New regulations outline Illinois substitute teaching license requirements and limitations

In a move aimed at addressing the ongoing teacher shortage in Illinois, the Illinois Senate introduced Senate Bill 1945 on March 7, 2025. This legislation seeks to streamline the process for obtaining a Substitute Teaching License, a critical step in ensuring that classrooms remain staffed amid increasing vacancies.

Under the proposed bill, individuals wishing to become substitute teachers must hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or be enrolled in an approved educator preparation program, having completed a minimum of 90 credit hours. The licenses would be valid for five years and applicable across all counties in Illinois. However, those with a suspended or revoked Professional Educator License would be ineligible to obtain a Substitute Teaching License.

One of the bill's key provisions addresses emergency situations where a licensed teacher is unavailable. In such cases, districts can employ a substitute teacher for up to 30 calendar days without a licensed teacher under contract, provided they notify the regional office of education within five business days. If the vacancy persists, districts can request a 30-day extension, contingent upon demonstrating active recruitment efforts and providing relevant training for the substitute, particularly for meeting the needs of students with disabilities and English learners.

The bill also proposes to eliminate the cap on the number of days a substitute can teach in a single district, while maintaining a limit of 90 school days for any one licensed teacher under contract in a school year. This flexibility is particularly crucial as schools grapple with fluctuating teacher capacities and the pressing need for qualified educators.

Debate surrounding Senate Bill 1945 has highlighted concerns about the quality of education and the preparedness of substitutes. Critics argue that while the bill aims to alleviate staffing shortages, it may inadvertently compromise educational standards if not accompanied by adequate training and support for substitutes. Proponents, however, emphasize the urgent need for immediate solutions to keep classrooms operational, especially in underserved areas.

The implications of this bill extend beyond the classroom. Economically, it could stabilize school operations and enhance learning environments, potentially leading to improved student outcomes. Politically, it reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by educational institutions and the necessity for legislative action to support them.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, its fate will likely hinge on balancing the urgent need for qualified substitutes with the imperative of maintaining educational quality. The outcome could set a precedent for how Illinois addresses teacher shortages in the future, shaping the landscape of education in the state for years to come.