SPRINGFIELD – In the face of a growing teacher shortage in downstate Illinois, State Senator Mike Halpin’s plan to allow retired teachers to work additional paid hours has passed the Senate with bipartisan support.
“If we are going to build a future in Illinois that works for all of us, teachers are one of the most valuable human resources we have,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Retired teachers have the experience and the time to support our school districts, students and communities. Giving them the option of more substitution hours will give much needed support to our education system.”
Every single Democrat and Republican in the Senate supported Senate Bill 2953. Halpin’s measure, to extend the sunset of a provision that allows retired teachers to work up to 120 days or 600 paid hours as a substitute teacher without impacting their retirement status – in turn addressing the teacher shortage downstate.
Illinois continues to suffer through a teacher shortage. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, 87% of schools surveyed said they have a teacher shortage problem and 91% are struggling to fill substitute teacher openings. Also according to the ISBE, nearly 4,000 teaching positions went unfilled and 87% of education leaders indicated a minor, serious, or very serious problem with teacher shortages.
“This legislation will support every school in every district downstate,” said Halpin. “Making sure our kids have the tools they need to thrive and be successful in life isn’t a partisan value, it’s a family value. If retired teachers want to work to support our children, we should not stand in their way.”
Senate Bill 2953 passed the Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.
###
© 2026 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
