How to become a substitute teacher in Illinois

Introduction

Are you interested in full or part-time work that allows you to:

• Take control of your work schedule
• Earn as much as $229 per day
• Give back to your community
• Find your passion

If that sounds appealing, then it’s time to find out how to become a substitute teacher in Illinois.

If you live in Illinois, substitute teaching is a great way to get involved in your local community, balance professional and personal interests, and supplement your income.

The amazing thing about becoming a substitute teacher in Illinois is that schools need substitute teachers more than ever, and becoming a sub is straightforward and easy.

Chapter 1: Why should you become a substitute teacher?

Substitute teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for individuals who enjoy teaching and working with children. The job offers a great deal of flexibility, as you can choose when and where you want to work, and it can also provide valuable teaching experience that can help you determine if a career in education is right for you.

Substitute teaching is also an excellent way to earn extra income while pursuing other interests, such as graduate school or travel. It provides an opportunity to work within different school districts, allowing you to gain a broad understanding of various school environments, curriculum and instruction, and school culture.

In addition to that, becoming a substitute teacher has never been easier or there has never been a greater need for the role than there is today.

When you become a substitute, you control how much you make by choosing how often you work, where and when you sub, and you have access to resources to make your experience as successful and rewarding as possible.

Chapter 2: What are the benefits of becoming a substitute teacher?

Whether you want to work with students on a regular basis or a few times a month, becoming a substitute teacher in Illinois comes with several benefits.

Here are just a few of the ways being a substitute teacher can positively impact your life:

• Flexibility: Substitute teaching provides you with the freedom to choose your working hours and work at your own pace.
• Variety: As a substitute teacher, you will work with different students, teachers, and administrators across various schools and districts.
• Experience: Substitute teaching offers valuable teaching experience that can be used to build transferable skills for a role in education or beyond.
• Community impact: You’re helping solve a nationwide teacher staffing shortage.
• Self-discovery: You discover your interests and passions as you teach in various grade levels and subject areas.
• Supplementary income: The average substitute salary in Illinois is about $162/day, but can be as high as $229/day in some districts.

Chapter 3: What requirements do you need to meet to become a substitute teacher in Illinois?

To become a substitute teacher in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a bachelor’s degree
• Obtain a substitute teaching license (SUB) OR Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Pass a fingerprint background check
• Complete a TB Risk Assessment or test

To begin your Illinois substitute teaching journey, you’ll first need to have either a substitute teaching license (SUB) or a professional educator license (PEL) in Illinois.

To get started, login or create an Education Licensure Information System (ELIS) account with the Illinois State Board of Education and follow the substitute application process:

1. Apply for the substitute license in your ELIS account
2. Pay the $50 application fee
3. Send your official transcript to either
   • transcripts@isbe.net OR
   • Illinois State Board of Education Educator Licensure 100 N. 1st Street Springfield, IL 62777

Chapter 4: How can you get hired as a substitute teacher?

If you meet the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher and are ready to apply for jobs, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Show your individuality

Teaching is about more than following a lesson plan. Success in the classroom is about combining your personality, background experience, and an endless well of patience to bring concepts to life for your students. Feel empowered to approach the role in your own way.

Research ahead of time

Do you want to teach at a charter school or a large metropolitan school district? Research and determine what school setting aligns best with your interests or skills.

Honor the diverse students in your classroom

Students come from a range of educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. It’s important to recognize and honor that your students bring their own unique identities to the classroom.

Be prepared from the start

Before you start substitute teaching, it helps to know what you might encounter on the other side of the classroom door. Brush up on your classroom management skills and get a sense of what a typical day looks like for substitute teachers.

Chapter 5: How does Swing Education make it easy to become a substitute teacher?

Swing Education simplifies the process of becoming a substitute teacher through an intuitive platform. Instead of seeking jobs at individual schools or districts, filling out applications, and juggling schedules, Swing brings it all together.

Streamline applications with Swing

When you’re ready to substitute teach with Swing, here’s how to get started: complete the onboarding questionnaire. During the onboarding process, advisors ensure you have the information needed to select teaching roles you want in as little as two weeks.

Get the sub jobs you want

With Swing, you can choose your assignments easier and faster, without all the paperwork and last-minute surprises.