Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) is pushing legislation that would ease the state's teacher shortage by making it easier for retired teachers to go back to work. 

According to a press release from his office, Bennett recently introduced Senate Bill 1468, which would allow teachers who are receiving retirement benefits to accept employment as teachers for up to 150 days or 750 hours per school year through 2025, and a maximum of 100 days or 500 hours in 2026 and thereafter.

“This bill is designed to help schools cover vacancies, particularly with substitute teachers, by making it easier for retired teachers to step back into classrooms and put their experience to work for students,” Bennett said in the release. “This will provide one more tool to our schools to make sure they can staff classrooms and provide the best education possible.”

In addition to the teacher shortage, schools are also facing increasing challenges with their schedules, trying to meet requirements while dealing with emergencies, prompting Bennett to also file Senate Bill 1470, which would allow schools to use remote learning days instead of emergency days, for a maximum of five days per school year.

Both Senate Bill 1468 and 1470 were advanced by the Senate Education Committee on March 7 and now await votes by the full chamber, with Bennett adding, “This will provide some additional flexibility to our local schools to maintain schedules, meet staffing requirements, and handle whatever emergencies may arise. I believe we need to empower our school districts to deal with the numerous challenges they face, so they can focus on their core mission of educating children.”

Bennett represents the 53rd District of Illinois, including Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.