Substitute Teacher Jobs in Illinois
Substitute teacher jobs in Illinois draw steady demand across the state's public school districts, private academies, and charter networks, with openings at every level from elementary classrooms to high school electives. Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora anchor the largest share of postings, and staffing organizations like Kelly Education, ESS, and Swing Education maintain a consistent presence across the state. The most in-demand specialties are special education support, secondary math and science, and bilingual instruction. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Visit School Website (https://www.sma.family/church/)
Catholic Schools Search (https://schools.archchicago.org/find-a-school)
The Archdiocese of Chicago is the third largest diocese in the United States and serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 15,000 employees across its ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region’s largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country’s largest seminaries. The Archdiocese’s primary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems.
Substitute teaching in one of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Elementary and Middle Schools is a rewarding experience for anyone who believes in the power of education and the strength of faith. As one of the largest private school systems in the nation with approximately 148 schools across Cook and Lake Counties, we are not just committed to our students’ success, but also your professional and spiritual success.
Under the collaboration of school administration and the direction of the Principal and Administrative Council, the Primary Teacher leads efforts to implement the St. Mary of the Angels and the state’s educational standards for K-4. The Long Term Substitute Lead teacher devises daily lesson plans from the curriculum, which should include ways for students to improve their critical thinking, functions, and social-emotional skills. The teacher is responsible for preparing hands-on engagement for students and providing students with the necessary skills to succeed.
Substitute Teacher:
The substitute teacher will monitor students and their learning in the absence of the regularly scheduled teacher. The substitute will maintain a positive learning environment in the classroom while facilitating lesson plans left by the regularly scheduled teacher. A successful candidate will be one who is able to follow direction, hold students accountable, and is enthusiastic about education and learning.
Responsibilities for Substitute Teacher:
- Implement regularly scheduled teacher’s lesson plans and instructions or consult with principal or other relevant staff if lesson plan is not provided.
- Maintain a clean, respectful, and orderly classroom, and follow classroom and school procedures as directed by the school.
- Maintain records and draft notes on attendance, pertinent inquiries, and incidents.
- Follow and enforce rules, policies, and procedures of both the classroom and the school campus.
- Ensure the safety of students.
- Working with a diverse student population for all grade-levels
- Communicate comfortably (written and orally) with students, parents/guardians, administrators, and others.
- Actively support the mission of the school
Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a comparable field
- Experience teaching through remote learning platforms
- Valid state teaching licensure (we accept out-of-state teaching licenses)
- 1 to 3 years teaching experience
- Highschool Graduate
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here (https://www.archchicago.org/documents/70111/4987905/Benefits+Summary/ddf8b594-5996-42a7-931a-e10f178df11e).
This opportunity offers: Long term Substitute - $175.00 per day - Long Term Substitute with PEL $185.00 per day. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 146+ Substitute Teacher Jobs in Illinois
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Find Substitute Teacher JobsSubstitute Teacher Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substitute Teacher Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substitute teacher jobs across Illinois.
- Hold a valid Illinois Substitute Teaching License issued by ISBE or an equivalent recognized credential
- Possess a bachelor's degree or at least 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution
- Pass a background check meeting Illinois school employment standards under the School Code
- Demonstrate classroom management skills and the ability to follow a lesson plan independently
- Show reliable availability and flexibility to accept short-notice daily or long-term assignments
- Experience working with K-12 students in an educational or mentoring setting is preferred
Substitute Teacher Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substitute teacher in Illinois?
To become a substitute teacher in Illinois, you apply for a Substitute Teaching License through the Illinois State Board of Education, known as ISBE. Applicants need at least a bachelor's degree for a standard license, though a short-term license is available for those with at least 60 college credit hours. You complete the application through the ISBE Educator Licensure Information System, pass a background check, and submit required documentation before individual school districts review and hire you.
Which companies hire substitute teachers in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring substitute teachers in Illinois include Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, DeKalb School District 428, and Naperville Community Unit School District 203, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Many of these staffing organizations partner directly with Illinois public school districts to fill both daily and extended absences across Cook County and surrounding suburban regions.
Which Illinois cities have the most substitute teacher jobs?
Chicago, Elmhurst, and Illinois consistently post the highest volume of substitute teacher openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the bulk of demand given the size of Chicago Public Schools, one of the largest districts in the country, while Rockford and Aurora reflect strong suburban and mid-size district growth anchored by their own sizable public school systems and nearby staffing hubs.
Are there remote substitute teacher jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Substitute teaching is an inherently on-site role requiring in-person classroom coverage, so remote opportunities are limited. About 6% of substitute teacher openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those roles typically involve virtual instruction programs, online school platforms, or administrative education support rather than traditional classroom substituting.
How can I get hired as a substitute teacher in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a short-term substitute license through ISBE, which requires only 60 college credit hours rather than a full degree. Large staffing organizations operating in Illinois, such as Kelly Education, place candidates with minimal classroom backgrounds into daily sub assignments, which build experience quickly. Paraprofessional or teacher's aide work in Illinois districts is a common lateral move that strengthens your application, and completing any free ISBE-approved training modules gives candidates a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to substitute teacher jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to substitute teacher jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from districts and staffing organizations throughout the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your availability and subject area, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 146+ Substitute Teacher Jobs in Illinois
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