices are violated by either party. Should a teacher desire to be released from said contract, a request shall be presented to the school administration.
16. As an expression of loyalty and confidence in Blackhawk Christian School (BCS), I agree that the school age children of employees are expected to be in attendance at BCS. I understand that exceptions may be made to this policy, and that such exceptions will be made based on the individual situation and educational needs of the student. I understand that the decision to send my child to another school must be made in conjunction with the Head of Schools.
17. All employees are required to fulfill our religious mission.

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION 

List all colleges or universities attended.  Include any degree work presently in progress.  Please have the college registrars forward official transcripts to Blackhawk Christian School.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Start with your most recent full or part-time job.  If additional space is needed, please continue in the Other box at the end of the form.

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

List any other employment not in the field of education.

REFERENCES

List at least three references, other than family members, who are qualified to speak of your background, Christian life, training and experience.  Please let your references know that they will be contacted by a Principal and by Reflynk.

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE

Using the space provided, please respond to the following questions.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PERSPECTIVE

Using the space provided, please describe your perspective of how the following topics relate to teaching in a Christian school:

STATEMENT OF FAITH

1. We believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, and that it shall remain to the end of the age the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man. We interpret it literally and accept it as the supreme and final authority in faith and life.
2.  We believe that there is one God, Almighty, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe and eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His death and bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His imminent personal return to earth in power and glory.
4. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son; that He was active in the creation, participated in the inspiration of the Scriptures, and is presently engaged in convicting the world of sin, judgment and righteousness; and that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel and indwells Christians to enable them to live godly lives.
5. We believe in the Genesis account of creation; that man was created directly in God’s own image and after His own likeness, and not by evolution; and that man was created in innocence, but voluntarily sinned.  As a consequence, all men are now sinners, inclined to evil, and are under just condemnation without defense or excuse. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God.  (Genesis 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
6. We believe that God created marriage to be exclusively the union of one man and one woman, and that intimate sexual activity is to occur exclusively within that union.
7. We believe that God has provided the only salvation for man through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus; that salvation is achieved through the conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior; and that all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ.
8. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost:  those who are saved unto the resurrection of eternal life in Heaven and those who are lost unto the resurrection of eternal damnation in Hell.
9. We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other state of condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life.

This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. We reserve the right to resolve disputes in accordance with biblical teaching. For purposes of Blackhawk Christian School’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, Blackhawk Christian School’s Board of Directors, is accountable to the Board of Elders of Blackhawk Ministries, who are the final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application for all ministries within the organization.

I certify that all information I have provided in order to apply for and secure work with the employer is true, complete, and correct. I understand that failure to complete any portion of this application or to sign this application may result in rejection of my application. 

If I am hired, I understand that I am free to resign at any time, with or without prior notice, and the employer reserves the same right to terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause and without prior notice, except as may be required by law.

I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application for employment as may be necessary in arriving at an employment decision. I understand that this application is not intended to be a contract of employment.

Blackhawk Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, nationality or ethnic origin in its admissions, educational, financial, or employment policies.