Classroom Teacher

Elementary Teacher Position

The Academy for Integrated Arts (AFIA) seeks a reflective elementary teacher who believes learning should be engaging, meaningful, and joyful. This teacher will design rich, student-centered learning experiences where inquiry, creativity, and the arts deepen students' understanding of core academic content. The ideal candidate is committed to helping every child thrive academically and socially and believes that strong relationships, curiosity, and high expectations are essential to student success.

About the Academy for Integrated Arts

The Academy for Integrated Arts (AFIA) is an innovative public charter school in Kansas City where the arts are intentionally integrated into the core curriculum as a meaningful part of daily learning. At AFIA, the arts serve as a catalyst for curiosity, creativity, academic achievement, and student confidence.

Instruction is grounded in constructivist philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice. Students learn through inquiry, project-based experiences, and interdisciplinary learning that promotes deep thinking and authentic engagement. AFIA is a collaborative learning community where teachers are reflective practitioners, leaders, and active participants in ongoing professional learning.

Why Teachers Choose AFIA

Teachers at AFIA value:

• A collaborative and supportive staff culture
• Strong instructional coaching and job-embedded professional development
• Opportunities for teacher leadership and innovation
• A school community that values creativity, inquiry, and student voice
• The opportunity to integrate the arts into meaningful academic learning

AFIA Teachers

Teachers at AFIA:

• Demonstrate a commitment to serving students who have been historically underserved
• Believe in the power of student-centered learning to transform students' lives
• Create inclusive classrooms where all students and families feel a strong sense of belonging
• Implement inquiry-based and constructivist instructional practices
• Value families as essential partners in student success
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and engage in continuous professional growth

Essential Responsibilities

The elementary classroom teacher will:

• Plan and deliver engaging, student-centered instruction
• Design interdisciplinary and project-based learning experiences that integrate the arts and core content
• Facilitate a classroom environment where students think deeply, set goals, and take ownership of their learning
• Use assessments and data to inform instruction and support student growth
• Build a positive classroom community and support student behavior effectively
• Maintain strong communication and relationships with students and families
• Provide timely feedback on student learning and development
• Collaborate with colleagues, art/music teachers, and community partners to integrate the arts
• Participate actively in professional learning, reflection, and coaching

What Success Looks Like in This Role

In this role, a successful AFIA teacher:

• Creates a joyful, engaging classroom where students actively think, question, and collaborate
• Designs project learning experiences that integrate the arts and academic content
• Builds strong relationships with students and families that support student growth and well-being
• Uses student data and reflection to continually strengthen instruction
• Collaborates with colleagues to improve teaching practice and support all learners
• Contributes to a positive, reflective school culture focused on continuous learning

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Missouri certification in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education, or eligibility to obtain certification
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching

Preferred Experience

• Experience with teaching through projects, inquiry-based instruction, or constructivist teaching
• Experience integrating the arts into academic instruction
• Experience working in diverse or urban school communities
• Familiarity with restorative practices or responsive classroom approaches

Salary and Benefits

• Minimum starting salary for certified first-year teachers: $50,500
• Medical benefits
• Kansas City Public School Retirement System (KCPSRS) participation
• Ongoing, job-embedded professional development and coaching
• Opportunities for collaboration and teacher leadership
• Professional learning in arts integration and interdisciplinary teaching

Start Date: August 1, 2026

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To apply, submit:

• Resume
• Brief cover letter
• Three professional references

Questions about the position may be directed to: Tricia DeGraff, Executive Director (View email address on click.appcast.io)