PYP Art Lead Teacher Prek-5

DAYSTAR ACADEMY•Chicago, IL

48d•Onsite

About The Position

The PYP Art Lead is a specialized visual arts educator within a faith-based, International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) setting. This individual designs and delivers engaging, inquiry-driven art instruction for students in Preschool through Grade 5, thoughtfully aligned with the IB PYP framework and the school's mission and values. This role is ideal for a creative, mission-driven educator who brings both artistic expertise and a genuine heart for faith-based education — someone who sees the studio as a space where curiosity, meaning-making, and spiritual growth intersect.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education and/or a related field preferred
PYP required training
Minimum Qualifications: While we welcome global applicants, we can currently only accept international applicants already paired with a Visa organization.
Bachelor’s degree in education, fine arts, and/or a related field preferred.
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.
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and families in a faith-based community.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and/or experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) is a plus.
Experience in visual arts instruction across multiple grade levels is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide a safe school environment—indoors and out—per directives regarding building operations (keys, fobs, alarm codes), the Daystar Distinctives, and Responsive Classroom practices.
Participate in brief staff prayer at 7:35 AM, Monday through Thursday, in the Gathering Place.
Complete assigned arrival duties.
Fulfill essential job functions based on one’s specific job description; and during times of school drills or emergencies, assist others as able.
Be punctual, appropriately dressed, and prepared for work on assigned days and times.
Model positive and respectful interactions with students and all members of the Daystar community at all times.
Be an excellent ambassador of Daystar Academy at all times.
Respect all school procedures and chain of command.
Adhere to all requirements outlined in the Staff Handbook and comply with school policies.
Maintain confidentiality about children, their families, and other employees.
Ensure the safety and well-being of all students at all times.
Promptly communicate any observations or concerns regarding students’ academic progress, social interactions, or behavior to the appropriate Lead Teacher or administrator.
Refer all parent inquiries or concerns to the Lead Teacher or Director.
Collaborate effectively with teachers and staff through clear communication, problem-solving, flexibility, and encouragement.
Support and implement the Responsive Classroom management philosophy and practices.
Organize and lead an annual Spring Art Exhibition to showcase student engagement and achievement in the visual arts.
Integrate faith into all teaching responsibilities in alignment with Daystar’s mission and Statement of Faith.
Design and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate art lessons for students in Preschool through Grade 5 that promote creativity, self-expression, critical thinking, and artistic exploration.
Integrate instruction in drawing, painting, art history, and other visual art forms, fostering students’ knowledge, skills, and appreciation of the arts.
Apply elements of design and modern principles of art effectively in classroom instruction.
Demonstrate and teach the fundamentals and diverse techniques of drawing and various media.
Differentiate instruction by providing individual and small-group support to meet the varying intellectual and artistic needs of students.
Teach students the proper care, use, and maintenance of art tools and materials.
Maintain organized and secure storage areas; manage materials and tools to prevent loss, ensure safety, and optimize instructional time.
Assess and evaluate student growth in artistic knowledge, technical skills, and aesthetic understanding; prepare and submit timely progress reports.
Plan and curate displays and exhibitions of student artwork for schoolwide and community events.
Maintain professional competence by participating in professional development opportunities, including training aligned with the IB PYP framework.
Use data consistently to inform instructional practice and support students’ academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.
Attend and participate in in-service training, IB Training, and other meetings as requested by the Director of Lower and Middle School.
Collaborate professionally with teachers, support staff, and administration to maintain consistency and continuity.
Use effective problem-solving, flexibility, and communication in collaboration with peers.
Build trust through respectful and professional relationships with parents.
Share relevant parent communication with the cooperating Lead Teacher.
Defer parent questions or concerns to the Lead Teacher.
Seek administrative approval for professional learning opportunities aligned with the program.