Ready to make an impact in your community while getting paid? Become a substitute teacher with Kokua in Cicero and surrounding Chicago area 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. 

Perks of substitute teaching: 

• 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

With Kokua, you’ll get: 

• 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 

You’ll need:

• 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 

As a note, we cannot hire candidates who are currently on the CPS do not hire list. 

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.