How to be a Substitute Teacher

You can apply with a school district without a substitute license if:

  • you hold a valid Illinois educator license and a bachelor's degree
  • you want to serve as a short-term substitute and you hold a valid Illinois educator license with an associate degree
  • you want to substitute teach in a career and technical education classroom, and you hold a valid Illinois educator license with stipulations endorsed in any area of career and technical education

Substitute vs. Short-term Substitute License

If you do not fit one of the three scenarios above, Illinois currently has two types of substitute teaching license valid for preschool - 12th grade.

The time to register for a  Short-term Substitute License did not expire.  You can still register for this license anytime. 

Substitute License

  • valid for 5 years
  • renewable every 5 years with payment of $50 registration fee
  • can serve in place of a contracted teacher for up to 90 days or in emergency situations for up to 30 days when no teacher is under contract with the district
  • Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution required
  • Application and $50 application fee* required for employment!

Short-term Substitute License

  • non-renewable
  • can teach up to five consecutive days per licensed teacher
  • must complete a district training prior to employment
  • associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university or at least 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university required
  • Application and $25 application fee* required

For more information contact 309-736-1111