Rep. Sue Scherer | Facebook
Rep. Sue Scherer | Facebook
The shortage of teachers in Illinois has been a continuing problem for months, made only worse by the pandemic and disagreements over educators returning to work. In new legislation, state lawmakers are taking aim at the issue.
Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur), is making the issue a personal project. In a Facebook post, Scherer said, "We have to do everything possible to get more teachers and keep those we have."
Scherer is the main sponsor of bill HB 655. This bill would eliminate certain requirements that are considered to be restrictive, such as the requirement for teachers to pass performance tests, known in the state as EDTPAs.
Scherer and her colleagues claim that while the tests are nice to have and they certainly display a certain level of aptitude, what really matters is the ability to teach. Without these restrictions in place, Scherer believes that the state will be able to attract more teachers.
The bill is currently under review by the House Rules Committee.
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