Opt Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a dedicated, innovative, and student-centered Math Educator to join our educational team. This position provides meaningful instruction within a structured, security-minded environment where education serves as a cornerstone to rehabilitation, personal growth, and public safety. The ideal candidate understands that many youths have experienced significant adversity and recognizes the importance of using trauma-informed instructional practices that foster trust, consistency, engagement, and resilience. Through high-expectations, relationship-centered teaching, and differentiated instruction, the Math Educator creates a safe and supportive classroom culture where students can build confidence while developing essential mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Working collaboratively with education, behavioral health, security, and facility leadership, the Math Educator delivers standards-aligned instruction that addresses learning gaps while preparing youth for academic achievement, career readiness, and lifelong success. The educator monitors student progress, adapts instruction to meet individual learning needs, and encourages critical thinking, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Mathematics is more than a graduation requirement - it equipes youth with practical skills that support informed decision-making, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and everyday problem solving. By helping students strengthen these competencies, the educator will play a vital role in preparing youth for successful reintegration into their families, schools, workplaces, and communities. If you are passionate about making a lasting difference through education and believe in potential of every learner, this may be the role for you! 

• Under general supervision, administers classroom and individual instruction to participating youth in the assigned subject area of mathematics.
• Within the purview of the Core Curriculum policy, develops curricula for each assigned teaching subject.
• Develops examination tools designed to measure each students' strengths, weaknesses, and progress.
• Prepares and keeps detailed records and reports on attendance, achievement, and individual progress and needs of the students.
• Directs students in recreational, social, or other extracurricular activities.
• Attends and participates in discussion and planning at regular teachers' meetings, including counselor-teacher meetings, team meetings, and staff development.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

• Requires possession of a current and valid Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educator License (PEL) with Secondary Education, Grades 9-12, in Mathematics.

• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience teaching students, a minimum of two grade levels behind, in the area of math operations and math concepts.
• Prefers at least two (2) of experience developing math curriculum with application to the IL State Standard or Common Core.
• Prefers at least one (1) year developing and delivering math specific lesson plans to teach math operations, math calculations, math life skill applications, and math hands-on learning experiences.
• Prefers (1) year of experiences of developing and evaluating math assessments to determine student instructional needs.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience with Microsoft Office (including Outlook), Google Applications, and/or equivalent computer software.
• Prefers at least two (2) years using online learning to teach mathematics to middle and high school students.
• Prefers at least (2) years of experience attending professional development in the specific area of teaching mathematics.
• Prefers at least (2) years developing and implementing age-appropriately effective classroom management techniques for a middle- and/or high school math classroom.
• Prefers at least (1) semester of collaborative and/or co-teaching with an LBS1 teacher in a middle or high school math course.
• Prefers the ability to demonstrate patience and tolerance with a wide range of behavior.

• Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Requires ability to use the English language in preparing and delivering instructions.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.

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

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.

The Department of Juvenile Justice offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid parental leave 
• Pre-tax benefits programs including but not limited to: Deferred Compensation, Medical, Daycare, etc.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn ten (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to twenty-five (25) paid Vacation Days annually (based on years of service)
• Employees earn three (3) paid Personal Days annually (pro-rated based on start date)
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas (remote work may be an option for certain positions)