PYP Spanish Teacher & Support Teacher

DAYSTAR ACADEMY•Chicago, IL

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The PYP Spanish Teacher & Support Teacher combines the responsibilities of a specialized world language educator and a collaborative classroom support professional within a faith-based, International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) setting. In the Spanish teacher capacity, this individual plans and implements PYP Spanish through skill-based instruction and cultural immersion for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, guided by Daystar's Transdisciplinary Program of Inquiry in collaboration with classroom teachers. In the support capacity, this individual works alongside Lead Teachers to reinforce learning through small-group instruction, observation of best practices, and active participation in the school community. This position is ideal for a mission-driven educator with a passion for language, culture, and a heart for faith-based education.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in education, world languages, and/or a related field preferred
PYP required training
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.
Proficiency in Spanish; native or near-native fluency preferred.
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 world language 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.
Participate in school engagement events to promote positive school culture.
Complete assigned arrival and dismissal 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.
Integrate faith into all teaching responsibilities in alignment with Daystar's mission and Statement of Faith.
Plan and implement PYP Spanish through skill-based instruction and cultural immersion for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5.
Use Daystar's Transdisciplinary Program of Inquiry as a guide for Spanish instruction, developing thematic lessons in collaboration with classroom teachers.
Foster Spanish language skill development and familiarity with cultural norms and customs from the global community, in alignment with the IB's mission to empower globally minded students.
Plan and teach in compliance with the IB PYP Standards and Practices and Daystar's curriculum expectations.
Follow IB and school expectations related to lesson and unit planning, teaching, and reflecting.
Submit unit plans as prescribed by the Director of Lower and Middle School.
Differentiate instruction to meet the varying linguistic and academic needs of students across grade levels.
Assess and reflect on one's teaching in relation to student learning, remaining 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; encourage students to reflect on their work and progress throughout the year.
Provide assessment feedback to students and parents in a timely manner, including updating the Toddle platform regularly.
Communicate in an ongoing and meaningful way with students' parents/guardians about academic and/or behavioral concerns through progress reports and parent-teacher conferences.
Use data consistently to inform instructional practice and support students' academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Set up and maintain a creative, orderly, clean, and favorable learning environment.
Teach students the proper care, use, and maintenance of classroom materials.
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, including IB PYP training.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.
Become familiar with Daystar's curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Framework.
Collaborate with Lead Teachers in grading and in providing individual and/or small-group instruction.
Plan and implement small-group lessons as guided by the cooperating Lead Teacher.
Work with Lead Teachers in developing and reflecting on IB Unit Planners.
Provide in-house substitute coverage for Lead Teachers as needed.
Stay informed and reflective about educational issues and best practices.
Suggest classroom activities (implementation subject to Lead Teacher approval).
Demonstrate and reinforce respectful use of materials and the classroom environment.
Help Lead Teachers with administrative and classroom maintenance tasks.
Support the Responsive Classroom management philosophy and practice.
Communicate observations or student concerns (academic, social, or behavioral) to the Lead Teacher.
Ensure the safety of all students at all times.
Greet students and ensure safe entry into the building.
Keep the car line moving for continuous student drop-off.
Supervise students during lunch in the cafeteria: monitor noise level and behavior, ensure a safe and inclusive environment, and communicate concerns to the homeroom teacher.
Supervise children in hallways, the lunchroom, and on the playground.
Reinforce classroom directions and procedures.
Support students' social-emotional development during free play, including conflict resolution.
Attend and participate in in-service training, IB Training, and other meetings as requested by the Lead Teacher or 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.
Partner with Lead Teachers in giving feedback during Parent/Teacher Conferences about students' academic and social-emotional development.