Jewish Caucus members condemn rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus stand together to denounce the rise of antisemitism after the Anti-Defamation League reported a historically high level of anti-Semitic incidents in 2021, including a 15% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois from 2020 to 2021.

“The rise in antisemitism in our state and around the world cannot be ignored,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “Anti-Semitic rhetoric, posted online or on fliers, can lead to dangerous actions. We must work together to stand up against hatred in our communities.”

The Anti-Defamation League is an anti-hate organization focused on anti-bias education, assessing the climate of antisemitism and bigotry, and fighting hate online. Their most recent report documented the highest number of recorded incidents against American Jews since the organization began gathering data in 1979.

Read more: Jewish Caucus members condemn rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois

Turner plan to tackle teacher shortage becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed to allow school districts to hire substitute teachers with a short-term license for longer periods of time was signed into law Wednesday.

“The pandemic has caused many aspects of our society to adapt – especially our schools,” Turner said. “We have many well-qualified substitute teachers ready to fill the void when teachers are out of the classroom – let’s empower them to step up.”

The pandemic has caused a great deal of disruptions, especially to the education system in Illinois. The state is currently facing a teacher shortage and the need to have qualified individuals step in is vital. SB 3907 will raise the cap on consecutive days a short-term substitute can teach from five to 15.

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Hastings supports new laws to help battle substitute teacher shortage

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois now has new laws on the books to help battle the substitute teacher shortage, thanks to Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) supported measures that were signed into law Wednesday that makes it easier for qualified individuals to serve as substitute teachers.

“Our educators offer guidance and dedicate their lives to our children,” Hastings said. “These new laws help our substitute teachers serve as a lifeline when their usual teacher is absent. Putting an end to this shortage, will not only help our students but help lighten the workload for fellow educators who may have to step in when a substitute teacher cannot be found.”

The following measures were signed into law:

Read more: Hastings supports new laws to help battle substitute teacher shortage

Pacione-Zayas plan to address teacher aid vacancies signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Paraprofessionals in schools help provide students with one-on-one or small group assistance and support teachers in the classroom. Thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago), more paraprofessionals will be able to get into classrooms earlier.

“With more than 2,000 unfilled teacher aid and paraprofessional positions, it’s critical we open the door to this profession to as many qualified candidates as possible,” Pacione-Zayas said. “By lowering the required age for this profession in some classrooms, we can help students get the individualized assistance they may need.”

The new law, formerly known as Senate Bill 3988, lowers the age for paraprofessionals in Pre-K through eighth grade classrooms to 18 years old. People applying for these positions must still meet all other qualifications, including education requirements and passing a paraprofessional competency test. 

Read more: Pacione-Zayas plan to address teacher aid vacancies signed into law