Teacher Shortage

School districts in the St. Louis Metro are experiencing a staffing, supply and teacher shortage that’s grown with the coronavirus pandemic.

The persistent teacher shortage in the state is worst in rural areas in central and southern Illinois.

Increased recruitment, pay incentives and easing of certification requirements have helped fill the substitute teacher pool, but there remains a shortage of subs willing and ready to go into classrooms, especially during a pandemic.

There are pros and cons: Much less pay. But summers off from work.As schools across the country struggle to fill science teacher positions, some educators…

In an attempt to relieve Illinois' severe teacher shortage, state lawmakers last year voted to remove a requirement known as the "basic skills test."...