Substitute Teacher, Long-Term

Starting rate: $20 - $25/hour based on experience. Environment: Special Education Program, Grades 5-12.

About the role

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking a Long-Term Substitute Teacher to join our award-winning Special Education team. In this role, you will drive measurable student achievement by executing instructional practices aligned with ChanceLight standards and policies. You will ensure instructional continuity by implementing curriculum, classroom schedules, lesson plans, and related materials tailored to each student’s individual needs, while considering state requirements and students’ physical, emotional, and academic levels of development.

Responsibilities

• Design daily lesson plans and structured classroom schedules that align with state standards and school expectations while maintaining instructional momentum.
• Deliver rigorous, engaging instruction and facilitate classroom activities using curriculum resources and educational technology to maximize student growth.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to provide targeted instructional support and approved curriculum modifications that address diverse learner needs.
• Establish and enforce clear behavioral expectations to ensure a safe, structured, and productive learning environment while maintaining consistent line-of-sight supervision of assigned students.
• Maintain a firm, fair, and consistent instructional approach grounded in structure, accountability, and high expectations.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, areas for improvement, and external factors that may influence academic performance.
• Participate actively in team meetings to address student-specific academic or behavioral concerns and to align on intervention strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate student progress through systematic review of classroom data, documentation systems, and performance metrics.
• Stay current with research-based practices, subject-area advancements, and professional development opportunities to strengthen instructional impact.
• Model professionalism and positivity for students while responding constructively to formal and informal feedback to support continuous growth.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support seamless classroom operations and sustained student success.

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 substitute teaching credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a special education instruction credential preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience providing instruction, guidance, and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services, curriculum development, differentiation, and instruction in a classroom setting.
• Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• 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.
• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
• Advanced oral and written communication, 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.

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 Savings Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development

Pay

$20 - $25/hour based on experience.

Schedule

School hours and paid holiday schedule.