Illinois can do more to solve the teacher shortage problem

With more than 5,000 unfilled teaching positions statewide, it is critical that we focus on teacher retention and systemic changes to support our educators and students, writes Anajah Roberts, executive director, Teach For America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana. (stock.adobe.)

It is no secret that Illinois schools are facing teacher shortages due to issues exacerbated by the pandemic: a frustrating lack of resources, increased academic and social emotional needs of students and extremely high levels of burnout and other mental health challenges among educators.

Our civic leaders are doing the best they can to support teachers, from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget investment of half a billion dollars for education to the $4 million grant from the state board to support teachers seeking a bilingual educator endorsement.