Bill Text: IL HJR0061 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Creates the Addressing the Illinois Teacher Shortage Task Force whose purpose is the following: (1) to obtain and analyze data on the teacher shortage, including how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the shortage, (2) to audit Illinois' teacher licensure laws and rules to determine if any laws or rules are an impediment to quality teachers joining the classroom, (3) to study and review required examinations for student teachers as well as professional development requirements for existing teachers, and (4) to provide recommendations on how to address the teacher shortage by removing impediments in current laws and rules.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-05-09 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee [HJR0061 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-HJR0061-Introduced.html

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It has long been reported that Illinois is facing
a critical teacher shortage, which has only been exacerbated
by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, According to the 2020 Illinois Educator Shortage
Survey commissioned by the Illinois Association of Regional
Superintendents, 77% of Illinois school districts reported
having a teacher shortage problem, and 93% of school districts
have a substitute teacher shortage; and
WHEREAS, This 2020 survey also indicated that school
districts reported 17% of their teacher positions are unfilled
or filled by someone less than qualified for the position;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE
SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that there is created the Addressing
the Illinois Teacher Shortage Task Force whose purpose is the
following:
(1) to obtain and analyze data on the teacher
shortage, including how the COVID-19 pandemic has
exacerbated the shortage;
(2) to audit Illinois' teacher licensure laws and

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rules to determine if any laws or rules are an impediment
to quality teachers joining the classroom;
(3) to study and review required examinations for
student teachers as well as professional development
requirements for existing teachers; and
(4) to provide recommendations on how to address the
teacher shortage by removing impediments in current laws
and rules; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall consist of the
following members:
(1) one member of a statewide professional teachers'
organization, appointed by the State Superintendent of
Education;
(2) one member of another statewide professional
teachers' organization, appointed by the State
Superintendent of Education;
(3) one member of a statewide professional teachers'
organization that represents a school district in a city
with a population of over 500,000, appointed by the State
Superintendent of Education;
(4) one member of a statewide organization that
represents school administrators, appointed by the State
Superintendent of Education;
(5) one member of a statewide organization that
represents school board members, appointed by the State

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Superintendent of Education;
(6) one member of a statewide organization that
represents principals, appointed by the State
Superintendent of Education;
(7) one member of a statewide organization that
represents suburban school districts, appointed by the
State Superintendent of Education;
(8) one member of a statewide organization that
represents large unit school districts, appointed by the
State Superintendent of Education;
(9) one member of a statewide organization that
represents rural school districts, appointed by the State
Superintendent of Education;
(10) two members representing teacher education
preparation programs at in-state colleges and
universities, appointed by the State Superintendent of
Education;
(11) one member of the House of Representatives
appointed by the Speaker of the House;
(12) one member of the House of Representatives
appointed by the House Minority Leader;
(13) one member of the Senate appointed by the Senate
President; and
(14) one member of the Senate appointed by the Senate
Minority Leader; and be it further

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RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall have all appointments
made within 30 days of the adoption of this resolution; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Task Force members shall serve without
compensation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall first meet at the call
of the State Superintendent of Education within 30 days
following all appointments being made; at which meeting, the
Task Force shall elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson from
among its members; at which time, meetings of the Task Force
shall then be at the call of the chairperson; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Illinois State Board of Education shall
provide administrative and technical support to the Task Force
and be responsible for administering its operations and
ensuring that the requirements of the Task Force are met; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall submit a report to the
General Assembly by December 31, 2022 addressing the Task
Force's purpose as stated above and providing recommendations
on how to address the teacher shortage currently facing
Illinois school districts, and upon filing of its final
report, the Task Force is dissolved.