Teacher hiring across Illinois hits record numbers

Posted on April 20, 2022
The latest survey found that strides have been made in easing the teacher shortage in Illinois. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By IIS and Blake Haas

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois added nearly 5,700 teachers during the last school year, more than the past five years combined.

The latest survey found that strides have been made in easing the teacher shortage in Illinois.

“We do still have very significant shortages in some communities. The state as a whole has actually added more than 5,000 teachers. And as a state, the vacancy rate for teachers is quite low at 1.5%,” said Illinois State Board of Education Director of Teacher and Learning Jennifer Kirmes.

According to Kirmes, the remaining vacancies are in areas that need help such as in low income schools, special education and bilingual education.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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