Elementary Lead Art Lead Teacher PK=5

Daystar Academy, an IB continuum school in Chicago, serves students in primary, middle, and high school.

About the role

The Elementary Lead Art Teacher plans and implements the program in consistent and creative ways, creating unit plans aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Framework. The role integrates faith into teaching responsibilities and uses data to inform instructional practice, supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students at all times.
• Communicate observations or concerns regarding students’ academic progress, social interactions, or behavior to the Lead Teacher.
• Refer all parent inquiries or concerns to the Lead Teacher.
• 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.
• Design and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate art lessons for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, promoting 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.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.

All Staff Responsibilities

• Provide a safe school environment, indoors and out, per directives regarding building operations (keys, fobs, alarm codes), the Daystar Distinctives, and Responsive Classroom practice.
• Fulfill essential job functions based on one’s specific job description; assist others during school drills or emergencies.
• Be on time, appropriately dressed, and ready for work at assigned days/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 the requirements outlined in the Staff Handbook.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education 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.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) is a plus.
• While global applicants are welcome, the school can currently only accept international applicants already paired with a Visa organization.

Schedule

Part-time, on-site position, Monday through Friday. Position runs from August 13, 2025, to June 10, 2026.