EDUCATOR OPT. B (LANGUAGE ARTS)

State of Illinois; Illinois; On-site; USD 67,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a dedicated Educator to teach Language Arts to youth in custody, applying developmentally appropriate teaching methods and working with principals, teachers, counselors, and administrators to support student progress.

The role requires ISBE PEL for Language Arts (Secondary). In-person schedule, with standard school hours and regular meetings, is expected; strong behavioral management and diagnostic test experience are a plus.

Qualifications

• Requires possession of a current and valid Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educator License (PEL) with Secondary Education, Grades 9-12, in Language Arts.

Responsibilities

• Administers classroom and individual instruction in the assigned subject area(s).
• Develops curricula for each teaching subject within Core Curriculum policy.
• Develops examination tools to measure student strengths, weaknesses, and progress.

Skills

Behavior modification principles

Educational support to students with E

Evaluating students with tools/program

Staff training & development

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Education

ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) – Secondary Education, Language Arts

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Title: EDUCATOR, OPT. B (LANGUAGE ARTS)

Job Requisition ID:58741
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/20/2026
Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice
Class Title:EDUCATOR - 13100
Skill Option:High School
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,044/mo; Full Salary Range - $6,044-$10,645/mo
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Tues-Thurs 7am-5pm; Friday 7am-4:30pm; Sat/Sun/Mon/Holidays off
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 10940 Lawrence Rd, Sumner, Illinois, 62466
Work County: Lawrence
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger - something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule - flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a motivated and passionate Educator to join our team! The ideal candidate for this position will have a passion for instructing students in their assigned curriculum area by utilizing developmental teaching methods and techniques that are current with teaching methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to set student goals, implement behavioral techniques and goals, work with the school principal, fellow teachers, administrators, and counselors while providing supportive supervision. If you meet the requirements and have previous experience preparing and executing diagnostic test instruments, evaluating testing on a follow-up basis, gauging the rate and scope of students’ progress, and maximizing student potential than this opportunity is for you.

Essential Functions:

• Under general supervision, administers classroom and individual instruction to participating youth in the assigned subject area(s).
• Within the purview of the Core Curriculum policy, develops curricula for each assigned teaching subject.
• Develops examination tools designed to measure each students’ strengths, weaknesses, and progress.
• Prepares and keeps detailed records and reports on attendance, achievement, and individual progress and needs of the students.
• Directs students in recreational, social, or other extracurricular activities.
• Attends and participates in discussion and planning at regular teachers’ meetings, including counselor-teacher meetings, team meetings, and staff development.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires possession of a current and valid Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educator License (PEL) with Secondary Education, Grades 9-12, in Language Arts.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance):

• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience implementing behavior modification principles.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience implementing educational support to students with extreme and profound emotional impairments.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience evaluating students by utilizing provided tools and/or programs to assist in behavioral objective creation.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience evaluating students’ individual educational needs.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience guiding and directing staff regarding the necessary training and educational development of a student.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience with Microsoft Word and/or equivalent computer software.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience with Microsoft Excel and/or equivalent computer software.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience with Microsoft Outlook and/or equivalent computer software.

Conditions of Employment:

• Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Requires ability to use the English language in preparing and delivering instructions.
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties and to attend meetings, conferences, and other events as required.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties listed in the job description.

About the Agency:

The mission of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is to build youth skills and strengthen families by promoting community safety and positive youth outcomes. Over 900 staff members from across various departments- security, programming, education, mental health, and more- collaborate with the understanding that youth are physically, emotionally, and cognitively different from adults. The department provides extensive services to young people through a developmental, treatment-focused model of care that builds youth resiliency, engages families, and promotes community safety at the five youth facilities it operates across the state. IDJJ serves and houses approximately 150 youth and is responsible for approximately 500 youth on Aftercare in various Illinois’ communities.

The Department of Juvenile Justice offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid parental leave
• Pre-tax benefits programs including but not limited to: Deferred Compensation, Medical, Daycare, etc.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn ten (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to twenty-five (25) paid Vacation Days annually (based on years of service)
• Employees earn three (3) paid Personal Days annually (pro-rated based on start date)
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas (remote workmaybe an option for certain positions)

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).