Yingling Backs Measure to Combat Teacher Shortage by Raising Teacher Salary

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, stood with Illinois’ teachers by supporting legislation that raises their salary to a livable standard and addressing the state’s concerning teacher shortage.

“Teachers should be treated and compensated fairly for the selfless work they do,” said Yingling. “Illinois’ current system is constantly turning potential teachers away because the starting salary is not only uncompetitive, it is disrespectful. This legislation seeks to change that.”

Yingling supported House Bill 2078, which after four years would set the starting salary for a teacher at $40,000. According to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), there are 2,894 vacant education jobs in Illinois. Phasing in salary increases will help ease the state’s teacher shortage so new teachers can be compensated fairly for their efforts. Yingling is dedicated to helping support teachers across Illinois, and House Bill 2078 now moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration.

“People who choose to teach should not have to weight the fear of living in poverty, as some new teachers work to pay off student loans of their own,” said Yingling. “The last time teacher salaries were set was back in 1980 at $10,000. Raising the minimum salary to $40,000 a year should be a no-brainer, and I sincerely hope the Senate passes this measure without delay.”