EIASE maintains high expectations for professionalism for all staff, including substitutes. As trusted members of the school community, substitutes play an influential role in students’ daily experiences and are held to high professional and ethical standards both in and outside the classroom. You are expected to model appropriate behavior, follow district policies and procedures, and contribute to a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students.
Dress Code
Substitutes should dress in a manner that reflects professionalism and supports a positive learning environment. Appropriate attire helps model respectful behavior for students and reinforces the standards of the school community.
Clothing should be clean, neat, and appropriate for a school setting and the duties assigned. Jeans, if worn, must be free of holes or rips. Sweatpants, athletic wear, or similarly casual attire are not considered appropriate professional dress unless specifically approved for the assignment.
Confidentiality
All information related to the students you work with must be kept confidential at all times. Substitutes may be provided with information about students’ academic needs, health concerns, or behavior to help support learning and safety.
This information is private and may only be shared with authorized school personnel. It should never be discussed with other staff, students, parents, or outside individuals. When in doubt, always assume that information is confidential.
Maintaining student confidentiality is not only a professional expectation—it is required by law.
Smoking/Drugs/Alcohol
All schools are smoke-free campuses. Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere on school property, including buildings, parking lots, or surrounding grounds.
In addition, all district buildings and school properties are drug- and alcohol-free workplaces. These policies help ensure a safe, healthy environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Photos and Social Media
Please do not take photos of any students on your personal device, even if it seems to be school-related. It is prohibited to share any student information or photos on social media or any other public outlet
Mandated Reporter
In Illinois, substitutes are considered mandated reporters under state law. This means substitutes are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect encountered while performing their duties by reporting such case to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at 1-800-25-ABUSE.
If you suspect abuse or neglect please follow these steps:
Immediately report your concerns to the appropriate school administrator and provide all specific information to the administrator.
Make a report to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hotline as required by law
Maintain your own personal record of the call you made with details such as time, report number, and name of the person who received the call
Timely reporting is critical. Mandated reporters are protected by law when reports are made in good faith. Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect may result in legal consequences.