Substitute Teaching (SUB & STS) Licensure
Flexible roles, powerful impact
Substitute Teaching (SUB & STS) Licensure Overview
If you already hold a valid Illinois PEL or have a valid PARA license and a bachelor’s degree on file, you do not need a SUB or STS license to work as a substitute teacher.
There are two types of Illinois Substitute Teaching Licenses:
Substitute License (SUB)
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Requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school
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No formal teacher training required
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Valid for 5 years and renewable
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Serves as both a substitute teacher and paraprofessional credential
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Can serve in place of a contracted teacher for up to 90 days or in an emergency situation for up to 30 days when no teachear is under contract with the district unless the district receives approval of an extension from the ROE/ISC
Short-Term Substitute License (STS)
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Requires an associate’s degree OR 60 college semester hours from a regionally accredited school
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No formal teacher training required
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Valid for 5 years, non-renewable
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Allows up to five consecutive days of coverage in a single assignment
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Create an ELIS Account and obtain your IEIN. Create an Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account. Once registered, you’ll receive your Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN). Keep this number and your login details in a safe place.
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Submit transcripts. Mail an official sealed transcript to ROE4 OR have it emailed directly from your university to licensure@roe4.org.
If you mail these documents directly to the Illinois State Board of Education the process may take longer.
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Apply in ELIS.
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Apply for either the SUB ($50) or STS ($25) license.
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STS applicants must also complete a district-provided short-term substitute training program.
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Register Your License.
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SUB license: $60 registration fee
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STS license: No registration fee
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The STS license is not renewable.
SUB licenses must be renewed every 5 years. The renewal window is open from April 1 to August 30 of your license expiration year. No professional development hours (PDHs) are required.
To renew:
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Log in to ELIS.
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Go to the Action Center and select “Renewals.”
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Answer the questions and select your region.
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Pay the $50 renewal fee.
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If you wish to work as a substitute in more than one district, you must first obtain your PEL, STS, or SUB and then complete the following steps:
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Complete the following documents:
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Physician’s Statement of Good Health
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Must be signed by a physician, no more than 90 days old.
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Complete the Regional Sub Application.
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Complete a Fingerprinting Appointment at ROE4.
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Make sure you bring the completed documents with you to your appointment:
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Physician’s Statement of Good Health
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Substitute Teacher Release Form
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Criminal History Record Check Authorization Form
Please note that there is a $55 fee for fingerprinting appointments, which is payable by cash, card, or check.
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Pick up your Regional SUB Packet at the ROE4 office. You will receive an email from our licensure team once the packet is ready for pickup.
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Apply for a substitute position directly with each district. You may need to provide copies of the above documentation to each district office you apply to.
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QUESTION FOR OUR LICENSURE TEAM?
