5,400 new teachers hired in first year of Illinois Teacher Vacancy Grant

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WIFR) - The Illinois Board of Education says early data shows a plan designed to recruit and retain more teachers is working.

The Teacher Vacancy Grant was introduced for the 2023-24 school year to serve 170 school districts in Illinois with the largest teacher shortages.

ISBE says participating districts hired 5,400 new teachers and retained 11,000 educator positions.

The complete results of the $45 million investment are still being collected, but the current numbers have been released early, showing improvement.

"It's a great time to be a teacher in Illinois," says State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "The funds provided by the state's Teacher Vacancy Grants are empowering school districts to provide new financial incentives, special pipeline programs, and other supports to recruit and retain teachers. Illinois is leading the way in investing in education, making our state the best place for educators to build their careers."

The report says 51% of districts receiving the grant saw a decrease in unfulfilled positions in the past year.

The Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program plans to provide districts with three years of funding to support long term strategies for the future education workforce.