Substitute & Paraprofessional License Requirements for ISBE

What It Is, and How We Support 

At Zen Educate, we’re dedicated to connecting passionate educators with schools where they can make a meaningful impact. For those looking to act in the capacity of a substitute teacher and/or a paraprofessional in a classroom in Illinois, The IL State Board of Education (ISBE) requires either a substitute license, or a paraprofessional license. We can help you upscale and take the next step in your education career. 

For those with at least an AA degree, you can apply for an STS (Short Term Sub license good for 3 yrs) for $25 (no region registration required).  For those with at least a BA degree, you can apply for a Substitute license (good for 5 yrs for $50, with a $60 region registration fee).  If you do not have at least 60 college course credits, you can apply for an STA (Short Term Approval paraprofessional license, good for 3 yrs) for $50 (no region registration), for those that have at least 60 college course credits, or have passed a paraprofessional exam, can apply for the  ELS paraprofessional license good for 5 yrs, for $100 with $31 region registration fee.

How Zen Educate Can Support 

Zen will reimburse for the Substitute Certificate and/or paraprofessional license application fee and the cost of registering a region after successfully completing onboarding.