Applying For An Illinois Substitute Certificate

A substitute teacher certificate may be issued for teaching in all grades of the common schools, and is valid for teaching only in place of a certified teacher who is under contract with the employing board and for a period not to exceed 90 school days in any one school district in any one school year. Such certificate shall expire on June 30th in the fourth year from the date of issuance.  Upon expiration of the certificate the holder must make application for a new certificate. This certificate must be registered in each and every county in which the holder substitute teaches.

Such certificate may be issued to persons who either:

1. Hold a certificate valid for teaching in the common schools of Illinois.
2. Have graduated from a recognized institution of higher learning with at least a bachelor's degree.
3. Official transcripts:  All transcripts must be official in the sealed envelope.  No exceptions.
4. Have had two years of teaching experience in an elementary or secondary school and have earned a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of college credit, six (6) of which must be in professional education from a recognized institution of higher learning.

Applicants for substitute certificates shall complete an Application for Certificate form 73.03c [.pdf]. The application should be returned to our office with two methods of payment:

1. Cashier's check or money order only for $30.00 payable to State Superintendent of Education with your application . NO PERSONAL CHECKS, CREDIT CARD OR CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS FEE.
2. Personal check, cashier's check or money order for $20.00 payable to REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION, for the registration fee for the life of the certificate in Lake County. Cash will be accepted for this fee if applying in person. This fee is required at time of application.
3. A temporary employment authorization should be issued within two weeks of submittal to the Regional Office of Education. 
4. A missing letter will be sent to you in the mail within two weeks if any further documentation is required.
   

Applicants who are qualifying under provisions 2, 3 or 4, as defined above, must submit with the application to this office an OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT. Those who are qualifying under provision 4 above must also submit verification of teaching experience.

All qualifying applicants will receive a Temporary Employment Authorization from our office for use until they receive the original certificate issued by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Foreign-born applicants must show evidence of United States citizenship or a copy of a Resident Alien card showing they are legally present in this country and authorized for employment. If the applicant is not a citizen of the United States, they must file form ISBE 73.91 [.pdf] "Notice of Intent to Become a United States Citizen".  This form affirms that they will apply for citizenship within 10 years of filing the notice or at their earliest opportunity.  There is no penalty for failing to become a U.S. citizen.  Additional information is required for those applicants educated in another country (See Foreign credential evaluation).

Fingerprinting is required for employment.  This service is only available upon district request.

Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 11:00am and 1:00 - 3:00pm. 

An authorization form will be provided. 

Please bring a state issued driver's license or state issued identification card.

Note: All employees of public school district must undergo a criminal background check.