Illinois Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Illinois minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
5
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
$130
Daily Rate (avg)
Illinois Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
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.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
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.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
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.
References
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.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Illinois State Board of Education - Educator Licensure page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Illinois
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Illinois's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In Illinois, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Illinois
$130
Avg Daily Rate
$34,000
Annual (regular subs)
60 college credit hours
Education Floor
Yes
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in Illinois are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Illinois Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.