AURORA, Ill. – A bill supported by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, which expands grants for teachers planning on working in hard-to-staff school districts, was recently signed into law.

“Illinois has suffered through a pretty significant teacher shortage in the last five years, and that shortage is even more detrimental in low-income schools, special education, and bilingual classes,” said Hernandez. “It is critical that we do more to not only encourage new teachers to work in these positions, but also to make sure we are providing them with the necessary support along the way.”

Hernandez backed House Bill 35, which amends the Grow Your Own Teacher Education Act. The Grow Your Own Teacher Education Initiative (GYO) is a state-funded initiative created to increase the number of teachers filling positions in hard-to-staff schools and to diversify faculty. The main component of the program is to place prospective teachers in learning cohorts, partner with school districts in community activities and assist with financial aid. Several of the programs around the state went unfunded during the budget impasse. Under this new act, the GYO will be able to administer their own teacher preparation program and expand grants throughout the state. It also allows high school students who are enrolled in dual credit courses to participate in the program.

“Those who decide to teach in underserved school districts know that they will be faced with more challenges and adversity, so Grow Your Own is ensuring that these future teachers are supported and motivated to continue on with education,” said Hernandez. “By expanding this grant program, we will be able to recruit more diverse young leaders who will have a positive impact on our most vulnerable students.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – This week, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is thanking educators and support staff for all the hard work and dedication they bring to students.

“Every day, teachers impact the lives of millions of students and their families,” Walker said. “This Teacher Appreciation Week, I thank every educator in my district, in our state and in our country for the tireless and phenomenally important work they do. I don’t think we recognize enough the men and women who lend their extraordinary skills and passion to teaching our children.”

Since 1984, one week in May has been designated as Teacher Appreciation Week. Last year, 127,000 teachers taught over 2 million students in 3,888 schools across the state. This year’s Appreciation Week runs from May 6 to May 11.

Walker recognized Teacher Appreciation Week by having his office drop off treat baskets to local schools.

“It’s important that we take this week to give back to our teachers who have already given so much,” Walker said. “It’s also important we remember that a teacher’s impact goes far beyond one week out of the year. Teachers nurture growing talent in our children and play an important role as mentors and role models. For those reasons and many more, it’s crucial we support our teachers in every way possible.”

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.”