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Distance Education Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Swim Instructor

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Education and Experience: Basic knowledge of swim strokes and techniques. Must be at least 15 years ... Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision ...

Swim Instructor

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Education and Experience: Basic knowledge of swim strokes and techniques. Must be at least 15 years ... Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision ...

Swim Instructor

Lombard, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Act as a company spokesperson at community events by educating potential clients and community ... Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) and Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or ...

Showing results 41-60

Distance Education Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$21

$31

How much do distance education instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for distance education instructor in Chicago, IL is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a distance education instructor?

A Distance Education Instructor is an educator who teaches students remotely, using digital platforms and online resources instead of traditional in-person classrooms. They design and deliver course materials, facilitate discussions, assess student progress, and provide support through virtual channels like email, video conferencing, and learning management systems. Their primary goal is to ensure students receive a quality education regardless of their physical location. Distance Education Instructors must be adept at using technology and adapting teaching methods to engage learners online.

How does a distance education instructor effectively engage and support remote learners?

Distance Education Instructors often use a variety of digital tools and interactive strategies to keep students engaged in a virtual environment. Regular communication through discussion boards, video conferencing, and timely feedback helps foster a sense of community and support. Instructors must also be proactive in identifying students who may be struggling and offer additional resources or one-on-one sessions as needed. Collaboration with instructional designers and IT staff is common to ensure course materials are accessible and effective for all learners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distance education instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distance Education Instructor, you need a solid background in instructional design, subject matter expertise, and often a teaching certification or relevant degree. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, as well as proficiency in digital collaboration tools, is essential. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and self-motivation help instructors engage and support remote learners effectively. These skills ensure high-quality, interactive learning experiences and student success in a virtual environment.

What is the difference between Distance Education Instructor vs Online Course Facilitator?

AspectDistance Education InstructorOnline Course Facilitator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in education or subject areaOften requires similar credentials, with emphasis on facilitation skills
Work EnvironmentVirtual classrooms, online platforms, remote settingsOnline learning platforms, virtual discussion boards, remote
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, universities, online schoolsOnline education providers, e-learning companies
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for as a teaching role in online educationCompared for roles involving course support and student engagement

Both roles involve online education, but the Distance Education Instructor primarily delivers instruction and assesses students, while the Online Course Facilitator supports student engagement and manages course logistics. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the online education industry.

How do you become a distance education instructor?

To become a distance education instructor, typically a bachelor's degree in the subject area is required, along with teaching experience or expertise. Many positions also prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with proficiency in online teaching tools and learning management systems. Certification in online teaching methods can enhance job prospects and effectiveness.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Distance Education Instructor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Distance Education Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Distance Education Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,059 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

$16 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching group and private swimming lessons to students of a variety of ages and swimming ability levels while creating a positive, engaging, and safe swimming environment. Staff will provide instruction on floating, swimming skills and strokes, and water safety using creative daily lesson plans

Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Duties
Include, but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•    Instruct group and private swimming lessons to students of a variety of ages and swimming ability levels while creating a positive, engaging, and safe swimming environment; use creativity, patience and positivity when instructing.
•    Demonstrate and promote positive guest relations and exceptional customer service; develop positive parent and child relations.
•    Instruct, and demonstrate comfort, in water; provide in-water demonstrations of swimming techniques during instruction. 
•    Plan and implement daily courses based on your student’s level.
•    Responsible for the safety of participants; follow all Park District safety standards and procedures.
•    Complete all necessary paperwork including daily lessons plans and swimmer report cards.
•    Work as a team with other staff including instructors, lifeguards and managers.
•    Attend instructor in-service trainings as required.
•    Maintain a consistent schedule with minimal interruptions, regular attendance and punctuality.
•    Respond calmly in emergency situations and assist as needed.
•    Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Basic knowledge of swim strokes and techniques. Must be at least 15 years old. Some previous experience with teaching or watching children with a focus on safety.


Required Skills/Abilities:
•    Swim independently in shallow or deep water.
•    Understanding of swim strokes and techniques of swimming.
•    Effectively communicate orally.
•    Teach independently and follow provided curriculum as needed.
•    Nationally recognized Lifeguard Certification preferred but not required.
•    First Aid/CPR certification preferred but not required.


Wage Range: $16.00 - $17.50 per hour


Classification: Seasonal, non-exempt


Physical Demands: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Float, swim, and submerge under water; stand; walk; sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.


Working Conditions: The physical environment requires the employee to work in an indoor and outdoor aquatic pool setting. Outside the employee will be exposed to weather conditions that can include cold, rain, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. Indoors the employee will be exposed to high humidity, water, and varied air temperature. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.


Benefits:

  • Health & Fitness Membership
  • Outdoor Pool Membership and Seasonal Beach Access
  • Program and Facility Discounts on a variety of recreational activities including Golf and Racquet Sports.

The Park District of Highland Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.