Teacher, Alternative Education

Starting Salary: $60,000 - $80,000 /year based on experience PLUS $2,500 Sign-on Bonus!

Environment: Alternative Education Program, Grades 6-12 

a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a 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 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.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• 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.

 

 

‖ 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, classroom management, differentiated instruction and personalized learning in an education setting.
• Prior teaching experience at a middle and/or high school grade level; 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 at various levels.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• 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.

 

is the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. 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.

Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

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! 

Learn more about the perks and benefits we provide by checking out our digital brochure:

‖ 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

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

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

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

Skills

Preferred

• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Crisis Intervention
• Classroom Management
• Classroom Instruction
• Computer Skills
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Student Development
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
• Behavioral Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Performance Motivation
• Student Engagement
• Personalized Instruction
• Lesson Planning
• Communication
• Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Interdepartmental Collaboration
• Interpersonal Skills
• Problem Solving
• Emotional Disturbance
• Effective Teaching Strategies
• Differentiated Instruction
• Alternative Education
• Middle School Education
• High School Education
• Behavioral Intervention

Behaviors

Preferred

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

Motivations

Preferred

• 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.