By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – State lawmakers are working on legislation to further address the teacher shortage in Illinois.

The problem is serious, especially in hard to staff areas say supporters.

A bill from Senator Meg Loughran-Cappel of Shorewood extends the number of days that substitute teachers filling an emergency vacancy can work in the classroom. Another provides monetary incentives for teachers who mentor their newer colleagues.

“Providing this compensation to educators who continuously work to uplift and guide newer teachers will encourage them to stay in the profession benefiting our students the most,” Cappel said.

A third bill sets up four thousand dollar a year retention bonuses to be given for two consecutive years to teachers working in underserved schools.

A measure from Metro East Area Senator Christopher Belt provides retention bonuses of $4,000 per year, for two consecutive years to teachers employed in hard-to-staff schools.

“The fact is Illinois is facing a crisis when recruiting and retaining qualified teachers especially, in underserved communities. This shortage is having a profound impact on the education of our children,” Belt said.

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