SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – More than 90% of Illinois school districts say they are facing a “serious” or “very serious” teacher shortage according to a report Tuesday by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS).
“There’s still reason for concern in the State of Illinois as to whether or not we have a sufficient supply of teaching staff to meet the ongoing and perpetual demand in our public schools,” said IARSS Executive Director Gary Tipsord.
His concern comes after the report showed 93% of schools surveyed were facing a shortage of substitutes, 88% say they get five or fewer applicants for openings and 73% say at least half their applicants don’t hold the proper credentials for the job.
Despite the bleak numbers, he has hope.
“There’s a lot of attention to this issue and a variety of organizations and associations and people that are coming together to better understand that and then also develop the potential for kind right-sized and right-minded solutions,” Tipsord said.
The Illinois Education Association (IEA) is one of the organizations trying to develop the next generation of teachers through its Educators Rising Illinois program. It brings teaching into the classroom to inspire middle and high school students to go into teaching.
Program leaders testified Tuesday at a state House Appropriations-Elementary and Secondary Education Committee hearing in Chicago.
“By creating support systems, which follows students through high school and into their educator-prep programs, we believe that we can help stop the bleed. By continuing to fund Educators Rising Illinois, you can provide those who want to inspire our state’s most valuable asset with the resources they need to thrive and also learn,” said Educators Rising Illinois State Coordinator Lindsey Jensen.
The IEA is asking for $1.75 million from the state continue and expand the program.
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