Scherer to Address Teacher Shortage as Chairwoman of Education Administration and Licensing Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, will keep pursuing the fight for sensible licensing requirements and help put good teachers in the classroom in her position as chairwoman of the Elementary and Secondary Education for Administration, Licensing and Charter Schools Committee.

Prior to joining the General Assembly, Scherer was an educator for over 30 years in the Decatur and Forsyth schools.

“As an educator, mother and grandmother, the needs of our schools, teachers, professionals, students and families are personal to me. I will continue to lead in a way that uplifts our schools and the families they serve,” Scherer said. “If we continue to work on lessening inessential testing requirements and other roadblocks to the teaching profession, we can fill our teacher shortage.”

The Elementary and Secondary Education for Administration, Licensing, and Charter Schools Committee works consistently to regulate the policies that govern the professionals in grade schools and high schools, including charter schools. Scherer will begin a new term by continuing to address the educator shortage in Illinois by re-evaluating testing requirements for educators, which disproportionately impact women and minorities who want to join the education workforce. Additionally, Scherer will push to make sure our schools are well funded and ensure our students benefit the most from increases in education spending.

“I am eager to begin another term as chairwoman of this important committee. I look forward to helping our students, educators, and administrators grow and confront the challenges they face,” said Scherer. “I will continue to work with my fellow legislators, from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, to find out how we can best create the workforce to educate our children.”