The Connect Academy·Carol Stream, Illinois
The General Education Teacher delivers standards-aligned academic instruction within a therapeutic environment while integrating social-emotional learning and behavior support. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to implement IEPs and foster a safe, engaging classroom for diverse student needs.
Description ReConnect serves general education students as an alternative setting, often in lieu of expulsion.
All provide comprehensive therapeutic services to address social-emotional and functional needs to support access to learning in addition to standards-based academics.
This position is for the 26-27 School Year with a start date of August 10th.
The Connect Academy is an organization with multiple campuses.
All campuses have open positions posted for the next year.
Connect Academy Carol Stream is a PreK-8 building servicing students with challenging, sometimes aggressive behaviors.
The High School campus is located in Addison.
The Lombard location serves PreK-3 students with autism who are nonverbal/minimally verbal as a bridge to public elementary school.
General Education Teacher
Employment Type: Full-time | Exempt Reports To: Site Administrator Mission: The mission of our program is to provide our students with a high quality of education that offers instruction in both academic and social/emotional realms. The purpose of the academy is to provide students with social/emotional/behavioral issues a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program. Through hands-on instructional experiences, as well as a therapeutic approach in art, music, and movement, the program is designated to meet all of the needs of this diverse student population. Job Summary: The General Education Teacher is responsible for delivering standards-aligned academic instruction within a structured, therapeutic learning environment. This role emphasizes the integration of social-emotional learning, behavior support, and career readiness into daily instruction. The teacher collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to support each student’s growth, using differentiated instruction, trauma-informed practices, and relationship-based strategies. The General Education Teacher fosters a safe, respectful, and engaging classroom environment that promotes resilience, accountability, skill development, and long-term success. Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following: Plans and delivers standards-based instruction aligned to grade-level expectations, while differentiating to meet the diverse academic needs of students. Integrates social-emotional learning, executive functioning skills, and career exploration into daily instruction to support whole-child development. Collaborates with special education staff to support the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accommodations, and modifications within the general education setting. Uses ongoing formative and summative assessment data to monitor student progress, adjust instruction, and provide targeted interventions. Employs a variety of instructional strategies, including hands-on, project-based, and experiential learning, to engage students and promote real-world application of skills. Works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team (e.g., social workers, behavior specialists, related service providers) to support student growth across academic and social-emotional domains. Creates and maintains a structured, predictable, and supportive classroom environment that fosters safety, engagement, and positive relationships. Implements classroom behavior management systems aligned with school-wide expectations and individualized behavior support plans. Utilizes trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, and restorative approaches to support students with emotional and behavioral needs. Supports students in developing self-regulation, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Incorporates career awareness, life skills, and future planning into instruction to help students build a clear and positive path forward. Maintains accurate and timely records of student progress, attendance, grades, and behavioral data as required. Communicates regularly and professionally with parents/guardians regarding student progress, achievements, and areas of need. Provides guidance, direction, and support to paraprofessionals and classroom support staff as assigned. Participates in team meetings, professional learning communities, and ongoing professional development focused on instructional practices, trauma-informed care, and student support strategies. Completes all school and state reporting requirements accurately and in a timely manner. Other duties, as assigned.
Benefits: Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance 401(k) Match Paid Holidays Paid Time Off
License/Certification: Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License in at least one content area OR ESL/Bilingual (Required) Ability to support instruction in all content areas (Required) Other Requirements: Background Check, Physical Exam
Market context
Illinois classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially in districts seeking candidates who can support diverse student needs and communicate clearly with families and staff. This type of role is competitive because employers often look for classroom experience plus related backgrounds such as sociology, psychology, counseling, or education, and bilingual skills in English, Spanish, or Portuguese can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your resume to highlight public speaking experience and weekend availability if you have it.