Remote Long-Term Substitute Teacher – Student Wellness & Holistic Development Specialist (Illinois Certified)
About Lake County Schools – A Community of Lifelong Learners
Lake County Schools (LCS) is a forward‑thinking, publicly funded school district serving over 30,000 students across dozens of elementary, middle, and high schools in the vibrant suburbs surrounding Chicago. Our mission is to create safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous environments where every student can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that wellness is a cornerstone of academic success, and we invest heavily in programs that nurture the whole child.
As part of our ongoing commitment to student well‑being, we are expanding our Wellness team with a dedicated, passionate, and certified educator who can step in on a long‑term substitute basis. This remote‑first position offers a unique blend of classroom instruction, curriculum development, and community partnership—all delivered from the comfort of your own home while staying fully aligned with district goals.
Position Overview – What You’ll Do
As the Remote Long‑Term Substitute Teacher – Student Wellness & Holistic Development Specialist, you will:
- Deliver engaging, standards‑based instruction that integrates wellness concepts into core curricula.
- Design, adapt, and implement lesson plans that reflect the latest research in health education, mental‑health literacy, and positive behavioral supports.
- Utilize a variety of digital learning tools—including learning management systems, video conferencing platforms, and interactive multimedia—to create inclusive and differentiated learning experiences.
- Assess student progress through formative and summative methods, providing timely feedback that encourages growth.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers, special‑education staff, counselors, and community partners to coordinate holistic support services.
- Maintain clear, consistent communication with parents and guardians, offering insights into student wellness and academic performance.
- Participate in virtual staff development sessions, bringing fresh ideas and best practices to the district’s professional learning community.
- Uphold district policies related to health, safety, and equity, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Key Responsibilities – A Detailed Breakdown
Instruction & Curriculum Delivery
- Lesson Planning: Craft daily and weekly lesson plans that align with Illinois Learning Standards and the district’s Wellness Framework.
- Technology Integration: Leverage platforms such as Google Classroom, Canvas, and interactive whiteboards to create dynamic virtual lessons.
- Differentiated Instruction: Adapt content for varied learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and for students with diverse abilities.
- Assessment & Feedback: Design quizzes, projects, and reflective journals; use data to inform instruction and share results with students and families.
Student Support & Community Building
- Wellness Coaching: Facilitate discussions on nutrition, stress management, mental‑health awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Positive Behavioral Interventions: Apply PBIS and RTI strategies to promote a respectful, safe learning environment.
- Parent Partnerships: Conduct virtual conferences, send regular progress newsletters, and provide resources for at‑home wellness practices.
- Collaboration: Work closely with school counselors, nurses, and community health agencies to coordinate support services.
Professional Growth & District Service
- Continuous Learning: Attend district‑wide webinars, contribute to professional learning communities, and stay current with evidence‑based wellness pedagogy.
- Mentorship: Offer guidance to novice teachers or interns, sharing best practices in remote instruction and wellness integration.
- Committee Participation: Serve on wellness, curriculum, or technology committees as needed, influencing district policy and program development.
Essential Qualifications – What You Bring to the Table
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or higher) in Education, Health Promotion, Psychology, or a related field.
- Certification: Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Health endorsement registered in Lake County.
- Experience: Minimum of two years of classroom teaching experience, with at least one year focused on health, wellness, or related interdisciplinary instruction.
- Tech Savvy: Proficiency with virtual learning environments (Zoom, Google Meet), LMS tools, and standard office software (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
- Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication abilities, with a talent for translating complex concepts into accessible language.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship‑building skills, capable of engaging students, families, and colleagues from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications – The Extra Edge
- Master’s degree in Education, Public Health, or a related discipline.
- Certification in mental‑health first aid, mindfulness instruction, or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) designation.
- Experience designing or delivering SEL (Social‑Emotional Learning) curricula.
- Familiarity with trauma‑informed teaching practices.
- Previous work with virtual or hybrid classroom models.
- Demonstrated success in grant writing or securing community partnership funding for wellness initiatives.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Curriculum Development: Ability to align wellness concepts with state standards and the district’s instructional goals.
- Classroom Management: Skilled at creating a positive, structured virtual environment that encourages participation and respect.
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Comfort analyzing assessment data to drive instructional adjustments.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to shift lesson delivery methods based on student needs and emerging technology.
- Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, ensuring inclusive content and equitable access.
- Collaborative Mindset: Willingness to work cross‑functionally with teachers, administrators, and external partners.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Lake County Schools is committed to your professional advancement. As a Remote Long‑Term Substitute Teacher, you will have access to:
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior wellness educators for guidance and skill development.
- Professional Development Stipends: Financial support for conferences, certifications, or graduate coursework related to health education.
- Leadership Pathways: Opportunities to transition into full‑time wellness coordinator, curriculum specialist, or district‑wide program director roles.
- Research Participation: Involvement in district‑sponsored action research projects to evaluate and refine wellness interventions.
Work Environment & Culture
Even though this role is remote, you will remain an integral member of the LCS community. We foster a culture that values:
- Collaboration: Regular virtual team meetings, shared planning time, and digital “coffee chats” to build relationships.
- Innovation: A willingness to experiment with new pedagogical approaches and technology tools.
- Well‑Being: Employee assistance programs, virtual wellness workshops, and flexible scheduling to support work‑life balance.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Ongoing DEI training, inclusive curriculum reviews, and a commitment to equitable outcomes for every student.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
Lake County Schools offers a competitive daily rate of $255 per day for this long‑term substitute appointment (03/08/2024 – 05/21/2024). In addition to the base compensation, you may be eligible for:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options (for eligible full‑time conversion).
- Retirement savings plans with district matching contributions.
- Paid time off and sick leave accruals (as per district policy).
- Professional development funds and tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Access to district‑wide wellness resources, including counseling services and fitness programs.
- Technology stipend for home office equipment (e.g., webcam, headset, high‑speed internet support).
Application Process – How to Take the Next Step
If you are excited about shaping the wellness journey of our students while enjoying the flexibility of remote work, we encourage you to apply today. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Lake County Schools Application Portal.
- Complete the online application, uploading your most recent resume, a cover letter that highlights your wellness teaching experience, and copies of your Illinois Professional Educator License and any additional certifications.
- Submit the required references and any supporting documentation (e.g., teaching portfolio, sample lesson plans).
- After submission, a district recruiter will review your materials and contact you to schedule a virtual interview.
We review applications on a rolling basis, so early submission is recommended.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Lake County Schools, we believe that every student deserves a learning environment that nurtures both mind and body. As a Remote Long‑Term Substitute Teacher – Student Wellness & Holistic Development Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in turning that belief into reality. Your expertise will empower students to adopt healthy habits, develop resilience, and achieve academic excellence.
Ready to inspire, educate, and transform lives from wherever you are? Click the link below to start your application journey.
Apply Now – Become a Wellness Champion with Lake County Schools
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