Become a Substitute Teacher

Requirements

Short Term Substitute License with Associate's degree

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 unless the state has a declared a disaster proclamation in which the short-term substitute may serve 15 consecutive days per licensed teacher.
• Must complete a training program provided by the school board.
• Can serve as a Paraprofessional.
• Coursework must be at the 100-level or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.

Substitute License with Bachelor's degree 

• Valid for five years
• Renewable every five years with payment of $50 registration fee
• Substitute License 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 (reimbursable) required for employment!

How to Apply

• Login to the Educator Licensure Information System
• From the Action Center, select "apply for a substitute or short-term substitute license"
• Complete application and pay reimbursable fee
• Your institution must submit your official transcripts to your Regional Office of Education or Intermediate Service Center or to transcripts@isbe.net
• We will issue your license automatically once we verify your transcript
• Register your license in ELIS. You now have a license valid for employment!

ISBE Substitute Teacher Brochure [PDF]