Educator-Career And Technical

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is seeking a dedicated, innovative, and student-centered Career and Technical Educator to join our team and inspire the youth in our care through meaningful career exploration and workforce development within a structured, security-minded environment. This rewarding opportunity allows you to combine technical expertise with a passion for teaching and helping youth develop the academic, technical, and employability skills needed for successful transitions into their communities. The Career and Technical Educator will deliver engaging, hands-on instruction that promotes problem-solving, responsibility, teamwork, and career readiness while promoting a classroom culture built on respect, consistency, and high standards. Working alongside education, behavioral health, and security professionals, you will play an essential role in supporting each student's individual growth and guiding them to recognize their potential. Through relationship-centered, trauma-informed instructional practices, you will create an environment where students feel encouraged to take academic risks, build confidence, develop resilience, and experience success. If you are passionate about career and technical education, believe in the transformative power of learning and are committed to preparing youth for future educational and employment opportunities upon release, we want to you to join our team. IDJJ encourages all qualified and interested educators to apply! 

Essential Functions

• Teaches assigned students vocational subjects.


• Observes and evaluates each students learning potential and progress by administering appropriate educational and vocational/career achievement tests.


• Prepares a system of inventory control and supply and equipment maintenance.


• Prepares and keeps detailed records and reports on attendance achievement and individual progress and needs of the students.


• Participates and provides leadership when requested in workshops related training and professional meetings to further acquire skills and knowledge of current and developing concepts related to education in general as well as career/technical concepts and ideas.


• Counsels and guides students regarding meaningful educational career/technical vocational and occupational subject matter. 


• Performs other duties as required and/or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualification

• Requires possession of a current, valid Educator License with Stipulations issued by Illinois State Board of Education ISBE appropriately endorsed for Career Technical Educator and each grade level, content area and instructional area approved and assigned to work

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers at least 2 years of experience implementing practices, methods, tools, and materials of one of the trades commonly taught in career and technical education.


• Prefers at least 2 years of experience implementing and creating classroom procedures and techniques for instructing students.


• Prefers at least 2 years of experience communicating with, and teaching, individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities.


• Prefers at least 2 years of experience working with at risk individuals with a wide range of behavior.


• Prefers at least 1 year of previous experience maintaining discipline, safety, and an effective learning environment with at risk youth.


• Prefers at least 1 year of previous experience utilizing tools, materials and equipment associated with the trade.


• Prefers at least 1 year of experience instructing students in the proper, safe, and skillful use of provided tools, materials, and equipment.


• Prefers at least 1 year of previous professional working experience preparing reports.


• Prefers at least 1 year of previous working experience evaluating training progress using suitable performance measures.


• Prefers previous experience maintaining effective relationships between at risk individuals, staff, and families.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.


• Requires the ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee regardless of position held is prohibited.


• Requires the aility to use the English language in preparing and delivering instructions.


• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.


• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.

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

Benefits