Benton to Join Newly Formed Teacher Vacancies Working Group

PLAINFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is increasing his efforts to solve the  Illinois teacher shortage by joining the newly formed Teacher Shortage Working Group. This group,  chaired by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will work to find practical solutions to the ongoing  issue.

“Teacher and support staff vacancies are one of the biggest problems the Illinois’ public education  system and early childhood providers are currently facing,” Benton said. “Schools across this state are struggling to find and keep teachers. The increased focus of a dedicated working group will help us find solutions on this issue, along with other school staffing issues.”

Recent surveys conducted by the Illinois State Board of Education found that Illinois has thousands of  teaching vacancies in schools across the state. The working group will meet regularly to share ideas  and make recommendations on what the state should do to address the problem.

“I’m looking forward to the chance to meet with a range of stakeholders on this issue to get a full  understanding of the problem and what we need to do to better address it,” Benton said. “I know that  families in my district and across this state are worried about this and what it means for their children’s  education. If we work together to find common sense solutions that work for everyone, then we can create a better and brighter future for Illinois.”