Substitute Teacher

Ready to make an impact in your community while getting paid? Become a substitute teacher with Kokua in Chicago, IL and create powerful moments that shift students’ perception of what’s possible.

We are now accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year, and you can start the interview process immediately!

In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced Koh-KOO-ah. In Hawaiian, Kokua means to come together to fulfill a need and we’re excited to have you join us in connecting students with classroom role models who can empower them to be their best.

• Positively contribute to your community - spark a love for learning with your students
• Help solve the teacher shortage crisis in America
• Flexible schedule - up to 5 days/week, allowing you to pursue other passions and fit substitute teaching into your life
• Great working hours - typically 7:30 am-3:30 pm
• Add representation to the classroom to help kids learn from your unique experiences
• Autonomy - Choose the teaching assignments & locations you’re most excited about

• Pay up to $27 hourly with weekly paychecks; range depends on credentials & experience
• A quick hiring process - receive an offer within 1 week of applying or less
• Reimbursement for substitute teaching license
• Accrue paid sick days after 6 months
• Get your foot in the door for full-time teaching positions at top rated schools
• Extra $$$ when you take selected shifts
• A $50 referral bonus when you refer your friends
• A W-2 meaning no fussing with taxes at year end
• A team of supportive & caring individuals to help your journey into teaching

• 6 months experience working with students (tutoring, camps, volunteer and other experience counts!)
• Associate's Degree (or 60+ credit hours) or higher
• Current residence in or willingness to commute to Chicago
• IL Substitute Teaching License or Paraprofessional license
• Don't have your license yet? No worries! We'll walk you through the quick online application process, and reimburse you for out of pocket costs once you start teaching.
• Confidence to manage a classroom of students
• Ability to pass state & federal background check
• Please note:
  
  there is an out-of-pocket fee to obtain the background check, but Kokua will reimburse for this after teaching 10 days in the classroom
• Have reliable means of transportation

Founded by a former teacher, Kokua has been connecting talented individuals to K-12 schools for over 13 years. We currently operate in schools across the country, and serve schools across Chicago, building a growing and diverse network of dedicated substitute teachers who want to make a difference in students’ lives. We believe that one role model can change a student’s life forever.

As our Hawaiian name says, Kokua is about coming together as a community and paving a pathway for generations to come.