Illinois added nearly 57-hundred teachers the last school year

Illinois added nearly 57-hundred teachers during the last school year, more than the past five years combined. The State Board of Education surveyed schools and saw a big increase in positions filled, with a statewide vacancy rate of just one and a half percent. However, the board’s Director of Teaching and Learning, Jennifer Kirmes says the shortage continues in low income schools and specialty fields. Kirmes says the board will continue efforts to attract and support more teachers, especially in struggling schools that still have vacancies.