ESL Teacher at The Connect Academy – Carol Stream, Illinois

General Education Teacher Job Description

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