Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Daystar Academy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in education is seeking a passionate middle school teacher to join their vibrant community. This full-time role focuses on teaching the IB Middle Years Program Language and Literature to grades 6-8. The ideal candidate will embrace a faith-based approach to education, fostering a safe and engaging learning environment. With a commitment to diversity and academic excellence, this position offers the opportunity to shape young minds and inspire students to make a positive impact in the world. Join a supportive team dedicated to professional growth and student success in the heart of Chicago.

Benefits

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education and teaching certification required.
• Experience with inquiry-based learning and culturally-responsive pedagogy is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement the IB-MYP program creatively and consistently.
• Create assessments aligned with IB standards and support student growth.

Skills

Inquiry-based teaching

Culturally-responsive pedagogy

Growth mindset

Faith integration in teaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in education

Teaching Certification

Tools

Toddle platform

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

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 middle school teacher for grades 6-8 for the 2024-2025 school year.

This full-time position would include teaching: 6th-8th grade IB Middle Years Program (MYP) Language and Literature.

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: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ADeTkaXa8HzHq5Ctgjm53cUJD7GP1EmS/view and working at a Christian school.
• Commitment to the faith development of Daystar students.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) and/or IB Diploma Program (DP) would be a plus.

Middle School Lead Teacher Job Summary:

A middle school lead teacher works individually and collaboratively to plan and implement the IB-MYP program 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 (subject dependent). 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 Middle School Lead 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, such as NGSS), and in compliance with the International Baccalaureate Standards and Practices as found in the MYP and DP subject guides, as well as according to Daystar’s expectations.
• Follow IB expectations related to lesson and unit planning, teaching, and reflecting.
• Submit unit plans as prescribed by the Director of the Middle School and High School.
• Assess and reflect upon one’s teaching related to student learning.
• 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 to 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 middle school, we look forward to receiving your application.