Study shows Illinois state’s teacher shortage is far from over

Posted on March 4, 2021

classroom — *The teacher shortage in Illinois has been going on for years, and, the pandemic is only making it worse. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)*

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Help Wanted: Teachers.

A study shows Illinois school leaders believe the state’s teacher shortage is far from over, possibly lingering another four to five years at least. 86 percent of respondents believe that, according to Mark Klaisner, president of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools. 77 percent struggle with the shortage, and 93 percent have a difficult time finding substitutes.

Klaisner says the pandemic enters into this in that many subs are retirees who may be at greater risk because of their age and thus are waiting it out rather than work as a sub.

A short-term solution, Klaisner says, would be to make it easier to become a teacher or a substitute. Longer term: better marketing education as a career to high school students.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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