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Illinois Teacher Shortage Hits Vulnerable Students Hardest

A good teacher can be the difference between a student going to college and dropping out of high school. But in Illinois, our most vulnerable students do not always have access to the teachers they so desperately need.

A recent survey from the Illinois State Board of Education reveals that communities of color and low-income school districts are most likely to see teacher shortages. Of the 1,006 unfilled teacher positions in the state, 74% are in majority-minority school districts while 81% are in districts where the majority of students are low-income. These vacancies bolster an uncomfortable truth: Illinois’ marginalized students face more barriers to accessing high-quality education and supports.

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