Teacher, Alternative Education

ChanceLight Programs•Harvard, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Teacher to join our award-winning Alternative Education team for the 2026-2027 School Year and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction! If you're passionate about empowering students with diverse learning needs, thrive in a collaborative and dynamic educational environment, and bring creativity, patience, a solution-focused mindset, a sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to student growth — We Should Talk! As a Teacher, you are first and foremost responsible for increasing student achievement in Grades 6-12 by consistently implementing instructional practices and strategies that align with ChanceLight’s mission and policies. Your role centers on delivering impactful instruction, leveraging innovative curriculum resources, utilizing educational software, and designing purposeful lesson plans and schedules tailored to the diverse physical, emotional, and academic needs of every student—all while maintaining compliance with state and school standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a valid IL state professional educator (PEL) credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience working with curriculum development, differentiation and instruction in an education and/or classroom setting.
Prior teaching experience in relevant grade level and/or subject matter; preferably in an alternative, special education or behavioral health program setting.
Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders and/or other related disabilities.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
Proven success in developing and implementing effective education plans for students with diverse needs.
Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
Advanced oral and written communication, instruction, curriculum, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Responsibilities

Delivering high-impact, engaging instruction that incorporates diverse curriculum materials and cutting-edge educational technology tailored to individual student profiles.
Developing comprehensive, structured daily lesson plans and classroom schedules that meet state standards and school expectations, promoting clarity, continuity, and academic focus.
Collaborating intentionally with special education staff and support personnel to differentiate instruction effectively and ensure equitable access to learning for all students.
Implementing consistent behavior expectations and proactive classroom management strategies that foster a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment.
Communicating consistently and thoughtfully with parents and guardians to share progress updates, celebrate successes, address challenges, and align on strategies that influence student achievement.
Participating meaningfully in team meetings to strategize around student support, troubleshoot concerns, and reinforce a collaborative approach to holistic education.
Assessing student growth through continuous data collection and analysis to inform instructional decisions, drive interventions, and personalize learning outcomes.
Staying informed about the latest evidence-based educational practices, innovations, and trends in your subject area to continuously elevate instructional excellence.
Responding proactively to formal evaluations and informal feedback as opportunities for reflection, growth, and enhanced professional effectiveness.
Contributing positively to the school community by embracing additional responsibilities as assigned, supporting the broader ChanceLight mission, and championing student success.