I joined my colleagues at a news conference in Springfield where we outlined legislation that looks to tackle teaching shortages statewide. My measure, Senate Bill 3465 would allow Chicago Public Schools the option of hiring retired teachers without affecting their retirement annuity. Senate Bill 3907 from Sen. Turner allows short-term substitute teachers to teach for 15 consecutive days instead of five. Additionally, Senate Bill 3893 from Sen. Joyce will extend the number of days substitute teachers can teach from 90 to 120 days for the next two years. Senate Bill 3201 from Sen. Harris would allow retired teachers to return to the classroom for 140 paid days through the 2023 school year without affecting their retirement benefits. Additionally, Senate Bill 3988 from Sen. Pacione-Zayas lowers the age from 19 to 18 for individuals seeking to receive a paraprofessional license. It passed the Senate unanimously and awaits House action. Lastly, Sen. Cappel has proposed Senate Bill 3915 to waive the application fee for short-term substitute teaching licenses during a governor-declared public health emergency.
