South Central Reporter

in an effort to reverse a teacher shortage in Illinois, Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) is sponsoring HB 655, a bill that would lower barriers for prospective educators.

In a Facebook post, Scherer acknowledged the urgency of the issue, saying, "We have to do everything possible to get more teachers and keep those we have."

HB 655 would remove the requirement for a written performance test. Scherer says that these tests are good for measuring general knowledge, but that the state should really be focusing on the ability to teach. Scherer and her colleagues believe that removing this restriction will help to increase access to the profession. 

Another bill, SB 808, was recently passed in the Senate and House. This bill removed the requirement for teachers to film themselves while teaching in the classroom. 

SB 808 has been sent to the governor, HB 655 is being studied by the House Rules Committee.