PYP Preschool Lead Teacher

Daystar Academy, an IB continuum school in the city of Chicago, serves students in primary, middle school and high school. We are looking for a highly qualified, justice-minded preschool teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.Why Daystar Academy?Compelling Mission: Empower students to positively impact the world through a faith-based, culturally-engaged, globally-minded education.World Class Location: Based in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago near the bustling Loop city center and world-renowned institutions such as the Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.Legacy of Excellence: Teach at a school with a reputation for academic excellence, spiritual dedication and commitment to diversity.Vibrant, Diverse Community: Engage with a supportive community of parents, staff, and students who represent and embrace all the diversity Chicago has to offer.Supportive Environment: Benefit from a dedicated staff, care for your well-being, and professional development opportunities.The minimum qualifications for this position:While we welcome global applicants, we can currently only accept international applicants already paired with a Visa organizationBachelor's degree in education and/or related fieldTeaching CertificationExperience with inquiry-based teaching and learningExperience with and value of culturally-responsive pedagogyGrowth mindset about teaching and learningCommitment to Daystar’s Statement of Faith and to teaching at a Christian schoolCommitment to the faith development of Daystar studentsKnowledge of and/or experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) would be a plusPYP lead teacher job summary:The lead teacher works individually and collaboratively to plan and implement the PYP program in consistent and creative ways, informed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP framework for learning and teaching. The lead teacher creates unit plans that are aligned with the IBand the Common Core Standards. Lead teachers work to integrate faith into their teaching responsibilities. Lead teachers will consistently use data to inform their instructional practice and support students to grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.Essential Job Functions Relative to role as a PYP Lead Teacher:Provide a safe learning environment based on Daystar Distinctives, Responsive Classroom practices, and Daystar’s faith development strandsWhen designing the learning space, comply with Visual Markers of a Daystar Classroom Plan and teach, guided by appropriate standards (the common core standards or other prescribed standards, such as NGSS), and in compliance with the International Baccalaureate Standards and Practices as found in the appropriate IB publications, as well as according to Daystar’s expectationsTake appropriate initiative and display a growth mindset, creating and regularly reflecting on individual pedagogical goalsSubmit unit plans and weekly lesson plans as prescribed by supervisorMaintain records related to student growth and achievement, supporting and extending as neededMaintain student work samples, including teacher feedback and assessment, and encourage students to reflect on their work and their progress throughout the yearCommunicate in an ongoing and meaningful way with students’ parents/guardians through email, phone calls, progress reports and during parent/teacher conferences in order to ensure congruence and clear expectations about academic and/or behavioral concernsProvide assessment feedback to students and parents in a timely mannerUpdate Toddle platform (class portfolio) regularly with classroom and/or student highlightsCollaborate with all program teachers to plan and implement the PYP Transdisciplinary Units of InquiryDevelop learning excursions and/or invite special guests to deepen class curriculum, helping work towards the yearly goal of 12-15 learning excursions per grade Demonstrate and insist on respectful use of class materials and the school environmentProfessionally collaborate with teachers and staff members to ensure consistency and continuity throughout the schoolSupervise students and generally assist as assignedAttend and participate in all required parent-facing events (ie, parent-teacher conferences, showcase nights, etc.)Collaborate and guide Classroom Support Staff on how to assist students with instructional and procedural tasks, small group activities, and behavioral expectationsIf you desire to work in a growing, faith-based, intentionally diverse, urban International Baccalaureate middle school, we look forward to receiving your application. Email resumes to Vanessa Espinosa at v.espinosa@daystaracademy.org.