Illinois State Board of Education Launches $6 million Statewide Teacher Recruitment Campaign

​SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced the launch of a $6 million comprehensive statewide teacher recruitment campaign in English and Spanish aimed at addressing critical shortages in the teaching profession across the state, especially in bilingual education, special education, and in rural and urban community areas. The campaign, titled "The Answer is Teaching," is inspired by the heartfelt stories and experiences of dedicated teachers across the state. ISBE has received more than 1,750 inquiries from prospective future teachers since the campaign launched on July 1.

"Teachers are the single most important investment we can make in our schools," said Governor JB Pritzker. "That's why ISBE's 'The Answer is Teaching' campaign is building a bicultural and bilingual teacher pipeline, and empowering potential educators to join classrooms across the state. I encourage anyone who wants to learn what it takes to become an educator to visit the campaign's website."

"Teachers are the cornerstone of our education system. A great teacher can change the course of a student's life and have a positive impact on their entire community," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "It's a great time to be a teacher in Illinois. We offer teachers competitive pay and benefits, a strong community, and the freedom to develop their curriculum. Our goal with this recruitment campaign is both to fill essential teaching positions and also to celebrate the profound impact teachers have on students' lives."

ISBE's Unfilled Positions Data, collected annually from all Illinois school districts, showed over 4,000 unfilled teaching positions as of October 2023 with a third of vacancies in special education. The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents released a survey report showing over 90% of schools in the state reported having issues with teacher shortages in the 2023-24 school year. Shortages disproportionately affect students needing special education and bilingual education services, exacerbating disparities in educational access and outcomes. The campaign aims to attract and retain qualified teachers in these critical areas to promote equity in education in Illinois.

"The Answer is Teaching" utilizes a multifaceted approach, including materials in English and Spanish, to reach potential teachers throughout the state via digital platforms, targeted advertising, and partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations. Current teachers are central to the campaign, sharing their experiences and the many rewards that come with being a teacher, as well as the opportunities for professional growth available in Illinois.

ISBE's commitment to growing and retaining the state's teacher workforce is reflected in multiple initiatives. Illinois invested $45 million in state funding in both fiscal years 2024 and 2025 for Teacher Vacancy Grants aimed at addressing chronic shortages by providing the state's most understaffed districts with resources to attract, hire, support, and retain teachers. In addition to recruitment efforts, ISBE is committed to providing ongoing support for educators through apprentice and mentorship programs, expedited pathways for qualified professionals to enter the profession, and robust professional development opportunities. Illinois also respects teachers' professional autonomy in the classroom through local control over curriculum and instruction and a statewide ban on banning books.

ISBE launched the marketing campaign in July 2024 utilizing federal pandemic relief funds. The associated advertising will run through January 2025. A website and other materials were developed to establish a pathway for long-term recruitment of a pipeline of new, high-quality teachers in Illinois. For more information about the campaign and to explore career opportunities in Illinois, visit www.BecomeATeacher.com​.