![Report pushes for greater focus on teacher recruitment and retention amid shortages Report pushes for greater focus on teacher recruitment and retention amid shortages](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/img-TEACHER-SHORTAGE-0202-Cc3vWY.jpeg)
Report pushes for greater focus on teacher recruitment and retention amid shortages
By NIKA SCHOONOVER
Capitol News Illinois
nschoonover@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois schools are still grappling with a teacher shortage that seems to only be getting worse, a recent survey by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools shows.
This mirrors the state’s own data, which shows Illinois’ teacher shortage is at the highest level in the last five years. More than 5,300 classroom positions, including administrative and support personnel, went unfilled in 2022, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.
As a result, teachers often have to absorb unsupervised students into their existing classes or fill in for subject areas in which they have no background.
“No matter how much we’re trying, we’re not filling all the positions and the ones we are filling are people who aren’t necessarily qualified to teach what their assignment is,” IARSS President Mark Klaisner said in a recent interview.
The IARSS, a trade group for the public officials who serve as an intermediary between local school districts and the Illinois State Board of Education, has surveyed nearly 700 school districts on the state of the teacher shortage crisis for the past six years. But this year’s survey focused more intently on short- and long-term solutions proposed by school districts statewide.
According to their 2022 survey, 68 percent of districts reported fewer teacher applicants than the year before. And 45 percent of districts reported the shortage in their school had worsened from the year prior.
Klaisner said everyone involved in education needs to be heard when considering policy changes, as problems with teacher recruitment and retention have different causal mixes in different parts of the state.
“There are lots of people working on how to come to solutions,” he said. “Some of it is related to money but a lot is related to reestablishing the teaching profession and, whatever that takes, we need to work with higher ed, we need to work with early childhood and everywhere in between.”
One area of focus, Klaisner said, is improving the pipeline between education institutions and Illinois’ K-12 schools by starting educator recruitment earlier. That could include programs that allow middle schoolers to shadow teachers.
Other policy recommendations in the IARSS report include making college more affordable for prospective educators and increasing the pool of substitute teachers.
Improving the pipeline
The report emphasized the importance of making the teaching profession more desirable for prospective educators, outlining policy recommendations that would lessen financial burdens and encourage greater diversity.
Along with job shadowing programs, he advocated for dual credit programs that allow students to earn some college credit while in high school.
“We need to look for expedited routes that are going to be less expensive,” Klaisner said.
The report also calls for direct state funding to key areas to encourage more diversity within the profession. This includes increasing funding from $4.2 million to $7 million annually for the Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship; investing more money into the Illinois Teachers Loan Repayment Program which helps pay down student loan debt for Illinois college students that qualify to teach in low-income areas; and further increasing the state’s Monetary Award Program by $50 million.
Those MAP grants go to eligible college students and do not need to be repaid. While the program’s funding has grown to $601 million from about $400 million in the past four years, the report suggested increasing it by $50 million will ensure more teachers from minority communities will receive the grants.
To better fill gaps in the short term, Klaisner pointed to incentivizing teachers to complete additional subject endorsements, which can be done through the ISBE website.
“If you’ve got a good teacher who’s willing to try something new, give them the appropriate endorsement, but then give them three years to be able to complete the coursework to be fully certified in that area,” Klaisner said.
By giving teachers the time and space to complete supplemental endorsements, Klaisner said it will better equip them to fill in potential staffing gaps.
Other recommendations include observing how districts have used federal pandemic-era Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER, funds to help teachers get provisional licenses in shortage subject areas. Additionally, the survey recommends strengthening the state’s educator prep programs by showing which paths have stronger results in teacher placement and success.
Several survey respondents also noted that a 2010 state law creating a lower tier of pension benefits for new employees has made the teaching profession less desirable from a compensation standpoint.
Increasing substitute teacher accessibility
When it comes to filling short-term gaps, the report focused on increasing the pool of substitute teachers.
“When you don’t have enough classroom teachers, and then you don’t have enough subs, then you’ve got classrooms that are literally empty. I mean, the children are in the room but there’s no teacher,” said Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, who was also a teacher for 34 years in Decatur and Maroa-Forsyth.
Last April, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a package of four bills to address the shortage, including House Bill 4798, which allows currently enrolled teaching students with at least 90 credit hours to be licensed as substitute teachers.
According to the survey, 60 percent of respondents said HB 4798 has helped recruit and retain teachers.
In addition, 80 percent of districts support a plan which would increase the number of days retired teachers can substitute from 120 days to 140 days without impacting their retirement benefits.
The number was increased to 120 from 90 in a bill signed in April, Senate Bill 3893, but it was scheduled to expire in 2023. The idea was supported by 79 percent of IARSS survey respondents, and the report advocated for making the extension permanent.
The laws allowing college students to serve as substitute teachers is also scheduled to expire, and the report suggested making it permanent as well.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide, as well as hundreds of radio and TV stations. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Local News
![dvn 6-24-24 lyons boxer2 Dario Lemus, Jr., of Lyons, demonstrates the moves that helped him become an Illinois Junior Olympic boxing champ. (Photos by Steve Metsch)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dvn-6-24-24-lyons-boxer2-669x1024.jpg)
A real knockout
Spread the loveLyons boy, 10, heads to boxing nationals By Steve Metsch Dario Lemus Jr., has yet to knock out an opponent in the boxing ring. Give him time. After all, the 10-year-old Lyons boy has only been boxing for 18 months. “I’ve dropped two kids, but not like a knockout,” Dario said with a…
![reporter biz 6-24-24 The Qahwa Coffee House (Bridgeview) The Qahwa coffee house is now open in Bridgeview. (Photo by Nuha Abdessalam)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reporter-biz-6-24-24-The-Qahwa-Coffee-House-Bridgeview-1024x768.jpg)
New Middle Eastern coffee shop opens next to Bridgeview courthouse
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Coffee connoisseurs take heart, Bridgeview Court Plaza’s newest addition, The Qahwa, is now open. Prepare to be captivated by a truly unique Middle Eastern coffee experience, nestled in the heart of Bridgeview’s “Little Palestine.” The Qahwa, with its one-of-a-kind Middle Eastern coffee blends and inviting atmosphere, is a haven for…
![kathyheadley2021 Kathy Headley](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/kathyheadley2021-869x1024.jpg)
Temps were hot, but golfers were cool
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . The weekend of June 22/23 started with temps in the 90s, a high humidity both days and the threat of rain loomed throughout the weekend as well. This is not unusual for the third week…
![reporter 6-27-24 ol parade shriners Shriners entertain the crowd at last year's Oak Lawn Independence Day Parade. (File photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reporter-6-27-24-ol-parade-shriners-1024x698.jpg)
Oak Lawn Fourth of July festivities
Spread the loveCelebrate Independence Day at the Village of Oak Lawn’s annual Fourth of July Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29! This cherished community event brings together families, friends, and neighbors to honor the spirit of freedom and patriotism. Parade will step off at 95th Street and Lacrosse and head west on 95th…
![regional 6-24-24 sd230 safety director Mary Pat Carr](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/regional-6-24-24-sd230-safety-director-659x1024.jpg)
District 230 names Director of Safety and Security
Spread the loveFrom staff reports The Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education approved Dr. Mary Pat Carr as the district’s first Director of Security. She will move from her current position as Assistant Principal of Activities at Stagg High School to the Administrative Center on July 1. Her duties as Director of Safety…
![3 The Worth Public Library, 6917 W. 111th St., hosted its annual celebration on June 1 to bring patrons of all ages out to sign up for its summer reading program. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-1024x771.jpg)
Worth Public Library kicks off summer reading program
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Patrons at the Worth Public Library welcomed in the summer season earlier this month. The library, 6917 W. 111th St., hosted its annual celebration on June 1 to bring patrons of all ages out to sign up for its summer reading program. “We love any excuse to celebrate reading with…
![regional 6-24-24 UFC Gym Orland Mall fire3 Fire hoses line the parking lot outside of the UFC Gym last Thursday. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/regional-6-24-24-UFC-Gym-Orland-Mall-fire3-1024x739.jpg)
Fire knocks out Orland’s UFC Gym
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A fire last Thursday afternoon practically destroyed an Orland Park gym and knocked out neighboring businesses, as well. Orland Park firefighters received a call at 2:31 p.m. June 20 for a reported fire in the UFC Gym located at 66 Orland Square Drive Unit C. Multiple 911 calls were received for a…
![reporter 6-24-24 cr fire chief retires Retiring Chicago Ridge Fire Chief William Bonnar (at left) is congratulated by Mayor Jack Lind, who also presented him with a proclamation, at the June 18 Village Board meeting. (Photo by Dermot Connolly)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reporter-6-24-24-cr-fire-chief-retires-1024x764.jpg)
Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Bonnar retires
Spread the loveStarted his 50-year career as Orland Park cadet By Dermot Connolly Chicago Ridge Fire Chief William Bonnar officially announced his retirement from a nearly 50-year career at the June 18 Village Board meeting. Mayor Jack Lind made the announcement “with great regret,” joking that “he doesn’t have the age to retire but he…
![basketball stock basketball stock](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/stock-basketball-e1719502937287.jpg)
Stagg tabs Allee Hernandez to guide girls hoops
Spread the loveBy Randy Whalen Correspondent Allee Hernandez has accrued many years of basketball experience as a player and as an assistant coach. She will soon embark on a new experience as a head coach at Stagg, where she will be the Chargers first new head coach in 16 seasons. She succeeds Bill Turner, who…
![1 Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights, was chosen as a Yearbook Excellence Contest recipient from Walsworth Publishing Company, a family-owned printing company based out of Marceline, Missouri. (Supplied photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-1024x576.jpg)
Shepard’s yearbook wins national recognition
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Shepard High School students have worked tirelessly to create a yearbook for this academic year that was nationally recognized. The high school, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights, was chosen as a Yearbook Excellence Contest recipient from Walsworth Publishing Company, a family-owned printing company based out of Marceline, Missouri.…
Neighbors
![SRP-IMAGE-Logo SRP-IMAGE-Logo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRP-IMAGE-Logo-1024x560.png)
St. Rita takes 5th at Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic
Spread the loveBy Steve Millar Correspondent St. Rita’s youth was evident in some mistakes the Mustangs made down the stretch in the fifth-place game of the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic. But the Mustangs’ talent won out in the end. Sophomore guard Jaedin Reyna went coast-to-coast and scored on a drive to the basket with 2.5…
![ABBIE MURPHY Abbey Murphy, a Mother McAuley grad and University of Minnesota hockey player, was named to the Olympic team. University of Minnesota photo](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ABBIE-MURPHY-1024x576.jpg)
Murphy joins Schofield on U.S. women’s hockey team
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Abbey Murphy lists Kendall Coyne Schofield as her sports role model. Now, she will be a teammate of Schofield on the biggest stage for women’s hockey. Team USA Hockey announced its Olympic roster over the weekend and two-time medal winner Schofield, a native of Palos Heights and a Sandburg…
![4 Richards High School Principal Dr. Mike Jacobson and several staff members at the high school, 10601 Central Ave., Oak Lawn, walked for 24 hours on a treadmill to raise money for student scholarships starting bright and early on New Year's Day. (Supplied photos)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4-683x1024.jpg)
Richards principal walks 24 hours for a cause
Spread the loveRaises $20,000 for student scholarships By Kelly White Most people spend New Year’s Day relaxing. Richards High School Principal Dr. Mike Jacobson spent it on the treadmill. For the second year in a row, Jacobson inspired generous donations of more than $20,000 on New Year’s Day by walking 24 hours on a treadmill…
![LOGO District 230 board members and students have their photo taken in front of the district’s new logo. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/LOGO-1024x768.jpg)
Students help design new District 230 logo
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva District 230 has a new logo. Students Tina Alkayed (Sandburg), Nycholas Golla (Stagg) and Trinity Walker (Andrew) teamed with Director of Communications Carla Erdey and Five Star Design branding specialist Laura Gilarski to work on the logo, which was unveiled at the Dec. 16 board meeting at Sandburg. “It’s a…
![GSWNH_FightFor15Sign_123121 A fast-food restaurant worker affixes a Fight for $15 sign to a window at a McDonald’s in the city. --Photo courtesy of FightFor15.org](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_FightFor15Sign_123121-1024x683.jpg)
New laws taking effect
Spread the loveStatewide jump in minimum wage ‘just a start’ By Bob Bong and Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois Minimum-wage workers across Illinois will see a boost in their hourly pay to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, while tenants in affordable housing units will be allowed to keep pets. Those are just some…
![GSWNH_OLSThreeKings_123121 GSWNH_OLSThreeKings_123121](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_OLSThreeKings_123121-768x1024.jpg)
Three Wise Men at Snows
Spread the love Portraying the Three Wise Men at the Christmas pageant at Our Lady of the Snows School this year were Yarely Garibay, Noah Rosas and Amira Cepeda. The three eighth graders were part of “Las Posadas” a nine-night depiction of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay and where Jesus Christ…
- « Previous
- 1
- …
- 323
- 324
- 325