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Junior Learning Specialist Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Junior Learning Specialist information

See Normal, IL salary details

$36.2K

$76.9K

$120.3K

How much do junior learning specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior learning specialist in Normal, IL is $76,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $85,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior learning specialist?

A Junior Learning Specialist is an entry-level professional who supports the development and delivery of educational programs and training sessions. They typically assist senior learning specialists in designing instructional materials, assessing learners’ needs, and tracking progress. Their role may involve working with students, employees, or clients to help improve knowledge and skills through various learning strategies. Junior Learning Specialists often work in schools, corporate training departments, or educational organizations, and their responsibilities grow as they gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior learning specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Learning Specialist, you need a background in education, instructional design, or psychology, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools like Articulate or Captivate, and basic data analysis is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for effectively engaging learners and collaborating with other educators. These skills ensure that learning experiences are well-designed, accessible, and impactful for diverse audiences.

What are the common challenges faced by junior learning specialists in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Junior Learning Specialists often face challenges such as adapting to diverse learning styles, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and mastering various educational technologies. Building strong communication skills and seeking feedback from more experienced colleagues can help address these hurdles. It's also beneficial to participate in professional development opportunities and actively collaborate with instructional designers and educators to gain practical insights and grow confidence in the role.
Infographic showing various Junior Learning Specialist job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,893 per year, or $37 per hour.

Certified Teacher - Special Education (LBS1) - SS 2/3

Normal, IL • On-site

$42K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Special Education
Date Posted:
4/13/2026
Location:
Parkside Junior High School
Date Available:
Fall 2026
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Certified Teacher - Special Education - Learning Behavior Specialist I (SS 2/3)
Location: Parkside Junior High School
Department: Building Personnel
Reports to: Principal/Assistant Principal
FLSA Class: Exempt
SUMMARY
Provides specialized instruction in order to meet the unique educational needs of students with disabilities, evaluates and assesses progress, in accordance with the student's IEP, in a variety of settings.
DUTIES
  1. Demonstrates knowledge of specialized curriculum and assistive technology.
  2. Works to establish and maintain open lines of communication between students and their parents, regarding both academic and behavioral progress.
  3. Evaluates academic and social growth of students, keeps appropriate records and completes regularly scheduled progress reports.
  4. Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law and district policy.
  5. Assesses student progress and determines the need for adjustments to instructional techniques.
  6. Collaborates with classroom teachers, school psychologists, learning disabilities specialists, speech/hearing specialists, occupational and physical therapists, guidance counselors, adaptive PE and school social workers to provide an integrated plan for developing the needs of students.
  7. Plans and implements instructional programs (district interventions) in accordance with the district's philosophy and curriculum objectives.
  8. Delivers instruction designed to engage all students, and adjusts lessons as needed in order to improve student progress in academic and interpersonal skills.
  9. As a part of an educational team, evaluates, determines and develops individual education plans, including the development of long term goals and short term objectives, for students in a variety of settings.
  10. Collaborates with the educational team regarding classroom adaptations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans, and other instructional interventions in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
  11. Continued personal growth through ongoing professional development including but not limited to: book studies, district trainings, seminars, workshops, conferences and/or advanced course work at institutions of higher learning.
  12. Delivers and assesses student progress using standardized as well as informal testing in order to monitor student growth and progress.

QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Teaching certificate for the particular position as required by the State.
  2. Must be familiar with the use of computers including but not limited to electronic mail, the Internet, word processing, and electronic spreadsheets (Microsoft Office).
  3. Establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with those contacted in the course of work (students, parents, and staff).
  4. Ability to understand and follow basic oral and written instructions.
  5. Ability to communicate to students, parents, and staff in an acceptable/courteous manner

COMPENSATION:
Fully Board Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision available.
Per the negotiated contract between McLean County Unit 5 and the United Five Education Association, for the 2026-2027 school year the starting salary range for candidates with a Bachelor's Degree is $42,640-$52,319 and is based on Education and Certified Teaching experience. For candidates with a Master's Degree, the range is $47,756-$61,017and is based on Education and Certified Teaching experience.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply Online at www.unit5.org
INTERNAL APPLICANTS WISHING TO TRANSFER SHOULD APPLY ONLINE AND USE THE INTERNAL APPLICATION