CTE Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

North Cook ISC is officially certified as a "Great Place to Work!"

North Cook Intermediate Service Center operates an alternative school, North Cook Young Adult Academy (NCYAA) . NCYAA is a Regional Safe School Program (RSSP) that embraces second chances through alternative educational opportunities for students in grades 6-12. Dedicated to providing a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all learners, NCYAA promotes Social-emotional growth through a focus on the five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills. Academics are centered around students’ individual differences, strengths, and challenges. North Cook Young Adult Academy empowers students to develop respect and responsibility for themselves and their communities. The focus of our program is for students to become lifelong learners and positive contributors to the community. 

Description: The CTE Work-Based Learning Teacher is responsible for delivering high-quality career and technical education instruction while coordinating and facilitating structured work-based learning experiences for students in grades 6 through 12. This role develops and implements classroom and workplace learning aligned to career pathways, prepares students for career readiness, and ensures compliance with Illinois CTE and Work-Based Learning standards. The teacher will foster partnerships with employers and the community, monitor student performance in work settings, and support students’ transition from school to career or post-secondary pathways.

Supervisor: Principal - NYCAA

Work Schedule: 185 days

FLSA status: Exempt

Retirement : TRS

Essential Duties:

Instruction (PACE-Aligned):

• Teach Career & Technical Education courses using the PACE Framework, emphasizing problem-based, authentic, career-connected, and experiential learning experiences.
• Design and implement instructional plans that integrate classroom instruction with real-world, work-based learning opportunities aligned to student career pathways.
• Develop problem-based learning experiences that require students to apply academic, technical, and employability skills to real workplace challenges.
• Deliver authentic instruction grounded in industry standards, workplace expectations, and real labor-market applications.
• Provide career-connected learning that links instruction to specific career pathways, credentials, and post-secondary opportunities.
• Facilitate experiential learning through internships, job shadowing, simulations, project-based learning, and other applied learning experiences.
• Prepare supplemental instructional materials that connect academic content to technical skills and workplace competencies.
• Use research-based instructional strategies to support skill development, employability, and career readiness.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students and ensure equitable access to CTE and work-based learning opportunities.
• Assess student learning using performance-based assessments tied to PACE-aligned outcomes, workplace competencies, and career readiness indicators.
• Actively engage students in reflective practices that connect classroom learning to workplace experiences and career goals.

Work-Based Learning Coordination:

• Establish and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, and industry representatives to support student placements and quality work experiences.
• Coordinate student placements, ensure appropriate onboarding, and monitor student performance at work sites.
• Facilitate workplace experiences such as internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and other applied learning activities that align with the Work-Based Learning continuum.
• Communicate regularly with employers, students, and families regarding expectations, performance, and outcomes.
• Ensure all work-based learning experiences meet safety and legal guidelines.
• Track and document student workplace performance data and work-based learning outcomes.

Postsecondary & Dual Enrollment Coordination:

• Work closely and collaboratively with the School Academic Counselor to coordinate postsecondary dual enrollment and articulated credit opportunities aligned with student career pathways and Work-Based Learning programming.
• Serve, in partnership with the Academic Counselor, as a liaison between NCYAA, postsecondary institutions, and community partners to support dual credit and early college initiatives.
• Support student enrollment in approved dual credit courses by working with the Academic Counselor to assist with applications, placement requirements, eligibility verification, and registration processes.
• Collaborate with the Academic Counselor, administrators, and postsecondary partners to ensure all dual enrollment courses meet Illinois Dual Credit Quality Act requirements and institutional standards.
• Monitor student progress and performance in dual enrollment coursework and communicate regularly with students, families, the Academic Counselor, and postsecondary partners.
• Maintain accurate and compliant records related to student participation, credit attainment, and reporting requirements in coordination with the Academic Counselor.
• Support students, alongside the Academic Counselor, in understanding postsecondary expectations, academic rigor, and transition skills required for college success.
• Participate jointly with the Academic Counselor in meetings, training, and professional development related to dual credit, postsecondary partnerships, and career pathway alignment.
• Assist the Academic Counselor in evaluating, improving, and expanding dual enrollment opportunities to increase equitable access for all students.

Qualifications: 

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a CTE endorsement or an Educator License with Stipulations – Career & Technical Education (ELS-CTE) is required. Documentation of appropriate industry experience and/or coursework as required by ISBE for CTE licensing must be maintained.
• Work-Based Learning designation or willingness to obtain it as required for coordination of WBL experiences.
• Documented experience and/or expertise in the CTE career area to be taught and applied in work-based settings.
• Strong knowledge of CTE instructional strategies, career pathways, and work-based learning practices.
• Experience building partnerships with employers and community stakeholders is highly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and learning management systems for instructional planning, communication, and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations, families, and staff.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office for instructional planning and communication.

Physical Demands:

In performing the duties of a Teacher - NYCAA the following physical demands are typical:

• Sedentary to Light Physical Activity: The role involves frequent sitting, working at a desk, and using a computer, as well as attending meetings. Standing, walking, and moving around to locations in the school occurs regularly. NOTE: For PE teachers, the role requires the ability to be outside and using and demonstrating use of standard PE equipment such as balls, weights, etc.
• Mobility: Ability to move between classrooms and other areas, attend meetings, including off-site meetings is required. This may include some walking and climbing stairs. PE teachers will have significantly more mobility requirements than classroom teachers.
• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 10 pounds, such as documents, briefcases, or small equipment. This typically involves light to moderate physical effort. PE teachers must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and must be able to lift and carry standard PE equipment on a daily basis.
• Reaching and Grasping: Regular use of hands and arms to handle documents, operate office equipment, and conduct presentations. PE teachers must be able to demonstrate use of standard PE equipment.
• Visual Acuity: Requires good vision for reviewing reports, analyzing data, and using computer screens.
• Communication: Frequent verbal communication is necessary, including delivering presentations and instruction and interacting with team members and parents. Must also be able to hear and respond to verbal communications in a variety of settings.

Accommodation Statement: North Cook ISC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Director of Human Resources to discuss your needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: NCISC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Full-time (10 month) employees of the North Cook Intermediate Service Center are eligible for the following benefits:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance (PPO, High Deductible, or HMO) at no cost for the covered employee. Dependent coverage is available at a cost share.
• Metlife dental insurance at no cost for the covered employee (dependent coverage is available at a cost share).
• Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension system.
• Life insurance at 1x annual salary + $50,000 AD&D insurance.
• 10 paid sick days per year.
• 2 personal days per year.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 403b/457b retirement savings plans available.
• Some positions are eligible for tuition reimbursement.
• TRS enrollment required.