Job Description
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.
Target start date for this position is August 4, 2025. The Excel Center will be located at the YMCA in Rockford on Y Boulevard.
Teachers hold primary responsibility for the implementation and development of The Excel Center curriculum and the success of its students. A continuous commitment to improving curriculum and instruction through collaboration as part of a team is required. Teachers will facilitate learning for students attending The Excel Center, meeting students “where they are”. Teachers employ a student-centered approach effectively tailoring the instructional strategies to the individual students’ needs approaching instruction with grit, creativity, and innovation.
Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
Student Experience
- Builds relationships with students and creates an environment where students feel safe to learn and flourish.
- Thinks critically and strategically to respond to specific student learning needs across ability levels.
- Communicates student progress effectively with students and colleagues.
- Collaborates with staff to ensure student success.
- Work with coaches and leadership staff to support students’ progress towards graduation and post-secondary planning.
- Tutors students and maintains office hours.
Instruction
- Implements curricula and activities to meet academic standards.
- Builds lessons around student needs.
- Implements various teaching strategies including direct instruction, one-on-one instruction, seminars, self-paced lessons, and online learning.
- Employs high impact instructional practices and motivational techniques.
- Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards.
- Participate in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions aimed at improving student retention, productivity, school culture, and new student orientation
- Submits lesson plans weekly based on The Excel Center framework.
Teamwork
- Works with the instructional team in meeting the educational objectives and adhering to any required State standards.
- Attends and contributes to all team and professional development meetings.
Standards & Utilization of Data
- Ensures students are meeting all State standards required for graduation.
- Tracks and analyzes classroom data.
- Uses attendance and assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices to achieve learning goals.
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.
Qualifications & Basic Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in subject specialty required with a minimum of two years teaching experience post licensing preferred.
- Current Illinois Teaching Certification in subject specialty, dual licensure preferred, or the ability to obtain an Illinois certification. Possesses mastery and enthusiasm for academic subjects.
- Experience working with high school age students in urban, non-traditional, and/or in adult education setting highly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with barriers, understand, and communicate with diverse groups.
- Working knowledge of computer programs including Google Applications (specifically Gmail), Excel, Word and Internet Explorer.
- Bi-lingual in English and Spanish, highly preferred.
- Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
- Must be able to work 12 months per year with breaks scheduled throughout the year.
Sensory and Physical Requirements:
Ability to efficiently and effectively perform all functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Environment:
The work is conducted at The Excel Center housed in a partner location at the YMCA. Hours are primarily daytime hours with occasional weekend or evening work.
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 $48,000 - $60,000 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 a retirement plan.
- 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 The Excel Center. 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.
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Work from home, Currently hiring, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,