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Despite pandemic, Illinois added more teachers and increased its retention rate

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Illinois

* Megan Valley at the BND…

Despite hardships from COVID-19, Illinois grew its teaching force and increased retention rates last school year, according to new state data.

The Illinois State Board of Education released statewide data from the 2020-2021 school year on Friday with the Illinois Report Card. The Report Card covers student and school staff data and provides one of the first high-level looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Illinois public schools.

Illinois added more than 2,000 teachers to its teaching force last school year. At the same time, the retention rate increased to 87.1%, which is the highest its been since the state board started publishing that data in 2014.

Wasn’t expecting that.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 1:48 pm

Comments

As a teacher, I’ll be very interested to see what the retention rates are after this year.

Comment by Guy Probably Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 1:57 pm
But the story also says that the number of unfilled teaching positions rose at an even faster rate.

Comment by learnin Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 3:17 pm
Teach for America individuals fill many teaching positions. Yes, they are college graduates but are not trained in curriculum planning, instructional modalities, and classroom management techniques. Some of the individuals are placed in high need/ low performing schools where challenges abound.

There is a tremendous shortage of substitute teachers. In our neighboring state (the highly polluted one), schools hire individuals with a GED to teach in classrooms. Imagine that.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 4:51 pm
I’m really into education stats and there have been many surprises. I can’t even draw conclusions anymore.
After Illinois came out with tier 2 pensions, there was a shocking, precipitous, and sustained drop in program enrollees which no doubt was tied to the change.
Why were there 2,000 more teachers and higher retention? A promise of a $40,000 minimum salary by 2023? Federal stimulus funding? Fear of losing salary and benefits during a pandemic?
I think we’re in the forest right now and won’t be able to make sense of it until a few more years pass.

Comment by Proud Papa Bear Thursday, Nov 4, 21 @ 7:18 pm