Requirements
You must meet
one of the following options:
Option 1:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Submit a substitute teaching application in ELIS
Option 2:
- Actively enrolled in an approved educator preparation program through a regionally accredited institution in Illinois
- Have recently completed (within the last semester) at least
90 semester hours of coursework as a part of the approved Illinois educator preparation program
- Transfer coursework may be used towards the 90 semester hours if accepted by the Illinois educator preparation program
- Have a Professional Educator License in pre-completion status on your ELIS account
- Submit a substitute teaching application in ELIS
*Notes:
- Valid for substitute teaching in all grades of public school PK-22.
- Substitute licenses are valid for 5 years, and may be renewed with the payment of registration fees.
- Cannot teach more than 90 consecutive days per licensed teacher in the same school year.
- A substitute teacher who holds a Professional Educator License cannot teach more than 120 consecutive days per licensed teacher in the same school year.
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View Substitute and Paraprofessional License Checklist
- How to Become a Substitute Teacher?
If I hold a valid Professional Educator License, Educator License with Stipulations or Paraprofessional License, am I qualified to be a substitute teacher?
If you hold a valid professional educator license, educator license with stipulations or paraprofessional license and hold a bachelor’s degree, you are qualified to be a substitute teacher. You
do not need to hold a substitute teaching license.
If you hold an Illinois Substitute License and a bachelor’s degree, you are qualified to serve as a Paraprofessional without holding a separate ELS-Paraprofessional credential.
Can I obtain a substitute license if my PEL is lapsed?
Yes.