A new survey of Illinois school districts shows most are continuing to have trouble filling open teaching positions with qualified teachers, and even more are having difficulty hiring substitute teachers.
In addition to shortages of available teachers and substitute teachers in east central Illinois, the pool of candidates for administrator positions is also shrinking , said Bloomington District 87 Superintendent Barry Reilly. Erika Hunt (pictured), co-director of Illinois State University’s Center for the Study of Educational Policy, said, “We can increase the numberin our principal pipeline programs, but the number that actually go in and apply for these positions is still low. We’re investing a lot of resources on the front end but we’re not able to sustain that by retaining these principals in the schools.” The average school district goes through two principals every five tears, according to recent state report card data, Hunt said.
Story by Peter Hancock first appearing on PJStar.com
