Bilingual Preschool Lead Teacher (2023-24)

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) is a non-profit Chicago public charter school, located on the Southwest side. Our mission is to develop mindful leaders who take action now and in the future to positively impact their communities and the world beyond. Our innovative and holistic approach aims to foster systemic change and inspire the way society educates future generations. AGC values:

The Academy for Global Citizenship seeks exemplary preschool teachers to lead students through a Reggio-Inspired early education program with a IB PYP framework (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme) This position is ideal for a passionate educator seeking a collaborative and open environment for whole-student learning.

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching: Uses various modes of teaching to accommodate different learning styles, creates small social learning groups for children to work collaboratively with each other and with adults. Instruction can encompass: daily life experiences, play and imagination, hands-on experiences in the school, in nature, civic experiences in the community, current events, technology, arts and more.
Instructional Strategies: Uses a variety of instructional strategies including teaching through inquiry, working to identify children’s own strategies for thinking and doing, and differentiating instruction; uses documentation and data to inform instruction
Professional Development: Participates in internal school professional development, participates in coaching cycle, attends early education conferences, has opportunities to share work in local and national conferences, stays abreast of latest pedagogical techniques and demonstrates an eagerness to learn new skills and share experiences with others
Performance Assessment: Sets high and measurable goals for student achievement and evaluates student progress using summative and formative assessments; Maintains up to date and accurate records when it come assessment data, portfolio information, work samples and documentation; Assists in implementing IEPs/IFSPs for diverse learners and keeping confidential records
Community: Encourages the use of community resources, cooperates with families in welcoming them to our community, and maintains solid communication with all community members; Makes a determined amount of home visits per school year and collaborates to organize and facilitates socialization and family engagement events
Curriculum Development: Curriculum is developed with peers and in collaboration with children’s input through documentation. Teacher works closely with colleagues, the IB PYP Coach, Director of Early Childhood on Reggio-Inspired education, achieving the goals of the school and meets standards of the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (HSLOF)
Technology Integration: Incorporates technology across all disciplines as much as possible, where appropriate

We are looking for staff who…
Have a big heart to match a big brain
Are bilingual in English and Spanish
Believe in the benefits of bilingualism and biliteracy for all
Want their work to define best practice
Respect and thrive in a dynamic, changing, and growing environment
Know extraordinary things can happen when people work hard together
Are passionate about environmental and social justice
Want to participate in a laboratory for innovation in education

Working at AGC means…
Collaborating to build an innovative early childhood program that is IB, Dual Language, Reggio-inspired
Advocating for Reggio principles of a Strong Image of Children, the Hundred Languages theory, and a student profile qualities of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP): inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk takers, knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, well-balanced, and reflective.
Being surrounded by thoughtful, inquisitive students and hard-working, like-minded colleagues
Thinking outside of the box to do what is best for our students
Gaining experience with interdisciplinary International Baccalaureate Units of Inquiry, balanced literacy, arts integration, and math
Having high academic expectations for every student in the school everyday
Getting your hands dirty in our school garden
Enjoying 100% organic, plant-rich scratch-made meals prepared by our on-site chef
Working in an environmentally sustainable school culture

Required Skills and Experience:
2+ years experience as an educator
Bilingual and biliterate (English/Spanish)
Experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach
Familiarity with IB program (ideal)
Experience in Head Start programs (ideal)
Familiarity with inquiry-based teaching and Responsive Classroom
Experience with Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold (ideal)
Believer in culturally relevant teaching
Strong leadership, initiative, communication skills and personal drive
Ability to maintain a safe, orderly environment

Education & Licensing Requirements:
Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education
Master’s Degree in Education or related fields (preferred)
State of Illinois Teaching Certification in related field
Early Childhood Education – Required
ECT Early Childhood Special Education – Required
Bilingual Endorsement or extensive experience in ELL instruction

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on experience and level of education. Full benefits, free breakfast and lunch, wellness fund, and professional development funds offered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, or disability.