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Illinois offers two pathways for substitute teachers. A Professional Educator License (PEL) requires a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher preparation program. Alternatively, the Short-Term Substitute Teaching License requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution but does not require a teacher preparation program. The Short-Term license limits substitutes to no more than five consecutive days in the same classroom.
All substitute teachers in Illinois must undergo a criminal background check that includes fingerprinting processed through the Illinois State Police and the FBI. Additionally, applicants are checked against the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, and the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS). All checks must be cleared before any school placement.
Substitute teachers in Illinois must be at least 20 years of age. This is one of the higher minimum age requirements among US states. The age requirement applies to both the PEL and the Short-Term Substitute Teaching License.
Illinois substitute teachers apply through the Illinois State Board of Education's (ISBE) Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). Applicants must create an ELIS account, submit official transcripts, complete the required background checks, and pay the applicable fees. After receiving the license, candidates register with individual school districts or regional offices of education.
Illinois school districts often require substitute teachers to complete a district-specific orientation that covers school policies, classroom management, emergency procedures, and use of technology systems. Some districts also require mandatory training on topics such as the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and bloodborne pathogen awareness.
Most Illinois school districts require two to four professional references as part of the substitute teaching application. At least one reference should be from an educator or school administrator. References are typically contacted by the district as part of the vetting process.
For more information, visit the Illinois State Board of Education - Educator Licensure page.
Our courses are designed to help you meet all the requirements for substitute teacher training.
Illinois issues a Short-Term Substitute Teaching License, which allows the holder to substitute for up to five consecutive days in the same classroom. For assignments exceeding five days, a Professional Educator License (PEL) is typically required. The Short-Term license is valid for five years and is renewable. The license is obtained through ISBE's ELIS system.