SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz championed a newly signed law strengthening Illinois’ efforts to address the teacher shortage by removing unnecessary hurdles that drive people away from becoming an educator.

“For years, parents and teachers in my district have been feeling the crunch of the teacher shortage,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “As we continue to equip our teachers with resources and support, we need to make sure they don’t face setbacks because of family or medical obligations.”

The law, originally Senate Bill 1584, comes in response to a local resident who took family and medical leave during her pregnancy when she was licensed under short-term approval. For many educators, including Feigenholtz’s constituent, short-term approval in a new subject area is a path to becoming a more versatile teacher who can teach more classes — but it typically only lasts three years.

To ease barriers for these educators, Feigenholtz’s new law allows teachers to take family and medical leave while they are licensed under short-term approval without jeopardizing their short-term licenses. This change “stops the clock” when someone takes FMLA leave so they can pick up where they left off without losing any of their short-term approval period.

“Someone who overcame barriers to earn their teaching license shouldn’t continue facing hurdles to entering the classroom,” said Feigenholtz. “When life happens, educators need the flexibility and support to be able to put their health first without jeopardizing their careers.”

Senate Bill 1584 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

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