For the last six years, the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) has released an annual Educator Shortage Survey that offers insights into the staffing challenges facing school districts across the state. This year’s report, released last month, showed that our school districts are still struggling to find qualified educators to fill open positions.

Of the responding districts, 79% report that they are currently experiencing a teacher shortage, with 30% of open teacher, support staff and special education positions remaining unfulfilled or underfilled by someone less than qualified for the position. This brings the total number of open positions to over 2,700. The 2023 report reflects what we hear from teachers and administrators every day: there is a need for strong, effective teachers, and students are paying the price. As a former principal, I can attest that great teachers change the lives of students; their impact cannot be overstated.