Yang Rohr Bill to Ease Teacher Shortage Signed Into Law

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to raise the quality of education in Illinois, state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, passed legislation to allow retired teachers to return to work as substitutes without impairing their pension status. Gov. Pritzker signed this bill into law on Friday.

“Illinois kids deserve the highest quality education we can give them. My bill will help combat the shortage of teachers by giving new opportunities to retired teachers to return without impacting their pensions,” Yang Rohr said. “By getting more teachers back into the classroom—especially experienced teachers who are already consummate educators—we will give Illinois education the boost it needs to return to normal.”

Yang Rohr passed House Bill 5472, legislation that allows retired teachers to return to work as substitutes for up to 140 paid days. This bill was backed by the Illinois Education Association and the Illinois Federation of Teachers, as well as school management associations. It passed the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support and Gov. Pritzker signed it into law on Friday.

“Good teachers make a lasting impact on their students, and we’re making sure that students have more opportunities to benefit from our most experienced educators,” Yang Rohr said. “By combatting the teacher shortage and creating better conditions for full-time teachers to do their jobs, we will facilitate those connections and do a lot of good for Illinois education.”