Illinois Lawmakers Address Teacher Shortage
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to address Illinois’ current teacher shortage, the state legislature passed a package of bills to better recruit new candidates. On Wednesday, Governor JB Pritzker signed the measures into law. This legislative package will lower fees for educators, create more opportunities, and will focus on diversifying the entire profession.
"Our teachers have the unique opportunity to positively influence the lives of our children daily, and the importance of this profession cannot be understated," said House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. "We must do what we can as policy makers to invest in our education system, diversify the field, and make it easier for qualified candidates to go into this profession."
House Bill 4246: Currently, educators must pay a $500 penalty to reinstate a lapsed license. This bill will lower that cost to $50. It goes into effect immediately.
“Retired teachers already have the skills and experience to create a dynamic learning environment and they are an incredible asset as we address the current teacher shortage,” said Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). “Waiving the registration fees for retired teachers to renew their licenses will help students across the state receive the high-quality education Illinois is known for.”
House Bill 4798: State law currently requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, but this bill will allow students working towards education degrees the ability to substitute teach. These students must have completed 90 credit hours in their program and will need to obtain a substitute teaching license. This law goes into effect January 1, 2023.
“I am pleased that Gov. Pritzker has signed HB 4798 into law,” said Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-Naperville). “This bill will streamline the process of qualified student-educators obtaining substitute teaching licenses, reducing bureaucratic red tape and will increase the availability of substitute teachers to better support our public schools at this critical time.”
Senate Bill 3988: Paraprofessional educators who work with students in elementary and junior high school must be at least 19 years old under current state law. This bill lowers that age to 18 allowing future teachers to start their classroom experience sooner. This law goes into effect January 1, 2023.
“I am proud of the work we've done in the legislature to address the teacher shortage,” said Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook). “SB3988 is a great way to do that, and I am looking forward to continuing to advocate for quality education."
Senate Bill 3907: Under current law, short term substitute teachers are allowed to spend 5 consecutive days in the same classroom in the event of a disaster declaration. This bill increases the number of days to 15. This law takes effect immediately.
“Expanding the number of consecutive days that educators may teach with a Short Term Substitute License from 5 days to 15 days will increase administrative efficiency and reduce clerical expenses while helping to address the current teacher shortage,” said Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-Naperville). “I am pleased that Gov. Pritzker has signed this important bill into law.”