Lead Teacher

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is excited to begin its hiring process for the Excel Center. For those less familiar with the Excel Center, it provides a tuition-free education for adults seeking to obtain a high school diploma.  The Excel Center model was created by the Goodwill in Indianapolis in 2010, and has since grown to 47 schools across 10 states and Washington D.C.  Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois will open the first Excel Center in Illinois in Fall 2025. We are currently seeking to hire the Lead Teacher.

The Lead Teacher holds primary responsibility for the ongoing development, implementation, and assessment of The Excel Center’s instructional delivery. They provide instructional leadership to teachers, coaches, and administrative support staff at The Excel Center. The Lead Teacher will work effectively across the organization to make certain that students are supported in a way that ensures success both academically and in alignment with post-secondary goals.

The responsibilities and essential functions will include:

Academic Expertise 

• Participates in the development of overall educational strategies for the Excel Center, including but not limited to design and implementation of curriculum and systems to assess student outcomes.
• Teaches at least one core class to model instructional excellence for staff.
• Prior experience with online learning preferred.
• Effective classroom management techniques.
• Demonstrates proficient use of engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of Response to Intervention (RTI) or Multi Level Systems of Support ( MLSS).

Student Experience

• Demonstrates a relentless drive to improve education and career outcomes for all Excel Center students.
• Works effectively across the organization to link ancillary academic services to students.
• Works in collaboration with Director and Lead Coach to execute effective course scheduling within Synergy, student management system. 
• Provides identification of internal and external academic support for all students.

Staff Leadership & Management

•  Provides supervision and development of teaching staff.
• Trains, orients, and updates instructional staff on course sequence, curricular systems, and key instructional issues.
• Helps teachers develop instructional strategies and intervention plans that support growth and increase achievement among struggling students.
• Observes and coaches teachers daily; contributes to Director evaluations.
• Ensures access to and participation in high-quality internal and external professional development for instructional staff.

School Leadership 

• Serves on the leadership team.
• Attends and contributes to all team and professional development meetings.

Administrative 

• Performs other related duties as required and assigned regarding administration, planning and coordinating.
• Provided in-depth analysis of learning outcomes.

The above-listed responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties required.  Incumbents will be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

The qualifications and basic job requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in subject specialty required with a minimum of two years of teaching experience post-licensing, three-five years of experience preferred.
• Illinois Teaching License required
• Two or more years working in classrooms and coaching teachers, preferably with high-need students.
• Strong organizational skills; extremely careful attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to analyze data for informed decision making.
• Strong communication skills; ability to communicate direct feedback in a compelling way that empowers teachers to make immediate improvements to instruction.
• Ability to work well in a team; ability to bridge and enhance professional learning communities.
• Ability to create, monitor, and maintain systems that enhance organizational efficiency.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed.
• Effective presentation skills along with an inspiring presence.
• Has working knowledge of computer programs: Google applications (specifically Gmail), Excel, and Word
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
• Must be able to work year-round following the Excel Center school calendar with breaks built in.

We look forward to receiving your resume and letter of interest regarding this position. 

Goodwill offers competitive pay and benefits along with our positive working culture and flexible work environment. The pay range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000 per year. Goodwill's Excel Center operates on a 12-month schedule with scheduled breaks. Key benefits are listed below –

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision insurance, basic and voluntary life insurance as well as short-term disability and employee assistance program.
• Financial Security: Competitive salary and contributions to the Illinois Teacher's Retirement System.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, and scheduled breaks.
• Professional Growth: Training programs, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement opportunities.
• Perks & Extras: Employee discounts, and a supportive, inclusive workplace.

Thank you for your interest in working at Goodwill.  We commit to providing each applicant a hiring experience that allows you to bring your authentic self to the table. If you need an alternative method to apply this for position, please contact Goodwill's Human Resource Department at SharethaH@goodwillni.org.

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000