Written by Heartland News
(KFVS) - Administrators say they are finding it harder and harder to get
qualified teachers into Illinois classroom.
More than half of Illinois school districts (60 percent) responding to a
recent survey say they're having trouble filling teaching positions. Three-
quarters say they're seeing fewer qualified candidates than in previous
years.
It found rural school districts in central and northwest Illinois are having
the toughest time finding qualified teachers.
Staffing shortages are particularly problematic for secondary schools with
80 percent of high school districts and 87 percent of unit school district
noticing fewer quality candidates applying for positions.
Superintendents say Illinois' budget problems and the possibility of reduced
public-pension benefits have likely dissuaded applicants.
Sixteen percent of responding districts reported canceling programs or
classes due to teacher shortages. Special education, math and science were
among the hardest hit.
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