HB 5863

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Provides that, in order to substitute teach in the public schools, a person holding a valid substitute teacher's certificate or a person holding a valid early childhood certificate, a valid elementary certificate, a valid high school certificate, or a valid special certificate shall register as a substitute teacher with the regional superintendent of schools in each educational service region where the person will be employed. Provides that a person who registers as a substitute teacher with the regional superintendent of schools is responsible for the payment of fees to register the certificate for its period of validity, authorization of a criminal history records check and checks of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and Statewide Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database, payment of the cost of the criminal history records check and checks of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and Statewide Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database, and providing evidence of physical fitness and freedom from communicable disease, including tuberculosis. Requires the regional superintendent of schools to maintain a file for each registered substitute teacher in the educational service region that includes that information and to issue a signed and sealed certificate of authorization to the substitute teacher. Provides that the certificate shall be presented to all prospective employing school districts in the educational service region, who shall photocopy the certificate and keep a copy of the certificate with employment records for the substitute teacher. Requires the State Board of Education to maintain a centralized electronic database of substitute teacher registrations that includes data from each educational service region.