With schools across Illinois struggling to fill vacancies and hire substitutes, Republican State Senator Tom Bennett has advanced legislation to help willing and experienced retired teachers to help fill some of the gaps.

Senate Bill 1468, 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.  Senator Bennett will be filing an amendment to change from 150 days to 120 days through 2025. In addition to the teacher shortage, schools are also facing increasing challenges with their schedules, trying to meet requirements while dealing with emergencies.

Senate Bill 1470, also filed by Bennett, would allow schools to use remote learning days instead of emergency days, for a maximum of 5 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.

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