Walsh-Backed Measure Waiving Substitute Teacher License Fee Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As schools across Illinois struggle with a shortage of substitute teachers, state Rep. Larry Walsh, D-Elwood, recently voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a measure waiving a burdensome fee on substitute teacher licenses.

“Substitute teachers play an important role in ensuring that a child’s education is not interrupted when their teacher falls ill or is unable to be in the classroom,” Walsh said. “Many schools across Illinois are dealing with teaching shortages, so it’s important we take steps to make it easier for these schools to find qualified subs.”

Walsh sponsored House Bill 3298, which waives the $50 renewal fee charged to teachers reapplying for a substitute teaching license if they have taught 10 full schools days throughout the previous year. His measure also allows new applicants for a substitute teaching license to receive a refund for the license fee if the applicant has taught at least 10 days within their first year of teaching.

“Eliminating this redundant fee is one small way we can help alleviate the financial burden on teachers and encourage educators living on fixed incomes to also apply for a substitute teaching license,” Walsh said. “I will continue looking for ways to help our teachers and reduce the burdens they face.”