Illinois Licensure for Educators
ROE #21 stays current with changing regulations, laws, and policies in educator licensure and acts as a liaison between the Regional Office of Education and the State Educator Licensure Board (ISBE) for applicants, school districts, and other interested parties.
If you need to create an ELIS account. For all login and password recovery assistance, please call one of our ROE offices or the "Help Desk" at the Illinois State Board of Education at 217-557-6763.
Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) How to...
The Illinois State Board of Education has created videos with instructions for the Educator License Information System (ELIS).
How to...Create an ELIS Account
How to...Navigate your ELIS account
How to...Apply for a PEL
How to...Register your License in ELIS
How to...Apply for Reinstatement
How to...Apply for an Entitlement and Register a PEL
How to...Apply for Dual Credit Endorsement
Administrative Endorsement
Illinois offers multiple pathways to licensure. In order to obtain an Administrative Endorsement, the options are listed below:
Option 1: Reciprocity
Did you complete an approved out-of-state educator preparation program and become licensed in that state? If so, you can qualify for the Illinois PEL by submitting the following documents:
- A copy of your valid, comparable out-of-state license
- A master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
Option 2: ISBE 80-02
Did you complete an approved out-of-state educator preparation program but did not become licensed in that state? If so, you must meet the following requirements to obtain the IL PEL:
- A master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Completion of a preparation program in the field of specialization (e.g. superintendent) (80-02: State-Approved Program and Completion of Standards Verification must be submitted to ISBE)
- Internship or equivalent experience
- Completion of coursework* addressing methods of teaching exceptional children, reading methods, content area reading, and methods of teaching English language learners (80-02: State-Approved Program and Completion of Standards Verification
- Licensure Tests: All test scores are valid indefinitely. View the options below to see the required tests for each area. Register for the tests.
If out-of-state test scores were completed, copies of the test scores must be submitted per the ISBE 80-02 form.
Option 3: Illinois Educator Preparation Program
If you are completing an educator preparation program at an Illinois institution, please work closely with the institution to ensure their specific requirements are met.
Administrator License Renewal
Active Administrators are required to complete one administrator academy each fiscal year, in addition to 20 Professional Development Credit Hours. ROE #21 offers a full complement of Administrators’ Academies throughout the year. View the current offerings of Administrators’ Academy Workshops. We pride ourselves in ensuring that our Academies are relevant and that participants walk away with strategies they can implement immediately.
Professional Educator License (PEL)
Illinois offers multiple pathways to licensure. Please see the options below.
Option 1: Reciprocity
Did you complete an approved out-of-state educator preparation program and become licensed in that state? You can qualify for the Illinois PEL by submitting the following documents:
- A copy of your valid, comparable out-of-state license
- A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
Option 2: ISBE 80-02
Did you complete an approved out-of-state educator preparation program but did not become licensed in that state? You must meet the following requirements to obtain the Illinois PEL:
- A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Proof of completion of a State Approved Program (80-02: State Approved Program and Completion of Standards Verification)
- Student teaching or equivalent experience
- Completion of coursework* addressing methods of teaching exceptional children, reading methods, content area reading, and methods of teaching English learners (80-02: State Approved Program and Completion of Standards Verification)
- Licensure Tests: All test scores are valid indefinitely. View the options below to see the required tests for each area. Register for the tests.
If out-of-state test scores were completed, copies of the test scores must be submitted per the ISBE 80-02 form.
Option 3: Illinois Educator Preparation Program
If you are completing an educator preparation program at an Illinois institution, please work closely with the institution to ensure their specific requirements are met.
Career and Technical Education programs provide instruction for occupations in:
- Agricultural Education
- Business, Marketing and Computer Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Health Science Technology
- Technology and Engineering Education (Industrial)
Illinois offers two different Educator Licenses with Stipulations (ELS) endorsed in Career and Technical Education (CTE).
- Career and Technical Educator License (ELS-CTE)
- Provisional Career and Technical Educator License (ELS/CTEP)
Career and Technical Educator License (ELS-CTE)
Requirements
- Minimum of 60 semester hours*
- Documented a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience in the area to be taught. Work experience in an educational setting may be used if the applicant was delivering the instruction and was not the recipient of the instruction.
- Must apply online and submit ISBE form 73-23
- Submit Work Experience
Years Valid
5
Limitations
- Can only teach in the specified area of endorsement
- Valid for grades 5-12
Renewable?
Yes, renewable every 5 years with 120 hours of professional development. For tips on renewing your ELS-CTE license, review this document.
Provisional Career and Technical Educator License ELS/CTEP
Requirements
- Documented a minimum of 8,000 hours of experience in the area to be taught. Work experience in an educational setting may be used if the applicant was delivering the instruction and was not the recipient of the instruction
- Must apply online and submit ISBE form 73-23
- Submit Work Experience
Years Valid
5
Limitations
At the time of application, the applicant must obtain a letter from the school district confirming that no teacher holding a PEL or ELS endorsed in career and technical education is available and that circumstances warrant the issuance of this license. Valid for grades 5-12 only.
Renewable?
Yes, renewable every 5 years. For tips on renewing your ELS-CTEP license, review this document.
All required paperwork MUST be uploaded by the ROE before you apply for a CTE license.
Prior to applying for a license, please ensure that you have submitted all required paperwork to one of our ROE #21 offices.
Checklist to use when applying for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) as an out of state (OOS) or out of country (OOC) license holder. PEL LICENSE | OUT-OF-STATE UNIVERSITIES
Retired Educators
Educators who maintain an Illinois educator license in retired status are exempt from professional development and registration fees. To update your professional development status to retired, please refer to: How to Update Your PD/Employment Status.
To place a license in retired status, educators must complete two steps on or before August 31 of last year of the five-year renewal cycle in which they retire.
- Educators must change their professional development (PD)/employment status in ELIS to retired, beginning with the first full semester following retirement.
- Educators must complete and record the amount of professional development required for the number of semesters worked during the renewal cycle in which they retire.
Failure to complete either of the steps above will result in a lapsed license on September 1 following the end of the five-year cycle in which the educator retired. If your license results in lapsed status, you must reinstate your license.
Current Reinstatement Requirements
- Complete and record all outstanding professional development,
- Pay all applicable back registration fees, and
- One of the following:
- 9 semester hours of college coursework, or
- Payment of a $50 reinstatement fee.
Licensure Renewal for Educators
Beginning with the 2015–2020 renewal cycle, and every cycle thereafter, teachers and school support services personnel must complete 120 hours of professional development to renew regardless of the number or types of degrees held. Acceptable Professional Development: Coursework from a regionally accredited Illinois College or University, National Board Certification, National Licenses (For School Support Personnel) and activities provided by an Approved Illinois Professional Development Provider. Licensee Professional Development Requirements
How to videos...
How to Video - Updating your Professional Development or Employment Status in ELIS
How to Video - Educator License Renewal in ELIS
How to Video - Adding Professional Development into your ELIS account
View Renewal and Professional Development for Educators tips on ISBE's website.
Renewal & Professional Development for Educators
If you hold one of the following licenses, you must renew it every five years. All endorsements are renewed with the license.
Please see chart below:
| License Type | Required PD Hours | Registration Fees (Five Year Cycle) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Educator License (PEL) (Teacher or School Support Personnel) | 120 hours | $50.00/5-year cycle |
| Professional Educator License (PEL) (Administration) | 100 hours AND 1 Administrator Academy (AA) per fiscal year
(If employed as Administrator for 50% or more FTE). |
$50.00/5-year cycle |
| Educator License w/Stipulations
(Chief School Business Official) |
100 hours AND 1 Administrator Academy (AA) per fiscal year
(If employed as Administrator for 50% or more FTE). |
$50.00/5-year cycle |
| Educator License w/Stipulations
(CTE) |
120 hours | $50.00/5-year cycle |
| Educator License w/Stipulations
(Provisional CTE) |
No required professional development | $50.00/5-year cycle |
| Educator License w/Stipulations
(Part-Time CTE) |
No required professional development | $50.00/5-year cycle |
| Substitute Teaching License | No required professional development | $50.00/5-year cycle |
| Paraprofessional License | No required professional development | $30.00/5-year cycle |
| Short-Term Substitute License | No required professional development | No Fees/expires 2023 |
Updates for 2022
Teacher Updates!
There has been a 20% reduction in the Professional Development requirement for both administrators and educators for School Year 2021-2022. You should notice an update on the Professional Development Section of your ELIS account (see example below).
| Name | Description | Provider | Hours | Begin Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Development Reduction | Per PA 102-0852 effective May 13, 2022, active educators are eligible for a professional development reduction in FY 2022. | ISBE | 20.00 | 03/31/2022 | 03/31/2022 |
Administrator Updates!
The Administrator Academy requirement was waived for School Year 2021-2022. There has also been a 20% reduction in the PD requirement for both administrators and educators for FY22. You should notice an update on the Professional Development Section of your ELIS account (see example below).
| Name | Description | Provider | Hours | Begin Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Development Reduction | Per PA 102-0852 effective May 13, 2022, active educators are eligible for a professional development reduction in FY 2022. | ISBE | 20.00 | 03/31/2022 | 03/31/2022 |
| AAC | 3928 - Administrator Academy Waiver for FY22 per Public Act 102-0730 | IAAMS | 0.00 | 05/20/2022 | 05/20/2022 |
If you completed an Administrator Academy in FY22, the AA credit will automatically be converted to Professional Development Hours.
Requirements
- At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12.
- Beginning January 1, 2023, you may qualify for the ELS-Paraprofessional license by meeting the requirements outlined below at age 18 but only may serve in prekindergarten through grade 8.
- One of the following required:
- Associate’s degree or higher
- 60 semester hours of coursework (coursework must be at the 100-level or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.)
- High School Diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS Parapro
- High School Diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT Workkeys:
- Applied Mathematics/Applied Math (with a score of 4)
- Reading for information/Workplace Documents (with a score of 4)
Years Valid
5
Limitations
Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher
Renewable?
May be renewed with payment of registration fees
If you hold a Paraprofessional License and have a Bachelor’s Degree on file, you are qualified to be a substitute teacher.
You must submit to us an official copy of your transcripts in a sealed envelope, or via email/e-script. Once our office has received your official transcripts, we will upload them into your Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) Account. Once they are uploaded into your account, you may apply for the SUB license.
Paraprofessional License Application Steps
Please utilize this when applying for a Paraprofessional License. Upon evaluation, additional documentation may be requested by ISBE prior to the license being issued.
- Create an Account - Create an account in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS)
- Submit Transcripts - Request an official transcript. Transcripts must be sent directly from the College/University to one of the ROE #21 offices.
- Apply for Licensure - Apply for the applicable license in your ELIS account.
Substitute Teachers
If you would like to substitute teach in ROE #21 you must hold a valid Professional Educator License (PEL), Substitute Teacher License (SUB), Short Term Substitute License (STS), or Paraprofessional (PARA) License.
- If you hold a Teaching License (PEL) you DO NOT need a Substitute Teaching License, a
Short-Term Substitute Teaching License or a Paraprofessional License. - A Substitute License (SUB) is valid for 5 years and is renewable. Note: You must have a
bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year institution - A Short-Term Substitute (STS) License is valid until 2023, regardless of when it is issued.
You may not substitute more than 5 consecutive days for one teacher with this license. You
must complete a STS training course prior to issuance of this license. Note: You must have 60 hours of college coursework from an accredited institution
If you would like to be placed on the Substitute Listing as a: Substitute, Paraprofessional, Teacher’s Aide:
- You must hold a license and the license must be registered in ROE #21.
- You must complete the appropriate paperwork which includes:
- Current and up to date license registered in ROE 21
- Health Exam within 1 year & TB test within 90 days - download health form
- Mandated Reporter Form signed
- Substitute Teacher Application
- Once the appropriate paperwork is completed, you may call one of our offices to schedule an appointment for the fingerprint background check.
Requirements
Must meet one of the following:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
- Beginning January 1, 2023, applicants enrolled in an approved Illinois educator preparation program may qualify for the substitute license with at least 90 semester hours of coursework.
License is valid for substitute teaching in all grades of public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12. Substitute teaching licenses are valid for 5 years, and may be renewed with the payment of registration fees.
You must submit to us an official copy of your transcripts in a sealed envelope, or via email/e-script. Once our office has received your official transcripts, we will upload them into your Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) Account. Once they are uploaded into your account, you may apply for the SUB license. Please see the checklist below:
Substitute License Application Steps
Please utilize this when applying for a Substitute License. Upon evaluation, additional documentation may be requested by ISBE prior to the license being issued.
- Create an Account - Create an account in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS)
- Submit Transcripts - Request an official transcript. Transcripts must be sent directly from the College/University to one of the ROE #21 offices.
- Apply for Licensure - Apply for the applicable license in your ELIS account.
- Register your License - Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in ROE #21.
If you hold a minimum of 60 hours of college credit (100 level coursework), you may obtain a Short Term Substitute License (STS)
If you hold a Teaching License (PEL) or a ELS (PARA) license holder with an Associate’s degree you DO NOT need to apply for a Short Term SUB Teacher License and you can skip to STEP #3.
A Short-Term Substitute Teacher License (STS) is only valid until 6/30/23 and is not renewable. Note: You must have an Associate’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or show completion of 60 semester hours of college coursework. The coursework must be 100 level coursework or higher.
Short Term Substitute teachers may teach up to 15 consecutive days for a teacher who is absent six or more days when a disaster proclamation is in effect. (Updated 5/5/22 per Public Act 102-0712)
STEP ONE: Obtain a Substitute Teacher License through the State of Illinois
If you have a valid teaching license(PEL) or a ELS(PARA) with an Associate’s degree skip ahead to STEP THREE.
- Log on to www.isbe.net and click on TEACHERS. Click on Log in to ELIS, then click on Login to your ELIS account (under Educator Access), then click on Sign up Now on the left side margin and follow the prompts. Select Continue.
- Under the “Home” tab click on “Apply for Short Term Substitute Teacher license.” You will pay $25.00 plus a convenience fee.
- At this point you should have your official sealed transcripts sent directly from your university to ROE #21 either by mail or email. They must be from an accredited university. Note: You must have an Associate’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or show completion of 60 semester hours of college coursework.
STEP TWO: Register your STS Substitute Teaching License
- Once your application status changes from “Pending Review” to “Issued” on your ELIS account you must register your license and choose ROE #21.
- Click on Registration under the home tab and follow the steps. You will not pay fee to register this license but this step is still required.
Any time during this process, you can begin the steps below for employment in our districts.
STEP THREE: How to obtain an STS Substitute Teacher Authorization letter from ROE #21
Persons wishing to work as an STS substitute in our districts should submit the following materials to ROE #21:
- Official transcript showing at least 60 hours of college credit (if not already submitted in STEP ONE)
- Health Exam- signed by a physician within 90 days
- Substitute Teacher Application Form
- $55 – cash, check, money order or credit card
- Has completed a training program that meets the requirements of 105 ILCS 5/10-20.67, Short-Term Substitute Teaching License Training.
Notes about the STS License
- Effective 7/1/2018: A Short-Term Substitute License (STS) may be obtained by individuals with an associate's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or show completion of 60 semester hours of college coursework.
- STS is valid for substitute teaching in all grades of the public schools, PreK- 12.
- STS licenses are valid until June 30, 2023 and may not be renewed.
- STS holders cannot teach more than 15 consecutive days per licensed teacher.
- STS holders must complete a Short-Term Substitute training
- STS license holders will apply for an STS in ELIS (instead of a SUB) and follow all other requirements for SUBS,
- STS license holders can serve as Paraprofessionals.
- A new law is in effect that allows individuals who have worked at least 10 full school days on the substitute license to receive a refund from ISBE for your substitute application fee. The law is applicable to any educator who had a SUB license issued on or after July 1, 2017.
Requirements for Placement on the ROE#21 Substitute Listing
ROE #21 hosts a list of eligible substitute teachers. This list is available for public and private schools. For information about getting on the list, see the information below.
New Substitute Teachers
- Educator must hold a Professional Educator License (PEL), a Substitute Teaching (SUB) License, a Short-Term Substitute Teaching (STS) License, or an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed as a Teacher’s Aide (PARA).
- The license must be registered in ROE #21. (Registration fee paid online through ELIS account).
- Educator must complete the Substitute Listing Application form for Substitute Teacher.
- Educator must have a Health Exam completed within the past year and a TB test within 90 days of employment.
- Educator must completed the Mandated Reporter Form
- Once all steps above have been completed, educator must undergo a criminal background investigation. During this investigation, educators will be fingerprinted and names will be checked through the Illinois State Police Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry and the Child Sex Offender Registry. The fee for the background check is $55.00.
- Please call one of our offices for an appointment to schedule your background check.
- Please bring all required paperwork with you to your appointment for a Background Check. Once your background check results have been received by our office, you will be mailed a Substitute Authorization Certificate and you will be placed on our Substitute Listing.
Returning Substitute Teachers
If you have previously been fingerprinted by ROE 21, have a Health Form on file, and were on the previous year’s list for the past school year and you would like to be placed on the upcoming Substitute Listing for the 2022-2023 School Year, you MUST pick up or make arrangements to have your Substitute Authorization Certificate for School Year 2022-2023 picked up or mailed to you, prior to July 15, 2022 Failure to do so will remove you from the substitute listing for ROE #21 for the upcoming school year. Please understand that once you are removed from the substitute listing, you will need to once again complete the proper paperwork (health exam, TB test, background check), in order to be placed back on the substitute listing.
Please utilize the ROE #21 Substitute Listing Form to communicate with us how you would like to obtain your 2022-2023 Substitute Authorization Certificate.
If you need to make updates to your substitute teacher application, such as change address, phone number, district selection, or if you would like to be removed from our Substitute Listing, please call one of our ROE #21 offices.
