Time Range For Action Alert:
March 16, 2022 to April 1, 2022 Take action no later than Friday, April 1.
Synopsis as introduced:
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish and administer a teacher reimbursement grant program for the purpose of reimbursing public school teachers for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters of the tuition and mandatory fees paid to a public institution of higher learning in this State to obtain a Professional Educator License and teach in this State. Provides that eligible applicants shall receive a grant in the form of annual reimbursement payments over a period of up to 10 consecutive years. Sets forth provisions concerning eligibility, the grant amount, disbursement and use of a grant, application for a grant, and rulemaking. Repeals the provisions on July 1, 2040. Effective immediately.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish and administer a teacher reimbursement grant program for the purpose of reimbursing public school teachers for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters of the tuition and mandatory fees paid to a public institution of higher learning in this State to obtain a Professional Educator License and teach in this State. Provides that eligible applicants shall receive a grant in the form of annual reimbursement payments over a period of up to 10 consecutive years. Sets forth provisions concerning eligibility, the grant amount, disbursement and use of a grant, application for a grant, and rulemaking. Repeals the provisions on July 1, 2040. Effective immediately.
Background:
In an annual survey of school leaders by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS), 88% of school districts who responded to the survey reported teacher shortage problems. The majority of the school leaders responding believe that the shortages will worsen over the next several years.
League Position
LWVIL supports sustained allocation of state funds for public higher education that will provide quality post secondary programs throughout the state. Objectives for adequate public funding should be to: Provide affordable educational opportunities which foster global competitiveness for the people of Illinois and their employers. In addition, the League supports sustained funding to attract, support, and retain qualified Illinois students in higher education.
