Substitute Teacher, Long-Term

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! ðŸ“²

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.

  
  


• 
  

  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 is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, 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:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

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!

Careers, With ChanceLight 💙 Work. With Purpose.

^{Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company  *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.}