Position Title: Truancy Alternative Education Teacher
Reports To: Assistant Executive Director
Terms of Employment: 180 day calendar year
Location: RISE - Chicago Heights
PURPOSE: To provide instruction, academic support, mentoring, and re-engagement services to students identified as truant or at-risk of chronic absenteeism. This role delivers instruction through a blended learning model using online curriculum alongside in-person academic support, relationship-building, and attendance interventions. The position supports students in recovering credits, progressing academically, and transitioning successfully back to their home school, while meeting expectations under Illinois Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program (TAOEP) requirements.
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Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) appropriate for assignment
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Experience working with at-risk learners, credit-recovery, online instruction, or alternative education
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Ability to utilize student information systems and online curriculum platforms
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Experience using Edmentum or comparable online/blended learning systems, preferred
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Endorsements in Secondary Education, Special Education, or Reading Intervention, preferred
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Bilingual (English/Spanish), preferred
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: *other duties may be assigned
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Provide blended instruction using Edmentum online coursework aligned to district curriculum and graduation requirements
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Monitor student pacing, assessment progress, credit accrual, and course completion
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Provide individualized and small-group tutoring, reteaching, and academic interventions
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Adapt instructional strategies to student learning styles, disability status (if applicable), and credit recovery needs
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Maintain accurate gradebooks, progress reports, and documentation to support credit issuance
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Meet regularly with students to review attendance, set goals, and address barriers to engagement
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Maintain frequent communication with parents/guardians, referring districts, and support staff regarding attendance concerns
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Participate in or lead attendance conferences, intervention meetings, and reintegration planning
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Collaborate with program staff to provide referrals to wrap-around services, community supports, or counseling as appropriate
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Develop, implement, and maintain an Individual Optional Education Plan (IOEP) for each enrolled student
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Document attendance, academic progress, services provided, and intervention notes in accordance with grant and program requirements
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Support preparation of reporting for compliance, audits, and program evaluation
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Serve as a resource to referring schools and district teams regarding credit recovery and alternative pathways
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Participate in professional learning related to alternative education, truancy intervention, trauma-informed practices, and online instruction
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Communicate consistently with administrators regarding student concerns, safety, progress, or non-participation
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Maintain a safe, supportive environment conducive to learning and belonging for students with high disengagement needs
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Requirements:
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Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
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Regularly required to talk and hear to exchange information in person and by telephone.
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Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or operate standard office equipment.
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Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop or kneel.
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Must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, files).
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Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
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Work is generally performed in a standard office setting with moderate noise levels (e.g., conversations, printers, phones).
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The position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
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Duties may involve occasional travel between work sites, schools, or off-site meetings.
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Work hours are typically during the standard business day, but occasional evening or weekend work may be required for meetings or events.
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The work environment is generally climate controlled and ergonomically equipped.
