Many Illinois students go back to school this month. A new law could combat teacher shortages that have plagued the state for the past few years.
The new legislation changes the requirement for a short-term substitute teaching license.
Before, instructors were required to have a bachelor’s degree to receive the license, now they can get one with an associate degree or 60 hours of college coursework. They must complete a substitute teacher training program.
Amanda Christensen is the Regional Superintendent of Schools in DeKalb County. She says the training programs are a good idea. Her office provided similar programs in the past that were optional, which she feels was helpful for new substitute teachers.
“The training was well-received, because of course having a bachelor’s degree in anything doesn’t really prepare you for 'What does a school day look like?'” said Christensen.
The requirement change for short-term subs will expire after five years. Another measure allows retired teachers to substitute teach more hours during a school year without changing their retirement status.
As for full-time teacher shortages? The legislation grants out-of-state teachers an equivalent teaching license in Illinois, helping them teach right away and fill empty positions.
Christensen says the process is already much smoother than before.
“I can say that what used to be potentially several months of being able to get an out-of-state applicant properly licensed here -- that has shrunk to under a month," she said.
But she says it’s too soon to know if the law will result in tons of new teachers.