Substitute Information

Human Resources

District 44 Substitute Handbook

District 44 is always looking for qualified individuals as substitutes.

After obtaining an Illinois license (information below), completing the application and onboarding paperwork, and passing a background check, you can be added to our substitute team. We invite you to begin the application process if you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining the needed license.

Please contact Amy Grandsard if you have any questions about subbing in District 44 at agrandsard@sd44.org or 630-827-4400.

Can I be a substitute if I already have a teaching license?

If you currently hold a valid Illinois teaching license, you are qualified to serve as a substitute teacher. You do not need to obtain any additional licenses or endorsements.

If you currently hold a valid Illinois paraprofessional license AND you have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, you are qualified to serve as a substitute teacher and you do not need to obtain any additional licenses or endorsements.

If you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining a teaching license, you may apply!

Can I substitute without holding a teaching license or a Bachelor’s degree?

If you do not hold a valid Illinois teaching or paraprofessional license but you do have a Bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a regular Substitute License. The requirements for a substitute license can be found here on ISBE's website.

If you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining a SUB license, you may apply!

Can I substitute without holding an Illinois teaching license?

If you do not hold a Bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for a Short-Term Substitute License (STS).The requirements for a substitute license can be found here on ISBE's website..

 If you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining an STS license, you may apply!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the pay rates for a substitute at District 44?

For teacher substitutes:

For long-term substitute teacher assignments, the rate starts at $140.00/day and increases to $200.00/day after 31 days.

For instructional assistants:

Can I choose in which school I’d like to substitute?

Substitutes are able to choose which assignments to accept. While we welcome and encourage substitute teachers to work in a variety of buildings and settings, they are ultimately able to decide if they would like to accept available assignments.

Is there a minimum number of days I need to work to remain on the substitute list?

We deactivate substitutes who have not worked at least one (1) day in a school year. Substitutes are notified annually to confirm their interest in remaining on our list.

Is there a maximum number of days I’m allowed to work as a substitute teacher in the District?

The District does not have its own limits regarding substituting, but the state has established parameters for certain individuals. Per ISBE:

How and when will I know about available sub assignments/vacancies?

Most vacancies are posted to the District’s automated absence system, Frontline. Substitute teachers can sign up to receive an alert any time a new vacancy is posted or they can check available vacancies as they are interested/available. Some vacancies are posted well in advance, and others become available as same-day positions each morning. Occasionally, District personnel call substitutes to notify them of vacancies as needed.