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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.Â
Perks of substitute teaching:Â
- 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 experiencesÂ
- Autonomy - Choose the teaching assignments & locations you’re most excited about
With Kokua, you’ll get:Â
- 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 licenseÂ
- 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 shiftsÂ
- A $50 referral bonus when you refer your friendsÂ
- A W-2 meaning no fussing with taxes at year end
- A team of supportive & caring individuals to help your journey into teachingÂ
You’ll need:
- 6 months experience working with students (tutoring, camps, volunteer and other experience counts!)Â
- 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 transportationÂ
As a note, we cannot hire candidates who are currently on the CPS do not hire list.Â
About Kokua Education
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.
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