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Teacher shortage affecting area school districts

With only a quarter of the school year in the books, area schools are seeing a lack of teachers and what it is doing to education.

Jodi Scott, ROE 33’s Regional Superintendent for Schools, says that as of right now there are 18 open positions in the the districts covered by her.

Scott says that in an elective course – such as Spanish French or an advanced placement course – if the position is vacant then the course isn’t offered.

She added that in mandated classes it is a different story, “in a situation where it’s a course that we absolutely have to move forward with… maybe we’ll start with a substitute teacher and continue to advertise until we find someone who is properly qualified.”

Scott says that the reason for the shortage is a combination of things – including a dwindling number of college bound students entering education programs.

The state of Illinois has made progress to address the issue – passing a short term approval law that will hopefully help fill many of the open positions in the region and state.

Scott says that the short term approval allows teachers that are knowledgeable of the content of a course – but may not have the full qualifications – to teach on the short term while they work toward the full licensing.

“For example a math teacher to be able to take the content area test to show they’re knowledgeable in history, or social studies, or economics – and if they can pass that test… it gives them a short term approval while they work and take the coursework to get the full approval.” she explained to WGIL.

She adds the shortage goes beyond the state, and is seen as a national issue.

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