Available Documents:
- How to Become A Substitute Teacher
- TRS Post-Retirement Limits for Retirees
- TRS Days Worked 22-23 Form
- Qualifications for Long-Term Substitutes
- Please click here to review a PDF with step-by-step instructions for attaining the Substitute License.
Regarding the ROE 53 Sub List
As of July 01, 2023 the ROE will no longer be maintaining or updating a regional sub list.
Illinois Licensed Teachers as Subs:
If an educator holds a valid Professional Educator License (PEL) with a teaching endorsement registered with the region/s in which they wish to sub, a substitute license is not needed to substitute teach. You would need to have been fingerprinted as a sub and have a physical from within the last 90 days in order to apply for substitute teaching jobs within ROE 53.
To become a Sub if you do not currently hold an Illinois teaching license:
If you do not currently hold a Professional Educator License you will need to apply online through ELIS to obtain a Substitute License (either Short Term Substitute or Substitute, as explained below).
- If you have an Associates degree or 60 college credit hours from a regionally accredited institution (coursework must be at the 100-level or higher), you would need to apply for a Short Term Substitute License. This type of license has certain restrictions which will be listed here:
- Valid for substitute teaching in all grades of the public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12.
- Short-Term Substitute licenses are valid until June 30, 2026, and may not be renewed.
- Cannot teach more than 5 consecutive days per licensed teacher.
- Must complete a training program provided by the school board.
- Can serve as a Paraprofessional.
- If you have a Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution, you would want to apply for a Substitute License:
Retired Illinois Teachers as Subs:
Any retiree will have the same requirements as any other sub as far as providing updated physical/statement of good health and fingerprinting.
- You may sub off of your teaching license (PEL) – no sub certificate necessary as long as you keep your PEL renewed and registered with ROE 53.
- If subbing solely for the district from which you retired, ISBE Legal still recommends updating your file (health and fingerprint). Many, if not all long-term veteran teachers, have never been fingerprinted nor had a physical in many years. It is considered a change in employment and should be updated.
**Important Applicant Responsibilities**
- Take original physical/statement of good health from an appropriately licensed physician to each district so the district can make a copy of your originals for their files
- Take original state and federal fingerprint results to each district so district can make a copy of your originals for their files
- Register with the ROE 53 region through your ELIS account
- Complete all requirements for licensure (PEL for teachers or ELS those without teacher licensure) outlined by code/law
- Maintain licensure registration and renewal
To Schedule Substitute Fingerprinting at ROE 53 - Click Below
ROE 53 office fingerprinting cost: $60
- If you are printing to be on our region sub list, please bring payment with you to your appointment.
- If you are printing for 1 specific district only and they are paying, please bring their district form with you to your appointment.
- Personal or district check, money orders, or credit/debit cards are accepted forms of payment
For more questions or additional information, contact the Regional Office of Education at 309-477-2290 or reach out via email to:
- Breanna Newton - bnewton@roe53.net
- Laura Varichak - lvarichak@roe53.net
- Kristy Risius - krisius@roe53.net