Lead Teacher - Education Center Director

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership to support student achievement and effective site operations by supervising staff, implementing performance management systems, and promoting professional growth.
• Participate in recruitment and hiring processes to build and sustain a high-performing site team.
• Provide staff supervision by coaching, mentoring, and developing employees while monitoring performance and fostering continuous improvement.
• Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment by monitoring site operations, addressing/reporting incidents, and enforcing safety protocols.
• Maintain compliance with state, district, and contractual requirements, and ensure all staff are fully knowledgeable of success criteria and regulations.
• Represent the program at community, district, and local levels to strengthen partnerships and promote the organization’s mission.
• Instruct, monitor, and evaluate teachers and students in the use of curriculum, instructional strategies, and learning tools to ensure fidelity and effectiveness.
• Guide teachers in the development of classroom schedules, student data systems, and transition plans to ensure alignment with individual student goals.
• Consult with and support teachers in building student skills in social development, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of student progress in compliance with legal, company, and district policies.
• Compile and analyze assessment data to monitor student growth, inform instructional practices, and drive targeted interventions.
• Promote positive student behavior by implementing consistent practices, applying policies fairly, and supporting restorative or disciplinary interventions when necessary.
• Provide counseling, encouragement, and guidance to students experiencing academic or personal challenges.
• Participate in accreditation and quality assurance processes to ensure the site consistently meets or exceeds performance standards.
• Keep current with research-based practices and organization-wide initiatives, including professional development in behavior management and instructional best practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall success of students, staff, and the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.
• Master's degree or higher in educational leadership or a closely related field of study preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state professional educator (PEL) credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state administrative endorsement or related credential preferred.
• Minimum 1 year prior educational leadership experience, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in alternative educational services for at-risk students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in the development, assessment, and management of curriculum, content areas and instruction.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or district partners.
• Advanced skill in providing training, professional development and/or coaching to teachers and education staff.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and performance motivation ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
• Skilled leader who exhibits the characteristics of servant leadership, looking to the needs of the team and seeking to help solve problems and promote personal development.

Perks and Benefits

• 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!