Illinois School Districts Challenged to Attract, Retain Teachers

Print

Published on January 14 2016 7:23 am
Last Updated on January 14 2016 7:23 am
Written by Greg Sapp

More Illinois school districts are struggling to attract, hire and keep qualified teachers, and rural districts face the greatest challenge, according to a newly released survey of regional superintendents.

The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) released a statewide survey of school districts on the growing problem of teacher shortages.

Illinois agriculture education faces a critical shortage of teachers, ag ed college graduates and licensing hurdles. Ag education supporters have sought for agriculture education to be designated a high-need field in Illinois.   

Conducted at the start of the 2015-2016 school year, the IARSS survey reported:

  • 60 percent of Illinois school districts reported trouble filling teaching positions; and
  • 75 percent of those districts saw fewer qualified candidates than previously with higher percentage in rural districts and in central and northwest Illinois.

“We want to work with local school districts, the Illinois State Board of Education, the governor’s office and legislators to address this growing crisis,” said Jeff Vose, IARSS president and regional superintendent of Sangamon and Menard counties.

Survey results incorporate reports from elementary, high school and unit districts that contain both elementary and secondary schools. A total of 62 percent of districts completed the survey. Respondents indicated staffing shortages are particular problems for secondary schools with 80 percent of high school districts and 87 percent of unit school districts noticing fewer quality candidates applying for positions.

Respondents indicated several factors contribute to the shortage, including educators leaving the state and the teaching profession, fewer students enrolling in teacher training programs, out-of-state educators unwilling to relocate to Illinois and out-of-state educators willing to relocate but unable to meet the state’s license requirements without substantial delays and additional requirements.