Skills That Get You Requested at Chicago Public Schools
Learn the exact tactics that make Chicago Public Schools administrators put your name on the preferred list. Practical skills in control, pacing, and student engagement that actually move the needle on callbacks and long-term work.
634
Schools
340,000
Students
$155
Daily Rate
About Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Public Schools serves 340,000 students across 634 schools in Chicago, Cook County County (City-Large, grades PK-12). Substitutes typically earn $155 per day. NCES District ID: 1709930.
Chicago Public Schools at a Glance
634
Schools
340,000
Total Students
$155
Daily Rate
PK-12
Grades
How to Build the Skills That Get You Priority at Chicago Public Schools
Learn what Chicago Public Schools actually rewards
The subs they re-request keep order, keep instruction moving, and leave zero notes about problems. That's the bar.
Install control systems that work at scale
Voice, proximity, and transition tactics proven with hundreds of kids per day across 634 schools. These transfer instantly.
Close every room like a referral
Reset the space + one concrete note on what went well. Reputation compounds faster than any other factor in large districts.
Show up prepared for their specific grades
Have 3-4 grade-band specific engagement resets ready. Preparation that shows turns into preferred status.
State Minimums (Then Exceed Them)
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.
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.
This is skills training. Chicago Public Schools and all districts make independent hiring and assignment decisions. No employment guarantees. Actual substitute teaching authorization/certification is issued solely by state and district authorities.
Develop the Edge Chicago Public Schools Subs Need
Practical skills that help you stand out and get called back more often at Chicago Public Schools.
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.