Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

–Capitol News Illinois

Illinois Senate Democrats outlined legislation during a Thursday news conference that aims to address the ongoing teacher shortage throughout the state.

The bills would extend the number of days retired and substitute teachers would be able to teach in a school year, waive substitute teaching licensing fees, and lower the minimum age for a person who can become a paraprofessional.

While the package of legislation is a short-term fix, Senate Democrats said, it is intended to help provide immediate relief to the teaching shortage.

Courtney Goss, who works as a social...