60 Common Arts Jobs Hiring Near You

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is seeking a Language Arts Educator to provide engaging, standards-based instruction that develops students' reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills within a secure juvenile justice educational setting. Working with youth who have diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, the educator creates a structured, trauma-informed learning environment that promotes academic growth, personal responsibility, and successful reintegration into school, work, and the community. Responsibilities include planning and delivering differentiated instruction aligned with Illinois Learning Standards, assessing student progress, maintaining accurate educational records, and collaborating with administrators, special education staff, behavioral health professionals, security personnel, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. The educator uses evidence-based instructional practices to support literacy development while fostering student engagement, resilience, and confidence. The successful candidate demonstrates flexibility, professionalism, and strong classroom management skills while maintaining safety, security, and accountability at all times. They build positive relationships with students through consistency, respect, and high expectations, recognizing that education plays a critical role in reducing recidivism and preparing youth for success. This position requires commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and providing meaningful educational opportunities that empower students to achieve their academic and personal goal. IDJJ encourages all qualified and interested applicants to apply! 

• Under general supervision, administers classroom and individual instruction to participating youth in the assigned subject area.
• 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 discussions 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 Language Arts/English.

• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience teaching students a minimum of two grade levels behind in the area of English/ Language Arts.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience developing English/Language Arts curriculum with application to the IL State Standards or Common Core.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience developing and delivering English/Language Arts specific lesson plans to teach main idea, theme, character analysis, characterization as well as intensive writing.
• Prefers (1) year of experience developing and evaluating English/Language Arts 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 tools.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience using online learning to teach English/Language Arts to middle and high school students.
• Prefers at least (2) years of experience attending professional development in the specific area of teaching English/ Language Arts.
• Prefers at least (2) years of experience developing and implementing age-appropriately effective classroom management techniques for a middle and/or high school English/Language Arts classroom.
• Prefers at least (1) semester of collaborative and/or co-teaching with a Learning Behavior Specialist I teacher in a middle- or high school English/ Language Arts 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 travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.

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)