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Requirements

Must meet one of the following:

1. Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
2. Beginning January 1, 2023, applicants enrolled in an approved Illinois educator preparation program may qualify for the substitute license with at least 90 semester hours of coursework.

*Notes: 

• Valid for substitute teaching in all grades of public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12.
• 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.
  
• 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.

Can I obtain a substitute license if my PEL is lapsed?

Yes.​​

Requirements

1. Must hold an Associate’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or show completion of 60 semester hours of coursework.
   

*Notes: 

• Valid for substitute teaching in all grades of the public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12.
  
• Short-Term Substitute licenses are valid until June 30, 2023, and may not be renewed. 
  
• Cannot teach more than 5 consecutive days per licensed teacher in the same school year unless the state has a declared a disaster proclamation in which the short-term substitute may serve 15 consecutive days per licensed teacher in the same school year.
  
• Must complete a training program provided by the school board.​
  
• Can​ serve as a Paraprofessional​.
  
• Coursework must be at the 100-level or higher fro​m a regionally accredited college or university.
  
• How to Become a Substitute Teacher?
  

​All districts utilizing short-term substitute teachers must provide the teachers with a training prior to employment. Below are sample trainings and resources developed jointly by IARSS, IFT, and IEA that districts may utilize or use as samples when developing their own training.

• Introductory Letter​
• ABC's of Professionalism
• Training Plan Short-Term Substitute
  
• Short-Term Sub Training Agreement
• KWL Chart
• Sample Lesson Plan Templates
• Short-Term Substitute Training
• Checklist​​​