Substitute and Short-term Substitute Teaching License

Substitute Teaching

Eligibility

With a substitute teaching license, you can substitute teach in all public school grades, from prekindergarten through grade 12. You can apply for a substitute license if you hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

You can substitute teach without a substitute license if you have one of the following:

• A valid professional educator license.
• An educator license with stipulations that required a bachelor's degree.

Application Process

1. Apply online through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS).
2. Pay the fee (please have a credit card available).
3. Send an official transcript showing your bachelor's degree to the following address:
   
   Illinois State Board of Education
   Educator Licensure
   100 N. 1st St.
   Springfield, IL 62777

Please note: Your transcript must be submitted in a sealed envelope from the college or university, or sent directly by the institution. Transcripts that are not in a sealed envelope from the university or sent directly from the university are not accepted.

Questions? Contact your Regional Office of Education or view the Illinois State Board of Education's frequently asked questions.