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

• If you hold a valid Illinois teaching license, you are qualified to serve as a substitute teacher and do not need any additional licenses or endorsements.
• If you hold a valid Illinois paraprofessional license and have a bachelor’s degree or higher, you are also qualified to serve as a substitute teacher without additional licenses or endorsements.

If you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining a teaching license, follow this link 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 have a bachelor’s degree, you may apply for a regular Substitute License.

Substitute License (SUB)

• Available to anyone with a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Valid for grades pre-K through 12 in all Illinois public schools
• Valid for five (5) years and may be renewed
• Requires an initial $50 application fee plus a $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, follow this link 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 with an associate degree or higher, or those who have completed 60 semester hours of college or university coursework.
• Valid for grades pre-K through 12 in all Illinois public schools.
• Allows the holder to teach five 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). 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, follow this link to begin the District 45 application process.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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

• $134.03/day for the first 20 days
• $149.50/day on day 21 and thereafter
• $281.32/day for long-term assignments (10 or more days in the same certified assignment; responsibilities include planning for instruction and assessing learning)

Can I choose the school where I would like to substitute?

Yes, substitutes may choose which assignments to accept. While the district welcomes and encourages substitute teachers to work in a variety of buildings and settings, substitutes ultimately decide whether to accept available assignments.

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

The district does not have specific requirements for a minimum number of days worked. Substitutes who rarely accept assignments will be contacted at least once a year to confirm their interest in remaining on the list.

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

The district does not set its own limits for substitute teaching, but the state has established parameters for certain individuals. Retired teachers may work up to 120 days in a school year. Substitute teachers with an STS license may not remain in the same position for the same teacher for more than five (5) consecutive days, though there is no limit on the total number of nonconsecutive days they may serve in any position.

How and when will I know about available substitute assignments?

Most vacancies are posted in the district’s automated absence system. Substitute teachers can sign up to receive alerts when new vacancies are posted or check the system as they are interested or available. Some vacancies are posted well in advance, while others become available as same-day positions each morning. Occasionally, district staff will call substitutes to notify them of vacancies as needed.