Changemakers: CPS School-Based Clinicians
Every student deserves access to holistic care -- from counseling to social work to psychology. We invite you to join our team helping Chicago students thrive.
Clinician Career Paths
Support Chicago’s Students While Growing in Your Career
School Counselor
⬇†
School Social Worker
⬇†
School Psychologist
⬇†
APPLY FOR YOUR ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (ISBE) LICENSE
Paraprofessional License (PARA) - Associates’ Degree/60 college credit hours
At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12
Valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
Candidates who hold a Paraprofessional License AND a bachelor’s degree are eligible to substitute teach
Short Term Substitute License (STS) - Associate's degree/60 college credit hours
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Available for application through June 30, 2028
Short-term Substitute Licenses are valid for 5 years
NOT renewable
Substitute Teacher License (SUB) - Bachelor's degree from an accredited, four-year college or university
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Substitute licenses are valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
APPLY FOR YOUR ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (ISBE) LICENSE
Paraprofessional License (PARA) - Associates’ Degree/60 college credit hours
At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12
Valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
Candidates who hold a Paraprofessional License AND a bachelor’s degree are eligible to substitute teach
Short Term Substitute License (STS) - Associate's degree/60 college credit hours
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Available for application through June 30, 2028
Short-term Substitute Licenses are valid for 5 years
NOT renewable
Substitute Teacher License (SUB) - Bachelor's degree from an accredited, four-year college or university
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Substitute licenses are valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
Substitute Teaching Pathways
Do you have a license to teach in Illinois? If no, first click on 'Apply for your ISBE License' below to get started. If yes, click on 'Substitute Teachers' below to review details and submit your application.
START HERE
Apply for Your ISBE License
⬇†
Substitute Teachers
⬇†
Retired CPS Teachers
⬇†
APPLY FOR YOUR ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (ISBE) LICENSE
Paraprofessional License (PARA) - Associates’ Degree/60 college credit hours
At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12
Valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
Candidates who hold a Paraprofessional License AND a bachelor’s degree are eligible to substitute teach
Short Term Substitute License (STS) - Associate's degree/60 college credit hours
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Available for application through June 30, 2028
Short-term Substitute Licenses are valid for 5 years
NOT renewable
Substitute Teacher License (SUB) - Bachelor's degree from an accredited, four-year college or university
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Substitute licenses are valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
APPLY FOR YOUR ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (ISBE) LICENSE
Paraprofessional License (PARA) - Associates’ Degree/60 college credit hours
At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12
Valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
Candidates who hold a Paraprofessional License AND a bachelor’s degree are eligible to substitute teach
Short Term Substitute License (STS) - Associate's degree/60 college credit hours
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Available for application through June 30, 2028
Short-term Substitute Licenses are valid for 5 years
NOT renewable
Substitute Teacher License (SUB) - Bachelor's degree from an accredited, four-year college or university
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Substitute licenses are valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
APPLY FOR YOUR ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (ISBE) LICENSE
Paraprofessional License (PARA) - Associates’ Degree/60 college credit hours
At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12
Valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable
Candidates who hold a Paraprofessional License AND a bachelor’s degree are eligible to substitute teach
Short Term Substitute License (STS) - Associate's degree/60 college credit hours
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Available for application through June 30, 2028
Short-term Substitute Licenses are valid for 5 years
NOT renewable
Substitute Teacher License (SUB) - Bachelor's degree from an accredited, four-year college or university
Valid for substitute teaching in all grades - pre kindergarten through 12
Substitute licenses are valid for 5 years
Registration with Region 15 (City of Chicago) required
Renewable