Prepare to Substitute Teach at Chicago Public Schools
Get professionally trained and certified for substitute teaching at Chicago Public Schools in Chicago, Illinois. Our courses prepare you for success.
634
Schools
340,000
Students
$155
Daily Rate
PK-12
Grades
District Overview
634
Number of Schools
340,000
Total Students
PK-12
Grade Span
City-Large
Location Type
Cook County
County
$155
Sub Teacher Daily Rate
How to Prepare for Chicago Public Schools
Review Illinois State Requirements
Understand the state requirements for substitute teaching, including a 60 college credit hours. Our courses are designed to help you meet and exceed these standards.
Complete Professional Training
Build essential classroom skills with CertifiedSub's online courses. Learn classroom management, lesson delivery, safety procedures, and more — all at your own pace.
Earn Your Certification
Complete your coursework and earn a substitute teacher certificate. Certified substitutes are preferred by districts and often qualify for higher daily rates.
Pass Background Check
Complete the required background check and fingerprinting process. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks.
Connect with the District
With your training and certification in hand, you'll be well-prepared to work with Chicago Public Schools and its 634 schools.
Illinois State Requirements
Education Requirements
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.
Background Check
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.
Age Requirements
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.
Application Process
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Illinois Requirements
Full requirements for Illinois
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Training Courses
Get Trained for Chicago Public Schools
Our professional training courses prepare you to succeed as a substitute teacher at Chicago Public Schools. Start your certification online today.