Elementary & Middle School Spanish Teacher

DAYSTAR ACADEMY

Chicago, IL

Full-Time

Job Description

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 Spanish teacher for grades K-8 for the 2024-2025 school year.

This full-time position could include teaching:

K-8th Spanish Teacher

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 organization
Bachelor's degree in education and/or related field
Teaching Certification
Experience with inquiry-based teaching and learning
Experience with and value of culturally-responsive pedagogy
Growth mindset about teaching and learning
Commitment to Daystar's Statement of Faith and to teaching at a Christian school
Commitment to the faith development of Daystar students
Knowledge of and/or experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) and/or Middle Years Program (MYP) would be a plus

Spanish teacher job summary:

A K-5 extension PYP Spanish teacher works individually and collaboratively to plan and implement PYP Spanish through skill based instruction and cultural immersion. PYP Spanish instruction is guided by Daystar’s Transdisciplinary Program of Inquiry, in collaboration with classroom teachers. The PYP Spanish teacher will be guided to use the prescribed curriculum to develop thematic based lessons to foster Spanish language skill development and a familiarity of cultural norms and customs from the global scene. This is in line with our and the IB’s mission to empower students to be globally minded and knowledgeable students. A 6th-8th grade MYP Spanish teacher works individually and collaboratively to plan, implement and assess MYP Spanish in consistent and creative ways, informed by the MYP subject guide as supplied by the IB. The lead teacher creates and carries out unit plans and assessments that are aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) MYP framework, the Common Core Standards and/or other state/national standards. 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 K-8th Spanish Teacher:

Provide a safe learning environment based on Daystar Distinctives and Responsive Classroom practices.
Plan and teach, guided by appropriate standards (the common core standards or other prescribed standards, and in compliance with the International Baccalaureate Standards and Practices as found in the PYP and MYP subject guides, as well as according to Daystar’s expectations.
Follow IB and school expectations related to lesson and unit planning, teaching and reflecting.
Submit unit plans as prescribed by the Director of the Lower School (K-5th) Director of the Middle School and High School (6th-8th.)
Assess and reflect upon one’s teaching related to student learning, including being open to feedback and coaching.
Maintain records related to student growth and achievement, supporting and extending as needed.
Maintain student work samples, including teacher feedback and assessment, and encourage students to reflect on their work and their progress throughout the year.
Communicate in an ongoing and meaningful way with students’ parents/guardians which will ensure congruency and clear expectations about academic and/or behavioral concerns through progress reports and parent teacher conferences.
Provide assessment feedback to students and parents in a timely manner, including updating the Toddle platform regularly with assessment feedback.
Create and regularly reflect on annual individual goals based on the Daystar Academy staff evaluation.
Actively participate in staff planning meetings, prayers/devotions, and professional growth opportunities.
Maintain confidentiality about children, their families, and other employees.
Set up and maintain a creative, orderly, clean and favorable learning environment.
Demonstrate and insist on respectful use of all materials and the class environment.
Execute administrative and classroom maintenance tasks.
Model positive and respectful interactions with students and all members of the Daystar community at all times.
Support professional collaboration with teachers and staff members to ensure consistency and continuity in classroom programs.
Collaborate with teachers and staff through problem-solving, flexibility, communication and encouragement.
Adhere to all of the requirements outlined in the Staff Handbook.
Build a sense of trust in the school by fostering a respectful, cordial, and professional relationship with parents.
Be an excellent ambassador of Daystar Academy at all times.
Respect all school procedures and organizational structure.
Supervise students and generally assist as assigned.
Keep accurate records, including attendance.

If you desire to work in a growing, faith-based, intentionally diverse, urban International Baccalaureate school, we look forward to receiving your application. Email resumes to Cassi Moore, c.moore@daystaracademy.org.