What are the qualifications for serving as a substitute teacher in Illinois?In order to serve as a substitute teacher in any Illinois public school district you must:
- Hold a valid and active Illinois Professional Teaching License;
- Illinois Substitute Teaching License (requires a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education); or a
- Paraprofessional License and a bachelor's degree
You can apply for an Illinois Professional Teaching License or an Illinois Substitute Teaching License by visiting the Kane County Regional Office of Education, 28 N. First St. Geneva, IL (630-232-5955). Information about the requirements for both licenses is available at the
Illinois State Board of Education website.
In order to obtain an Illinois Substitute Teaching License at the Kane County Regional Office of Education, you will need to present an official copy of your undergraduate transcript in a sealed envelope from your college or university and pay the appropriate fee.
What do I need to do to be considered as a substitute teacher or substitute teaching assistant in District 304?
In order to serve as a substitute teacher in District 304 you must complete the District 304 online application by going to the school district website (
www.geneva304.org), select the District Information link, and then the Employment Opportunities link.
Applications are viewed on an ongoing basis.
What are my chances for being selected to serve as a substitute teacher or substitute teaching assistant in District 304?
Geneva District 304 is an excellent school district and is therefore an attractive place to work. We receive many substitute teacher applications throughout the year. We give preference to candidates who already hold a valid and active Illinois Professional Teaching License, an Illinois Substitute Teaching License, or who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate teaching program that will lead to an Illinois Professional Teaching License.
To serve as a substitute for a special education assistant, we are looking for candidates who work well with children, have an abundance of patience, and who can take direction from the classroom teacher.
What if I am selected to serve as a substitute teacher or substitute teaching assistant in District 304?
In order to finish the application process, you must complete the following tasks:
- Submit a copy of your undergraduate transcript and a copy of your Illinois Professional Teaching License or Illinois Substitute Teaching License
- Submit a Physician’s Certificate of Health/Tuberculin (TB) skin test (date of report must not be more than 90 days preceding your selection)
- Undergo and pass a Criminal Background Check at the Kane County Regional Office of Education
- Complete a District 304 Employment Packet (e.g., Federal and State W-4 forms, emergency contact form, direct deposit form and voided check, etc.)
When do you receive online substitute teacher applications?
Online applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the school year.
When is the best time to apply for a substitute teacher position?
While there is no “best” time to submit an application, the majority of applications are submitted during the months of August, September, and January. Most of our substitutes are hired during this time period.