Looking to become a substitute teacher in Illinois? Swing Education is now servicing the greater Chicago area! Substitute teaching is a rewarding job for aspiring teachers, part-time job seekers, and retired teachers or professionals who want to make an impact in the classroom. With Swing Education, substitute teachers can get paid weekly, qualify for potential bonuses, access teaching opportunities in a variety of local schools, and benefit from our tips and resources center.
MORE GUIDES TO BECOMING A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER: New York | Texas | California | Arizona | New Jersey | Washington D.C.
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Substitute teaching license and registration
Mandated reporter acknowledgment form
Is substitute teaching right for you?
Subbing can be a rewarding career choice, whether you’re brand new to the workforce, looking to hone your skills, or if you need something flexible to help pay the bills.
With substitute teaching you can:
- Make a difference: Subs are called into classrooms for reasons ranging from instances of a teacher on an unexpected leave, to schools searching for new permanent staff, to school districts facing teacher shortages. You can provide support to the students who need it most.
- Choose your schedule: As a sub with an organization like Swing Education, you can work when you want and where you want. Subbing can fit easily around your schedule, whether you’ve got an additional job, family, or lifestyle commitments that you want to maintain.
- Pick your classroom: As a sub, you won’t be limited to a certain subject or school. You can visit the classrooms that are most appealing to you and experience teaching students of different ages and skill levels.
- Cultivate your skills: With all of this variety, you can improve your skills as an educator and get the experience you need to meet any teaching challenge. And even if teaching isn’t your main goal, subbing can help you gain in-demand transferable skills, like problem-solving, written and oral communication, and adaptability.
- Prepare for a permanent position: Subbing is a great stepping stone to becoming a permanent teacher. You’ll get an education in the character of the schools you visit and build crucial relationships with local communities.
Requirements to Substitute Teach in Illinois
To work as a substitute teacher through Swing Education in IL, you’ll need to meet our minimum requirements. Some assignments, schools, or districts may require additional qualifications based on the role and student population served.
Minimum Requirements
✔ Valid Substitute Teaching License or Professional Educator License in Illinois
✔ Fingerprint based background checks: IL State, FBI, CPS
✔ Criminal history record check across national databases
✔ Completion of employment history verification (Faith’s Law)
✔ Completion of Swing’s set up process and requirements including Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement
Additional Requirements for Specialized or Certified Roles
Gain access to more assignment opportunities by meeting the qualifications required for certain specialized teaching roles. Requirements may include:
+ Special education experience or qualifications
+ Subject-matter expertise or relevant teaching experience
+ CPR and First Aid certification
+ Early childhood education (ECE) hours, credits, certifications, or qualifications
+ District-required training, orientation, or compliance documentation
Important Note
Requirements may vary by school, district, and assignment type. Additional qualifications may be needed for long-term, credentialed, special education, or other specialized teaching roles.
Substitute teaching license and registration
In order 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. A substitute teaching license is valid for five years and can be used to teach all public school grades.
If you’re new to the field, applying for a substitute license may be your best bet. 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:
- Apply for the substitute license in your ELIS account
- Pay the $50 application fee
- Send your official* transcripts directly to either:
Illinois State Board of Education
Educator Licensure
100 N. 1st Street
Springfield, IL 62777
*To be official, transcripts must be submitted in the original, sealed envelope from the college or university or be sent directly by the institution to the Illinois State Board of Education.
If subbing directly with Swing Education, be sure to upload the license to your account so we can verify your Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN).
Background check
Before teaching as a substitute teacher in Illinois, you’ll need to get a background check. Two background checks are required – one for Swing Education and one for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). After completing this form, bring it to an Accurate Biometrics location near you, along with:
- A current government-issued picture ID (such as a driver’s license, State ID, or passport)
- Approved form of payment
No appointment is needed.
If working directly with Swing, be sure to upload your Accurate Biometrics receipts to your profile.
Complete a TB Risk Assessment or test
Some districts and schools, including Chicago Public Schools, require all teachers to get tested within 4 years of starting work. If you don’t have a negative TB test on file, you can:
- Request a TB test from your personal physician
- Set up a TB test with Concentra: bring this completed form to any Concentra Location to complete your TB test. They accept both appointments and walk-ins.
If you already have a negative TB test on file from the past 4 years, feel free to upload directly to your Swing account.
Note: Some schools and districts require a physical TB test vs. the risk assessment. Additionally, some schools and districts require a drug screen. Should either be the case, the necessary information and directions will be communicated to you in your Swing Education account and via email.
Required signatures
Before teaching with Swing Education, you will have to certify that, to the best of your knowledge, you have never been on the CPS Do Not Hire List.
If you ever worked at a CPS school and were added to the CPS Do Not Hire List, then you would have received a letter regarding your Do Not Hire designation. If you have questions, please visit this link and click ‘Do Not Hire’ tab for more information
Mandated reporter acknowledgment form
All substitute teachers in Illinois are Mandated Reporters under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act [325 ILCS 5/4]. Please log in to your Swing account to review and sign the Mandated Reporter Acknowledgment form to acknowledge your child abuse and neglect reporting obligations under the law.
Getting in the classroom
Once you’ve passed your background check and earned your license, you’ll be able to start subbing in many Illinois schools!
You can either pursue a position directly with a school, or, if you’re interested in working with a wider variety of students, you can get started with Swing Education.
Take the first step to becoming a sub with Swing Education by filling out this form.
