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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

New Law Aims To Reduce Teacher Shortage

Flickr user / alamosbasement "old school" (CC BY 2.0)

A new law designed to relieve the statewide shortage of teachers and substitute teachers was signed by Governor Bruce Rauner today.

State Senator Dave Luechtefeld, a Republican, taught history and government at Okawville High School for more than 30 years, so it’s hard to argue with him about what it takes to be an educator.

That’s probably why the bill he sponsored passed unanimously in both chambers of the Illinois legislature. It lowers the fee for a substitute teaching license, and smooths the way for retired teachers to work as subs.

“It still doesn’t solve the problem, from what I’m told by school administrators. And I understand that we’re even in some studies, such as the math area and science and things like that, it’s extremely hard to even find a teacher,” Luechtefeld said.

Luechtefeld's bill allows teachers licensed in other states to receive a comparable license here. It takes effect immediately.

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