Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

High School IB Language and Literature Teacher and Travel Coordinator

Position Overview

Daystar Academy seeks a passionate, relational ELA educator who will inspire high school students to think critically about human experience, language, and culture, engage deeply with inquiry-based learning, and see literature and writing as pathways to understanding themselves and serving others. This teacher will create a warm and rigorous learning environment grounded in the International Baccalaureate framework and Daystar's commitment to faith, cultural engagement, and global perspective. Additionally, this teacher will curate and coordinate international travel experiences for the high school community, ensuring that students engage meaningfully with diverse cultures and develop a deeper understanding of the world beyond their own.

Position Details

Reports to: Director of High School and Head of Schools

Work Days/Hours:

7:30 AM–3:30 PM Monday–Wednesday and Friday

7:30 AM–4:30 PM Thursday

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in education, literature, writing, or a related field

Secondary teaching experience and/or demonstrated subject matter expertise

Ability to build relational, inclusive learning environments where students feel known and valued

Strongly Preferred:

Secondary teacher certification in Illinois

Experience with International Baccalaureate MYP and/or DP programs

Familiarity with inquiry-based and concept-based instructional approaches

Essential Job Functions

Instructional Leadership

Teach two Language and Literature (ELA) courses aligned with the IB MYP frameworks that Common Core standards

Design (guided by curriculum) and deliver concept-based, inquiry-driven units that challenge students to think critically and make real-world connections

Integrate faith perspectives thoughtfully into curriculum, helping students explore connections to Christian faith through language and literature

Develop and facilitate learning excursions that deepen student understanding and engagement with the wider world

Submit unit and weekly lesson plans as prescribed, reflecting on pedagogical practice and adjusting based on student needs and learning data

Guide 10th grade students through their Personal Project, in alignment with the MYP expectations

Guide 11th grade students though their Extended Essay, in alignment with the DP expectations

Offer writing support to students during their flexible learning blocks

Travel Coordinator

High School Travel Coordinator works collaboratively with the Director of High School and Head of Schools to plan and carry out travel for all high school students that is grounded in safety, cultural and global experiences, and community building. They will:

Work with the admin team to select travel destinations for 10th-12th graders to take place each January around a unifying theme that fits within the IB framework

One domestic trip

One trip to a Spanish speaking country

One trip to another international destination

Plan a trip to Toronto for 9th graders to take place each May

Book airline tickets, travel insurance, accommodations, and other destination reservations

Utilize a trip selection system (already in place) to ensure equity, safety, and student thriving

Work with the admin team to select appropriate teacher chaperones for each trip, including a trip leader

Build itineraries for each trip in conjunction with the trip leader

Work within a budget and document all expenses

Organize essential information and documents for each trip

Select meaningful and engaging summer reading/assignments to prepare students for their trips

Plan monthly trip meetings for students and chaperones for academic and logistical preparation

Communicate clearly and frequently with trip leaders, chaperones, students, and parents about logistics and expectations, including by hosting final meetings

Create opportunities for student leadership

Promote the program by sharing about it with stakeholders and ensuring the sharing of photos

Assessment & Student Growth

Use formative and summative assessments aligned with IB rubrics and standards to measure student progress toward learning objectives

Prepare students for internal and external DP assessments and grade those assessments according to IB rubrics

Maintain student work samples and provide timely, constructive feedback that helps students understand their growth and next steps

Use data regularly to inform instruction and support students across academic, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions

Community & Communication

Establish and maintain relational connections with students grounded in clear professional boundaries that foster trust and safety

Communicate regularly with parents/guardians through email, phone calls, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences; address academic or behavioral concerns promptly

Update the Toddle platform regularly with classroom grades, highlights, and student reflections, celebrating student learning

Attend and actively participate in all required parent-facing events, including conferences, showcase nights, and learning celebrations

Collaboration & School Culture

Host a weekly elective (during the school day) to support co-curricular learning and engagement

Provide mentorship and assessment to students for Personal Project and Extended Essay, as assigned and with training

Collaborate with fellow teachers to plan and implement MYP interdisciplinary units that integrate multiple perspectives and disciplines

Work professionally and openly with colleagues to ensure consistency in expectations, teaching practices, and student support across the school

Participate actively in school engagement events, professional development, and staff prayer to build and sustain positive school culture

Supervise students during assigned times and assist with school events and responsibilities as needed

About Daystar Academy

Daystar Academy is a faith-based, culturally-engaged, and globally-minded International Baccalaureate school serving students in grades PK–12. We intentionally build a diverse community—racially, socio-economically, and theologically—where students develop critical thinking skills, engage deeply with the world around them, and discover their calling to love, serve, and advocate for others. Our small community ensures that each student is known and valued, while our commitment to justice-oriented faith programming challenges students to live out their values in meaningful ways. Daystar Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.