Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
Your interest in Odessa Christian School is appreciated. We invite you to fill out this application and all
additional supporting required forms and documentation (see appendix at end of this documentation) and return
them to our school office. If an opening occurs for which we feel you may qualify, we will contact your references.
If after these two steps, we feel led to further consider you for the available position, we will contact you to
arrange for a personal interview.
We believe wholeheartedly that one of the keys to a successful Christian School is its teachers and staff. We
are seeking applicants who are professionally qualified, committed, creative, flexible, energetic, called to work
in a grass-roots ministry environment, and who exhibit through their words and actions a passion for teaching, a
heart for children, and a bold and contagious love of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you again for your interest in the ministry of our school. It is our
prayer that God will fulfill His perfect will in the lives of all applicants!
A. APPLICANT'S NAME AND ADDRESS
Full name: __________________________________________________________________________
Application date:
/
___/_____
Date available: _________/________/__________
Present address: __________________________________________________________________________
Phone: Days (
)
_________ Evenings (
)
___________
Best time to call you? ______________ Length of time at this address? _____________
Email address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Permanent address and phone number if different than present address:
________________________________________________________________________________________
B. POSITION DESIRED
Please indicate number your choices below in the parenthesis in order of preference:
( ) Kindergarten
( ) 1st – 3rd grades
Please check one: Full time _______
( ) 4th – 5th grades
Part time _______
( ) Middle school
( ) High school
Substitute ________
If middle or high school, which subject(s)? If elementary, please designate specific preference(s) for grade:
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Can you submit verification of your legal right to work in the US? Yes ___ No ___
Have you ever been accused of abuse or inappropriate contact with a child, whether founded or unfounded?
________________________________________________________________________________________
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
Please mark any of the following extra-curricular activities for which you would be capable and willing to direct,
sponsor, or coach. Feel free to add others not noted on the blank lines or on a separate sheet.
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Girls’ volleyball
Cross Country (girls or boys?)
Golf (age levels?)
Basketball (girls or boys?)
Track and field
Soccer
Baseball
Softball
Spelling bee
Math Olympics
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Student government
Awards nights and ceremonies
Bible studies (girls or boys? Co-ed?)
Etiquette/manners for kids
Family events (cookouts, fun days, etc.)
Scheduling of classes
School plays/productions
Praise and worship
_________________________________
_________________________________
C. CHRISTIAN BACKGROUND
* On separate paper, please give your Christian testimony.
Please carefully read our Statement of Faith (attached at the end of this document) and indicate your degree of
support.
___ I fully support the Statement as written without reservations.
___ I support the Statement except for the area(s) listed and explained on a separate paper.
Denominational preference? _________________________________________________________________
What is your local church affiliation? ___________________________________________________________
Are you presently a member in good standing? __________________ Years? _________________________
In what church activities are you involved and with what degree of regularity?
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Describe your routine of personal Bible study and prayer.
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you comfortable working with other born-again believers of different denomination than your own? Please
explain.
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
D. EDUCATION HISTORY
*Should you be offered a position, official copies of your transcripts must be provided to the school for
inclusion in your personnel file.
Beginning with high school, what degree or degrees do you hold?
Degree
Date Received
Issuing Institution
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Your Major(s)
________________________________________________________________________________________
Your Minor(s)
________________________________________________________________________________________
Cumulative grade point average Bachelor’s _____________________ Graduate work __________________
Total (circle one) semester or quarter units after date of Bachelor's degree ____________________________
Do you have an ACSI Teaching Certificate? ___________________________________________________
What level? ________________________________________ Remains valid for __________________ years
Do you have a state teaching certificate? ______________
State? _____________________________
What kind? ________________________________________ Remains valid for __________________ years
E. PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
* On separate paper please label and answer completely each of the questions below:
A. Why do you wish to apply for this position?
B. What qualities/skills do you possess that you believe makes you an effective teacher?
C. How many years experience do you have teaching? Please explain subject/grade areas.
D. What is your method of classroom discipline?
E. What areas do you believe are your strengths?
F. What areas of professional growth most interest you and why?
G. What do you believe about the origin of the earth and mankind?
H. What are your beliefs on the authenticity and authority of the Bible?
I. Please give your salvation testimony and explain how Jesus has changed your life, and works through you
today.
J. Are you comfortable sharing your faith with students and others? Please expound on your answer.
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
F. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Please start with your current or most recent employer and work backwards for the past five positions you have
held. If necessary, you may follow the same format on the reverse. (We will not contact your current employer
until you verbally authorize that action with us.)
1. Position
_____________ Dates of Employment _____________________
Wage: __________________________________________________________________________________
School or Employer Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor's Name and Phone Number ________________________________________________________
Reason for leaving ________________________________________________________________________
2. Position
_____________ Dates of Employment _____________________
Wage: __________________________________________________________________________________
School or Employer Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor's Name and Phone Number ________________________________________________________
Reason for leaving ________________________________________________________________________
3. Position
_____________ Dates of Employment _____________________
Wage: __________________________________________________________________________________
School or Employer Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor's Name and Phone Number ________________________________________________________
Reason for leaving ________________________________________________________________________
4. Position
_____________ Dates of Employment _____________________
Wage: __________________________________________________________________________________
School or Employer Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor's Name and Phone Number ________________________________________________________
Reason for leaving ________________________________________________________________________
5. Position
_____________ Dates of Employment _____________________
Wage: __________________________________________________________________________________
School or Employer Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor's Name and Phone Number ________________________________________________________
Reason for leaving ________________________________________________________________________
Are you holding or have you already signed a contract for next year with any other educational institution? ___
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
G. PERSONAL REFERENCES
Do not list family members or relatives for references. You will also need to sign Part H that is attached and
return it with this application.
Give two references that are qualified to speak of your personal character and Christian service. List your
current pastor first.
Name/Complete Address
Phone
Position
1. _________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Give two references that are qualified to speak of your professional experience. List your current or most
recent supervisor first.
Name/Complete Address
Phone
Position
1. _________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Please include with this completed application the following supporting documentation:
 Current resumé
 Copies of your undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate diploma(s)
 Copies of any state or ACSI certifications
 Signed Christian Lifestyle Agreement (found at the end of this document)
Applications submitted without these 4 items will not be considered. In addition, we require a minimum of two (2)
professional references from your most recent employers. Please fill out the top portion of the OCS Employee
Reference Form (found at the end of this document) and ask your two most recent employers to complete and
submit to:
Erin Ciulla, Head of School; via either email (erinc@odessachristianschool.org) or fax (813) 749-6690. OCS
must receive these two completed reference forms before you will be considered for an interview.
Odessa Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnic origin.
Odessa Christian School
APPLICATION
TEACHER
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
H. APPLICANT'S CERTIFICATION AND AGREEMENT
I understand that Odessa Christian School does not discriminate in its employment practices against any
person because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, or disability.
I hereby certify that the facts set forth in this application process are true and complete to the best of my
knowledge. I understand that falsification of any statement or a significant omission of fact may prevent me from
being hired, or if hired, may subject me to immediate dismissal regardless of the time elapsed before discovery.
If I am released under these circumstances, I further understand and agree that I will be paid and receive benefits
only through the day of release.
I authorize Odessa Christian School to thoroughly interview the primary references which I have listed, any
secondary references mentioned through interviews with primary references, or other individuals who know me
and have knowledge regarding my testimony and work record. I also authorize the school to thoroughly
investigate my work records and evaluations, my educational preparation, and other matters related to my
suitability for the position.
I authorize references and my former employers to disclose to the school any and all employment records,
performance reviews, letters, reports, and other information related to my life and employment, without giving
me prior notice of such disclosure. In addition, I hereby release the school, my former employers, references,
and all other parties from any and all claims, demands, or liabilities arising out of or in any way related to such
investigation or disclosure. I waive the right to ever personally view any references given to the school.
Since I will be working with children, I understand that I must submit to a fingerprint check by the FBI, FDLE, and
possibly other federal and state authorities. I agree to fully cooperate in providing and recording as many sets of
my fingerprints as are necessary for such an investigation. I authorize the school to conduct a criminal records
check. I understand and agree that any offer of employment that I may receive from the school is conditioned
upon the receipt of background information, including criminal background information. The school may refuse
employment or terminate conditional employment if the school deems any background information unfavorable
or that it could reflect adversely on the school or on me as a Christian role model.
I understand that this is only an application for employment and that no employment contract is being offered at
this time.
I certify that I have carefully read and do understand the above statements.
To the best of my knowledge, the statements above are complete and correct and no fact has been withheld
that would adversely affect a decision to employ. (Falsification may be cause for dismissal.)
____________________________________________________
Signature of Applicant
____________________________
Date
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
Statement of Faith (p. 1)
The Bible
We believe the Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God, a special
revelation from God to man, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to fallible human conscience
and reason. (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:16-21)
God
We believe in the ONE true God, the Creator and sustainer of all things, the great “I AM”, in three distinct,
eternal, and equal persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. God has revealed Himself as
sovereign, omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:18-20;
Isaiah 43:10-11)
The Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ has always existed with the Father and is eternal. The Scriptures declare the following
about the Son of God:
1. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35)
2. His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22)
3. His miracles (Acts 2:22, 10:38)
4. His substitutionary sacrifice on the cross for all the sins of man (I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21)
5. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4)
6. His exaltation at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 1:9, 11, 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1—3)
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, regenerates the believing sinner, and baptizes the believer
into the Body of Christ, which is called the Church. We believe our Lord Jesus when he says, “… when He,
the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but
whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will
take of Mine and will disclose it to you” (John 16:13-14). We believe that the Holy Spirit physically lives in and
bestows spiritual gifts upon each believer for the edification of the Body of Christ and empowers believers for
effective life, witnessing, and service. By His power we are able to obey the command, “Be ye holy, for I AM
holy” (I Peter 15:16). He is our Comforter and teacher (John 14), and He seals the believer with Christ and is a
pledge of our eternal inheritance. (Acts 5:3-4; John 15:26-27; I Corinthians 12:7-13; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30)
Man
We believe that man was created in God’s own image, good and upright. But man, by voluntary transgression,
fell, incurring not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. This voluntary
transgression ushered evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world. (Genesis 1:26-31; 3:1-7;
Romans 5:12-14; Ephesians 2:1-2)
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
Statement of Faith (p. 2)
Salvation
We believe that every person can receive salvation - a free gift of God of eternal life, perfect righteousness,
and the right to become an heir of God. Salvation cannot be earned, nor is it merited by works in any way, but
rather, is received only by a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:15-21; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus
2:11)
The Church
We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ, composed of all who have been saved by faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ, and thus regenerated by the Holy Spirit. We believe in water baptism for all who have been
saved as an outward testimony of the inner work done in him—showing the world that they have died with
Christ, and have been raised up in Him to walk in newness of life. We believe in partaking of the Lord’s
Supper, which is a symbolic remembrance of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation, and a prophecy of
his second coming. We do not, however, believe that participating in either of these is necessary for, nor a
means to, salvation. We believe that all members of the Body have been called to the “Great Commission”, to
“
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and
the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). (Matthew 26:2629; I Corinthians II:23-26; 12:27; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:22-24, II Peter 1:4
The Blessed Hope and Millennial Reign of Jesus
We believe in and look forward to the literal second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection of
believers who have died and their transformation, together with those believers who are alive and remain until
the coming of the Lord, is the imminent and blessed hope of all believers (the rapture). Following this “taking
up” of believers, we believe in the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth over the redeemed nation of Israel and all
the nations of the world. (I Thessalonians 4:15-17; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 15:51-52; Romans 11:26-27;
Revelation 20:1-10)
Satan and the Lake of Fire
We believe that Satan (also called the devil) is a fallen angel of God who opposes God and all the Church. He
is “The thief [who] comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” (John 10:10). The devil and his angels, the beast
and the false prophet, and whoever is not found written in the Book of Life, shall be consigned to eternal
punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 19:20,
20:1-15; II Thessalonians 1:8-9)
The Christian’s Walk
The Scriptures teach a life of holiness, to walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh. Entire sanctification is the
will of God for all believers and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God’s
Word. (Colossians 1:28; I Peter 1:14-16; Romans 8:1-17; I John 2:15-17)
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
Christian Lifestyle Statement - Applicant
Odessa Christian School is a religious, nonprofit organization representing Jesus Christ throughout the local
community. Odessa Christian School requires its employees to be born-again Christians, living their lives as
Christian role models (Rom. 10:9–10, 1 Tim. 4:12, Luke 6:40). Employees will conduct themselves in a way that
will not raise questions regarding their Christian testimonies. A Christian lifestyle should reflect the biblical
perspective of integrity, appropriate personal and family relationships, business conduct, and moral behavior. An
employee is expected to demonstrate a teachable spirit, an ability to share love for others, a willingness to live
contentedly under authority, and a commitment to follow the “Matthew 18 principle” when a personal conflict
arises with fellow employees or management.
The Odessa Christian School Statement of Faith expects employees to live and maintain a lifestyle based on
biblical standards of moral conduct. Since teaching occurs not only by presentation of academic material in the
classroom and related arenas, but also by example both in and out of school settings, it is of utmost importance
and a requirement for employment that employees of Odessa Christian School, as ministry workers, be committed
to living a life of strong witness for Christ and adhering to biblical standards of morality and conduct.
Regarding sexuality, Odessa Christian School believes that the Bible teaches that sexual activity and intercourse
is to be enjoyed within the bonds of biblical marriage between one man and one woman. This, then, necessarily
means that those who are not involved in such a marriage are to live celibate lives. Employment with Odessa
Christian School necessitates that all its employees live by these standards, both on campus and off campus.
Moral misconduct, which violates the bona fide occupational qualification for employees to be Christian role models,
includes, but is not limited to, the following:
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Swearing or vulgar speech
Unlawful behavior
Drunkenness, drug use, or other related activities
Promiscuity/sexually suggestive behavior
Sexual activity and/or intercourse outside marriage (including straight or homosexual activity)
Homosexual behavior or any other violation of the unique roles of male and female (Rom. 1:21–27, 1 Cor.
6:9–20). This includes dating someone of the same sex or gender, or who once was the same sex or
gender prior to a gender reassignment procedure, hormone treatment, or any other procedure.
Wearing clothing that advertises sexuality, sexual activity, drugs, smoking, alcohol, or anything related to
these items, or clothing that is sexually suggestive, revealing, or immodest
Odessa Christian School employees will maintain a lifestyle based on biblical standards of conduct. Failure to do
so will result in a consequence including, in some cases, dismissal from employment. It is the goal of Odessa
Christian School that each employee will have a lifestyle in which “He may have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18,
NKJV).
______________________________________________________
Applicant Signature
________________________
Date
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
EMPLOYMENT REFERENCE FORM – 2 Required
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT
I understand that I cannot be considered for employment until two (2) completed references are included in my employment application. I have communicated with the following
reference and he/she has agreed to complete this recommendation based on his/her knowledge of my abilities.
LAST NAME OF APPLICANT
FIRST NAME OF APPLICANT
MIDDLE INITIAL
POSITION APPLYING FOR
APPLICANT SIGNATURE
TO BE COMPLETED BY REFERENCE
This candidate has applied for a position with Odessa Christian School and has given your name as a reference. This reference form will be included in the applicant’s file for
review by appropriate supervisors and also may be shown to the applicant upon request. Your evaluation will be a service to this school, the applicant and our students. Please e-mail
this form directly to erinc@odessachristianschool.org or fax to Erin Ciulla, Head of School, at 813-749-6690.
I have known this applicant as a/an:
 employee
 student
 co-worker
Dates of employment or length of time you have known the applicant (mm/yr): From
Position or job title of
applicant when employed:
 volunteer
____ / ________
to
 client/vendor
____ / ________
Your position while
supervising applicant:
Please rate the applicant in each area by placing a check mark in the rating column. If your evaluation is not based on information relating to teaching,
please leave the Instructional Qualities blank. If you wish to submit additional information, please use reverse side or separate sheet. Thank you.
PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL QUALITIES
Communication skills (oral, written, listening)
Sympathetic understanding and treatment of children
Attendance/punctuality
Ability to work w e l l with other staff
Ability to accept evaluation/criticism of performance from supervisor
Accuracy and punctuality of paperwork
Adherence to stated policies and procedures
Adaptability/flexibility
Judgment/common sense
Dependability/reliability
Attitude/cooperation
Communication/interaction with students’ parents and families
INSTRUCTIONAL QUALITIES – FOR TEACHING POSITIONS ONLY
Classroom management and control
Knowledge of subject matter
Planning and preparation for instruction/lesson planning
Delivery of instruction
Enthusiasm for teaching/learning
Initiative and creativity in teaching
Effective use of methods and techniques (Curriculum, Instruction, Technology, & Assessment)
Are you comfortable with this person working with children?  YES
I would employ or reemploy this individual:
 YES
Additional Comments: (Use reverse side if necessary)
 NO
 NO
If no, please explain:
If no, why not?
High
5
4
3
2
Low
1
High
5
4
3
2
Low
1
Odessa Christian School
TEACHER
APPLICATION
PRINTED NAME OF REFERENCE
COMPANY NAME
TELEPHONE#
STREET ADDRESS
SIGNATURE OF REFERENCE
DATE
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
Return to: Erin Ciulla @ erinc@odessachristianschool.org or Fax to 813-749-6690