English Teacher

Starting Salary: $58,000 - $63,000 /year based on experience

Environment: Alternative Education Program, Grades 9-12

, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an English Teacher   to join our award-winning Alternative Education team 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 energized by a purposeful career, enjoy working in a collaborative, goal-driven environment, and possess exceptional problem-solving skills, a positive mindset, and an unwavering commitment to student growth — We Should Talk!

As an English Teacher , you will play a pivotal role in shaping the success of students in Grades 9-12 by implementing proven instructional strategies aligned with ChanceLight Education methodologies and Ombudsman policies. Your role includes delivering targeted instruction, utilizing innovative curriculum resources, integrating educational software, and creating comprehensive lesson plans and schedules tailored to the diverse physical, emotional, and educational needs of each student, in alignment with state and school standards.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Delivering impactful, engaging instruction using diverse curriculum materials and advanced educational software tools tailored to student needs.
• Developing comprehensive daily lesson plans and structured classroom schedules that align with state guidelines and school requirements, ensuring clarity and consistency.
• Collaborating closely with special education teachers and support staff to effectively differentiate instruction, ensuring all students receive the accommodations necessary for success.
• Implementing clear behavioral standards and classroom management practices to establish a structured, safe, and conducive learning environment.
• Communicating regularly and proactively with parents and guardians to discuss student progress, challenges, achievements, and to address any external factors influencing student performance.
• Participating actively in team meetings to collaboratively address student needs, resolve concerns, and strengthen the educational support network for students and their families.
• Assessing and tracking student progress consistently through robust classroom data collection and analysis to inform instructional practices and interventions.
• Staying current with the latest research-based educational practices, innovations, and advancements within your subject area to continually enhance instructional quality.
• Responding constructively to both formal evaluations and informal feedback, fostering an ongoing commitment to professional development and growth.
• Contributing positively to the broader educational community by performing additional responsibilities as assigned, supporting Ombudsman's overall mission and student success.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• 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; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in alternative educational services and/or working with at-risk students with diverse needs at various levels preferred.
• Prior experience teaching English or a related field of study at a high school level.
• 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.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.  
• Advanced oral and written communication, instruction, curriculum, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

As a vital part of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education , a nationally recognized leader in alternative and special education programs for children and young adults, we are committed to changing the lives of children by providing them with the opportunity to create successful, independent futures. Operating a variety of specialized program centers, we partner with more than 235 school districts nationwide to provide instructional and behavioral services in a safe, trusting environment where students can achieve their full potential.

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a  Chance to transform lives through education! 

‖ Perks and Benefits Include:  

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance 
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off 
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your   Chance ! 

Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.

Education

• Bachelors or better in Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• IL - Profl Educator - PEL
• Subject - English
• Ed - High School
• Crisis Prevention Inst

Skills

• Alternative Education
• High School Education
• Working With At-Risk Students
• Personalized Instruction
• Classroom Management
• Computer Skills
• Student Development
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Crisis Intervention
• Performance Motivation
• Student Engagement
• Lesson Planning
• Classroom Instruction
• Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Student Re-Engagement
• Emotional Disturbance
• Behavioral Support
• Problem Solving
• Teaching Specialty - English

Behaviors

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.