Scherer Introduces Bill to Address Substitute Teacher Shortages

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, recently introduced a bill to allow retired teachers to act as substitutes for school districts experiencing substitute teacher shortages, without jeopardizing their retirement benefits.

“Education is an issue that will need constant innovation to ensure it is as effective as possible,” said Scherer. “A more adaptable education system will only lead to more significantly positive results for teachers, students and their families.”

Scherer’s legislation allows the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) to grant return-to-work waivers to school districts where there are substitute teacher shortages. If a school district is granted this waiver by TRS, retired teachers may return to work as substitute teachers in that district without putting their retirement annuity at risk. Under the current system, a retired teacher may only return to work without jeopardizing their retirement benefits if they were to return at least one full school year after retirement and do not exceed a cap of 120 paid days or 600 hours. Scherer’s initiative seeks to combat the teacher shortage in Illinois by allowing retirees to be hired by districts which have been determined to have a great need for educators.

“School districts need the appropriate resources to mold the future generations,” said Scherer “Providing the space for a quality and productive educational environment should not be hindered by personnel issues like these shortages.”