The Long-Term Substitute Teacher is responsible for maintaining instructional continuity by implementing lesson plans and curriculum tailored to students' individual needs. Key duties include managing classroom behavior, collaborating with support staff, and monitoring student progress to drive academic achievement.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in education or a related field and possess or be pursuing an IL state professional educator (PEL) or substitute teaching credential. Prior experience in alternative education, special education, or behavioral health settings is preferred.
Ombudsman Educational Services [https://careers.chancelight.com/ombudsman-educational-services/], a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Long-Term Substitute Teacher to join our award-winning Alternative Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!
If you excel in dynamic, ever-changing learning environments, are energized by supporting students who benefit from structure and second chances, and bring adaptability, resilience, strong classroom management skills, and a healthy sense of humor to your work — We Should Talk! 📲
As a Long-Term Substitute Teacher, you are accountable for driving measurable student achievement by consistently executing instructional practices aligned with ChanceLight standards and Ombudsman policies. In the absence of the regular classroom teacher, you 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 Include
Designing daily lesson plans and structured classroom schedules that align with state standards and school expectations while maintaining instructional momentum.
Delivering rigorous, engaging instruction and facilitating classroom activities using curriculum resources and educational technology to maximize student growth.
Collaborating with teachers and support staff to provide targeted instructional support and approved curriculum modifications that address diverse learner needs.
Establishing and enforcing clear behavioral expectations to ensure a safe, structured, and productive learning environment while maintaining consistent line-of-sight supervision of assigned students.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Telehealth
Paid Holiday Schedule
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Health Advocacy Services
Growth & Development Opportunities
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Nurse Line
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies Healthy Babies Program
Virtual Counseling Sessions
Personal Protection Insurance
Personal and Life Event Paid Leave
Maintaining a firm, fair, and consistent instructional approach grounded in structure, accountability, and high expectations.
Communicating regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, areas for improvement, and external factors that may influence academic performance.
Participating actively in team meetings to address student-specific academic or behavioral concerns and to align on intervention strategies.
Monitoring and evaluating student progress through systematic review of classroom data, documentation systems, and performance metrics.
Staying current with research-based practices, subject-area advancements, and professional development opportunities to strengthen instructional impact.
Modeling professionalism and positivity for students while responding constructively to formal and informal feedback to support continuous growth.
Performing additional duties as assigned to support seamless classroom operations and sustained student success.
‖ Qualifications Required
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 professional educator (PEL) credential.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a valid IL state substitute teaching credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in curriculum development, differentiation and instruction; 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 and working with students with diverse needs at various levels preferred.
Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
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.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
Ombudsman Educational Services [https://chancelight.com/locations/brands/ombudsman/] is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education [https://chancelight.com], the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!
> 💻 Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we > provide by visiting the link below: >
At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!
‖ Perks and Benefits Include
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!
If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Illinois substitute teacher roles are typically in steady demand because schools need flexible coverage for daily absences and short-term staffing gaps. These openings can be competitive when districts require an Associate’s degree or 60+ credit hours, student experience, and a valid Illinois Substitute Teaching or Paraprofessional license; reimbursement for licensure can help offset that barrier. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your transcript, experience, and license status before applying.
