Can I be a substitute if I already have a teaching license?

• If you currently hold a valid Illinois teaching license, you are qualified to serve as a substitute teacher. You do not need to obtain any additional licenses or endorsements.
• If you currently hold a valid Illinois paraprofessional license AND you have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, you are qualified to serve as a substitute teacher and you do not need to obtain any additional licenses or endorsements.

If you have or are in the process of obtaining a teaching license, click here to begin the District 45 application process.

Can I substitute without holding an Illinois teaching license?

If you do not hold a valid Illinois teaching or paraprofessional license but you do have a Bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a regular Substitute License:

Substitute License (SUB)

• Available to anyone with a Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Valid for grades PreK-Grade 12 in all Illinois public schools
• Valid for 5 years and may be renewed
• Requires initial $50 application fee plus $10 yearly registration fee

To apply for the state license, follow the steps in this document.

If you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining a SUB license, click here to begin the District 45 application process.

Can I substitute without holding a teaching license or a Bachelor’s degree?

If you do not hold a Bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for a Short-Term Substitute License (STS).

Short-Term Substitute License (STS)

• Available to anyone who has an Associate’s degree or higher or has completed 60 semester hours of college/university coursework
• Valid for grades PreK-Grade 12 in all Illinois public schools
• Qualifies the holder to teach 5, or fewer, consecutive days for the same teacher
• Requires completion of a half-day training program provided by the DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE).  Please contact the District for information about registering for this training.

To apply for the state license, follow the steps in this document.

If you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining an STS license, click here to begin the District 45 application process.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are the pay rates for a substitute teacher at District 45?

• $126.75/day for the first 20 days
• $141.60/day on day 21 and thereafter
• $278.50/day for long-term assignments (10 or more days in the same certified assignment; responsibilities include planning for instruction and assessing learning)

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Can I choose in which school I’d like to substitute?

Substitutes are able to choose which assignments to accept. While we welcome and encourage substitute teachers to work in a variety of buildings and settings, they are ultimately able to decide if they would like to accept available assignments.

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Is there a minimum number of days I need to work to remain on the substitute list?

There are no specific District requirements regarding a minimum number of days worked. Substitutes who rarely accept positions will be notified at least annually to confirm their interest in remaining on our list.

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Is there a maximum number of days I’m allowed to work as a substitute teacher in the District?

The District does not have its own limits regarding substituting, but the state has established parameters for certain individuals. Retired teachers are able to work up to 120 days in a given school year. Substitute teachers with an STS license cannot remain in the same position for the same teacher for longer than 5 consecutive days, though there is no limit to the total number of non-consecutive days that STS substitutes can serve in any position.

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How and when will I know about available sub assignments/vacancies?

Most vacancies are posted to the District’s automated absence system. Substitute teachers can sign up to receive an alert any time a new vacancy is posted or they can check available vacancies as they are interested/available. Some vacancies are posted well in advance, and others become available as same-day positions each morning. Occasionally, District personnel call substitutes to notify them of vacancies as needed.