Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) speaks Thursday about legislation aimed at improving Illinois’ teacher shortage. Turner was joined by Sens. Christina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago), left, Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), center, and Christopher Belt (D-Swansea), right.  

Senate Democrats are targeting requirements for substitute and retired teachers as a way to dilute the effects of the state’s teacher shortage by making it easier for people to become subs, and for districts to use substitutes when full-time teachers are gone.