Illinois Substitute Teaching License
The Illinois Department of Education issues Substitute Teaching Certificates to those who wish to substitute teach in the state’s public schools.
Education Requirements
You must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in order to receive a Substitute Teaching Certificate. You must submit an official, sealed transcript to your Regional Office of Education with your certification application.
Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Illinois.
Experience
No prior teaching experience is required to receive a Substitute Teaching Certificate in Illinois.
Criminal History Background Check
No criminal history background check is required to receive an Illinois Substitute Teaching Certificate. Once you are hired as a substitute teacher by an Illinois school district, however, you must submit to fingerprinting and a thorough criminal history background check. Instructions on how to proceed will be furnished to you at the time of hire.
Additional Information
Illinois Substitute Teaching Certificates are valid for four years and will allow you to teach any grade. You may work as a substitute teacher for a maximum of 30 calendar days in a single school district (except the City of Chicago) if there is no certified teacher available. You may only work for a maximum of 90 school days for one certified teacher in one school year. If you have a teaching certificate and are substitute teaching, you may work for a maximum of 120 days for one certified teacher in one school year.
Contact Information
For more information about substitute teaching, contact your Regional Office of Education.
