Illinois schools are facing a significant shortage of teachers, particularly in special education and English-learner classes. The problem is compounded by shortages of supporting staff such as school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses, as well as administrators. The shortage is attributed to low pay, job demands, burnout, and the new competition that arises from the ability to work remotely. Despite the ongoing shortage, efforts at the local and state levels have shown some success, such as the 2017 school funding overhaul, which directed more funding to high-need schools, and increasing flexibility for substitute teachers and retired educators. Other measures include making teacher pensions more attractive, providing loan forgiveness, offering scholarships for education majors, and studying salary parity with other professions requiring similar education and licensure.
Tipsord, the executive director of the regional superintendents association, emphasized the importance of supporting teachers to prevent burnout. This can be achieved by ensuring teachers are not burdened by outside tasks and providing on-the-ground support from principals. The survey also found a shortage of administrators, with half of the candidates for these positions lacking the proper credentials. To address this, the study recommends focusing on retention and recruitment efforts, including encouraging middle and high school students to pursue teaching careers and offering support for paraprofessionals and teaching assistants who want to become licensed teachers.
The report highlights the need for more focused mentoring for teachers and potential leaders, as well as increased funding to recruit principals. It suggests removing obstacles for individuals in other careers who want to transition into teaching and ensuring that community college credits can be transferred to universities for teaching degrees. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of improving training, support, and incentives for educators in order to address the ongoing teacher shortage in Illinois schools. By implementing these recommendations, schools can better attract and retain qualified teachers and administrators to ensure the success of students in the state.
