Glowiak Hilton commends new law to address teacher shortage

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law supported by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), more paraprofessionals, or teacher aids, will have access to classrooms sooner.

“Paraprofessionals are vital members of a school’s support staff,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By lowering the eligible age, Illinois is offering an opportunity to an aspiring educator or other responsible adult while working to address the statewide teacher shortage.”

In Illinois, paraprofessionals are currently required to be at least 19 years old. Under the new law, the age would be lowered to 18 years old, as long as the individual meets the other license requirements. Paraprofessionals are required to have a high school diploma, an associate degree and pass a competency test.

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Jewish Caucus members condemn rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus stand together to denounce the rise of antisemitism after the Anti-Defamation League reported a historically high level of anti-Semitic incidents in 2021, including a 15% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois from 2020 to 2021.

“The rise in antisemitism in our state and around the world cannot be ignored,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “Anti-Semitic rhetoric, posted online or on fliers, can lead to dangerous actions. We must work together to stand up against hatred in our communities.”

The Anti-Defamation League is an anti-hate organization focused on anti-bias education, assessing the climate of antisemitism and bigotry, and fighting hate online. Their most recent report documented the highest number of recorded incidents against American Jews since the organization began gathering data in 1979.

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Turner plan to tackle teacher shortage becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed to allow school districts to hire substitute teachers with a short-term license for longer periods of time was signed into law Wednesday.

“The pandemic has caused many aspects of our society to adapt – especially our schools,” Turner said. “We have many well-qualified substitute teachers ready to fill the void when teachers are out of the classroom – let’s empower them to step up.”

The pandemic has caused a great deal of disruptions, especially to the education system in Illinois. The state is currently facing a teacher shortage and the need to have qualified individuals step in is vital. SB 3907 will raise the cap on consecutive days a short-term substitute can teach from five to 15.

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Hastings supports new laws to help battle substitute teacher shortage

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois now has new laws on the books to help battle the substitute teacher shortage, thanks to Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) supported measures that were signed into law Wednesday that makes it easier for qualified individuals to serve as substitute teachers.

“Our educators offer guidance and dedicate their lives to our children,” Hastings said. “These new laws help our substitute teachers serve as a lifeline when their usual teacher is absent. Putting an end to this shortage, will not only help our students but help lighten the workload for fellow educators who may have to step in when a substitute teacher cannot be found.”

The following measures were signed into law:

Read more: Hastings supports new laws to help battle substitute teacher shortage