Commentary: Solving state teacher shortage means addressing pay, pensions, consolidation – McDonough County Voice

"A recent survey from the Illinois Association of Superintendents of Schools revealed that almost 90 percent of the state’s school districts need teachers. The state has struggled to fill teaching positions for the same reasons as other states, but the state’s soaring salaries and pensions has also contributed to the void."
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Pensions Paid First
4 years ago

It sounds like these schools need to make teachers feel more valued. Increased pay and improved pensions? Maybe allow retired teachers to work while collecting their pension? If you want qualified teachers you need to pay up. Don’t be cheap about it taxpayers.

debtsor
4 years ago

I’m so tired of this lame a$$ argument. Illinois is already ranked #9 in the country in teacher pay, CA is #3, NV is #24….

https://www.business.org/hr/workforce-management/best-us-states-for-teachers/

The teachers unions will forever complain that teachers are underpaid, and no amount of money would ever be enough.

Pensions Paid First
4 years ago
Reply to  debtsor

It sounds like pay will need to increase all over the country. Supply and demand.

debtsor
4 years ago

I think you just missed my point entirely….

Pensions Paid First
4 years ago
Reply to  debtsor

And you missed mine

Freddy
4 years ago

I think they can work certain hours and still collect their pensions. Many supers retire get their pensions and find another job or move to another state and collect another pension or paycheck. There may be a limit on earnings but not sure. Up in Wisconsin’s then Gov Walker changed the rules on receiving a pension and returning to work or so called double dipping. Now if you retire and return to work you are limited to the number of hours you can work but if you exceed those hours I think you have to suspend the pension not sure… Read more »

Pensions Paid First
4 years ago
Reply to  Freddy

I believe current retired Illinois teachers can work 120 days per year. If they work more than that they will have their benefits suspended. My point is that if there is a teacher shortage they may need to alter those rules. I believe the 120 day threshold was temporarily increased a few years ago and is scheduled to revert to a lower threshold in June of 2023. May need to up it to the full year and allow more double dipping.

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