JOLIET – Senator Rachel Ventura has secured over $360,000 for school districts in District 43 through the Teacher Vacancy Pilot Program. These grants will continue the state’s efforts to address educator shortages in the communities facing the greatest staffing challenges.
“As a mother who had two daughters go through the public school system, I have seen firsthand the struggles many districts face with the recruitment and retention of high quality educators,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Educators are the foundation of a high quality education and this tailored funding will ensure that our children have the ability to succeed in and out of the classroom.
In Ventura’s district, Joliet Public School District 86 is set to receive $198,400 and Valley View CUSD 365U is set to receive $161,700. Notably, both districts saw a reduction in funding from previous years because vacancy rates have declined thanks to the efforts of this program and previous funding.
Administered through the Illinois Board of Education, over $15 million is being allocated to 100 school districts across the state this fiscal year. Districts may use the funding in a variety of ways tailored to local needs including signing bonuses and retention stipends, tuition reimbursement and professional learning opportunities, mentorship programs for new teachers, special education teacher incentives, classroom technology and resources and initiatives designed to strengthen school culture and educator support.
"Every student deserves access to qualified, effective educators, regardless of where they live," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "I am grateful to Governor JB Pritzker and the General Assembly for their continued commitment to addressing teacher shortages through the Teacher Vacancy Grant Program. By investing in districts with the greatest staffing needs, this program helps direct resources where they can have the greatest impact, strengthening local educator workforces and ensuring more students have access to the excellent teachers they deserve."
The Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program is effectively reducing persistent educator shortages in rural and urban school districts through targeted investments in recruitment, retention, and professional learning. Since the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot was created in 2023, $120 million has been directed toward school districts.
You can read more about the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot program and find a full list of recipients here.
