Physical Education Teacher
Nexus Family Healing·Manteno, Illinois
Nexus Family Healing·Manteno, Illinois
The Physical Education Teacher delivers tailored instruction and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for youth in residential care. Responsibilities include adapting lesson plans, managing behavioral challenges using crisis intervention techniques, and collaborating with clinical staff.
Description Nexus Family Healing is hiring a Physical Education Teacher for Safe Harbor School at our Manteno, IL location! Enjoy small class sizes, full-time Teaching Assistants in every classroom, and support from Behavior and Residential Staff throughout the school day. Join a team that values collaboration, care, and student success. Apply today!
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit with over 45 years of experience restoring hope for children and families through mental health services, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment. At Nexus Family Healing in Manteno, IL, youth in residential care attend Safe Harbor School, an accredited special education program for grades 6–12, offering individualized curricula with transferable credits upon discharge.
At Nexus Family Healing, we embrace diversity, promote equity, and foster inclusion. As a national mental health organization, we serve a diverse group of youth and families, and we strive for our workforce to support and represent that diversity.
Four weeks paid time off (PTO) in the first year of employment Multiple options for health insurance coverage No-cost life insurance Short/long-term disability insurance 401k match NEW – Talkspace Therapy Benefit for the whole family NEW – Hinge Health Benefit for the whole family NEW – Carrot Fertility Benefit Tuition assistance and training opportunities Advancement pathways and internal promotion And much more!
Our Physical Education Teacher provides educational instruction through a variety of accepted teaching techniques while employing behavior management strategies that will ensure the effective and efficient implementation of assigned individual students’ IEPs. Primary responsibilities: Assess student needs and progress; deliver physical education instruction tailored to age, ability, and emotional/behavioral challenges. Prepare and adapt lesson plans to meet individual and group needs; support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. Stay current with effective teaching strategies for youth in residential treatment; provide progress assessments and adjust instruction accordingly. Maintain a positive, structured classroom environment; model respectful communication and uphold Nexus values. Apply approved crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques; collaborate with academic and clinical staff to address behavioral concerns. Foster student responsibility and recognize achievements; communicate progress and challenges to the treatment team. Integrate cultural diversity into instruction; maintain confidentiality per licensing and HIPAA guidelines. Participate in IEP development, testing, and team meetings; support Nexus’s treatment philosophy through ongoing training and collaboration. Other Recognize and value cultural differences in all aspects of work and service delivery.
Required Education and Licensure: Bachelor’s degree in an educational discipline is required. Active Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in physical education. Valid driver’s license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements Must successfully pass an IL DCFS criminal background check. Successfully participate and complete a three-part Therapeutic Crisis Intervention exam and training Must have the ability to build strong relationships with diverse individuals or communities and understand their unique needs and challenges. Must be open to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values. Preferred Education and Experience: 2 years previous teaching experience preferred. Active teacher’s licensure/certification specialization in the areas of EBD, LD, SED and TMH. Work Environment: Must be able to assist staff in physical and non-physical interventions with residents. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100+ pounds with assistance. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2-4 hours). Must be able to twist, bend and stretch in a manner conducive to the execution of daily activities within a school. ICARE Values & Behavioral Competencies: Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches.
Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern.
Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly.
Being quick, positive, and accurate.
Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards.
At Nexus Family Healing, our voices and actions will be focused on recognizing, affirming and respecting people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith.
Market context
Illinois schools continue to hire Physical Education Teachers to support student wellness, motor-skill development, and state-aligned health instruction. This role is competitive because districts typically look for a Bachelor’s degree, an active Illinois Professional Educator License with physical education endorsements, and clear background-check eligibility; relocation and tuition assistance can also make offers more appealing. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save time, then confirm your PEL status and prepare examples of classroom management and activity-based instruction.