Substitute Teacher Information

Thank you for your interest in substitute teaching in Wilmette District 39. Substitute teachers are critical for providing continuity of instruction when our teachers are absent. Your assistance helps us maintain an ongoing program for our students in spite of emergencies and illnesses that occur among our faculty.

Substitute Teaching License
To be eligible for a substitute teaching license, you must have a bachelor's degree in any field.
To apply for a substitute license, you will need to use ELIS, the online licensure system. Please refer to the detailed directions below for information on the online process.

If you hold a current Illinois teaching certificate, Professional Educator Licesne (PEL), you do not need to obtain a substitute teaching license.

Applying to Become a District 39 Substitute
You may apply online at any time to be considered for a substitute teacher position. We typically do not list it as a specific job vacancy. Please use our online application system and select “Substitute Teacher” for the position desired.

We periodically review candidates' online credentials/applications to make additions to our substitute list. Due to the number of qualified candidates, we are unable to interview every applicant. We will contact you if we desire to schedule an interview. Candidates who interview for a position and are not selected will be notified in writing. All applicant credentials will be kept on file for one year.

Once you Have Been Selected to be a District 39 Substitute
If you are selected as a substitute teacher, you will be contacted by the Human Resources department, and will be provided with a log-in and password for our substitute system, which is used to report absences and assign substitutes.

Substitute Teaching Handbook
Information about substitute teaching in District 39 is contained in the District 39 Substitute Teacher Handbook.

If you have any questions, please contact Ann Grochocinski, Human Resources, at [email protected] or by phone 847-512-6042.

Applying Online for a Substitute License
In order to obtain your substitute license, you need to go online to make an application. The state is not taking paper applications. Please follow these steps to create an account with the state AND to make your application. You will need to have a credit card handy.

  1. Follow the instructions in "How to Become a Sub Teacher"

  2. Pay a $50 fee

  3. You will need to submit official transcripts via email or postal mail to: North Cook ISC / ROE 05, c/o Izabela Kuczek, [email protected], licensure, 1001 East Touhy, Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL 60018

Certification Questions

If you have questions about certification, please contact North Cook ISC at 847-824-8300 or visit www.ncisc.org. You may also visit ISBE's website.