Two statewide surveys show that the teacher shortage in Illinois is easing up, according to the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools. Hundreds of school districts responded to the surveys, which were sent out Fall 2024.
According to the report, there was a 5.6% decrease in the total number of unfilled teaching positions compared to the 2023-24 school year, while the total number of filled positions continued to increase, by 1.4%.
A total of 5,400 new teachers were hired in 2024-2025, according to the ISRSS report. Still, across the state, 3,864 teaching positions remain unfilled as of Oct. 1, 2024, along with 996 school support personnel, 2,415 paraprofessionals, and 189 administrator positions.
“The state has recognized the severity and urgency of this crisis and has made investments that have made a difference – from Teacher Vacancy Grants awarded to the most understaffed school districts to a successful statewide teacher recruitment marketing campaign,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders.
“However, our highest need schools are still experiencing critical educator shortages, so we must keep building on the progress we see today,” he added.
Though the Illinois State Board of Education agrees that the teacher shortage is easing, they say the situation is complex and can change depending on the region.
“For our school districts throughout the state, (the teacher shortage) is not universally created everywhere. It looks different in every place, but I think everybody believes – or at least feels like – it’s a challenge,” said Gary Tipsord, IARSS Executive Director. “So let’s accept that as a reality, and then that will allow us to best solve this sustainably.”
When it comes to schools in rural communities, like many across Vermilion County, the situation is sometimes dire, with 90% of school leaders in rural Illinois who responded to the survey reporting none or very few applicants for open positions, according to the ISRSS survey study.
The Commercial-News reached out to school superintendents in Vermilion County to see how the shortage is impacting staff and students locally.
Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin
In Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin School District, there are currently around three or four teaching positions currently being filled by long-term substitutes.
In Superintendent Scott Watson’s opinion, the teacher shortage situation is still dire.
“When we had elementary jobs open 15 years ago, we may have had 100 applicants. The last time we had an elementary job open, we had two,” he said. “I’m not sure where they’re getting their information from, but I don’t know if I necessarily agree that the shortage is easing.”
As to why, Watson has a few theories.
“I think all the red tape that prospective teachers have to go through at the university level causes a lot of issues,” he said, adding that he believes negative press can also drive people away.
Long-term substitutes do not have the education, training, or licensing qualifications that are required of teachers, Watson said.
Even if qualified teachers were available to hire, Watson said he would hesitate to replace some of his long-term subs, one of whom has been in his position for six or seven years.
“I’ve seen some long-term subs who are way better educators than somebody who has a degree. Just because you have a degree doesn’t mean you can teach,” he said. “We have some long-term subs who we really like, and I’ll keep them over certified teachers.”
Danville School District 118
For newly-appointed Interim Superintendent John Hart — who replaced Dr. Alicia Geddis when she was ousted in February — the shortage is especially difficult when trying to fill specialist positions.
“Like many other schools in the country, we have vacancies in some hard-to-fill teaching positions,” he said, mentioning special education, physical education, and middle school endorsements as examples of those roles.
In an effort to help ease the shortage, the district started their “Grow Your Own” program a few years ago, supporting those interested in pursuing their teaching degree to attend college or universities and earn a teaching license.
“Our district has been able to cover all tuition costs for those participating with funding through both state and federal grants,” Hart said.
After completing their education and licensing requirements, those who utilized the program commit to teaching in D118 for three additional years.
D118 is also collaborating with Danville Area Community College to supply students the opportunity to enroll in courses.
“Applicants mention the support that is provided to new teachers through our mentoring program, the professional development offered and the opportunities for advancement,” Hart said, referring to students graduating from neighboring schools who are applying to jobs with D118.
In Hart’s opinion, solving the teacher shortage issue will require both creativity and flexibility.
“Filling some of these positions takes creativity from many of our team members here at D118 … There is not a one-size fits all approach to attracting future educators. Schools must have a magnitude of tools. We will continue to work as a district team to seek the best of the best for our students in D118,” he said.