Senate Democrats honor Arab American Heritage Month
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Arab American Heritage Month first became nationally recognized on April 1, 2021.
The U.S. Department of State issued a proclamation acknowledging the month of April as the sanctioned commemoration of Arab Americans’ history, culture and legacies. The initiative was supported by Congress and a large number of governors through additional written proclamations.
Since AAHM’s official announcement, only four states have taken official action in maintaining such an initiative on the state level. Illinois is among these four states.
Read more: Senate Democrats honor Arab American Heritage Month
Glowiak Hilton commends new law to address teacher shortage
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SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law supported by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), more paraprofessionals, or teacher aids, will have access to classrooms sooner.
“Paraprofessionals are vital members of a school’s support staff,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By lowering the eligible age, Illinois is offering an opportunity to an aspiring educator or other responsible adult while working to address the statewide teacher shortage.”
In Illinois, paraprofessionals are currently required to be at least 19 years old. Under the new law, the age would be lowered to 18 years old, as long as the individual meets the other license requirements. Paraprofessionals are required to have a high school diploma, an associate degree and pass a competency test.
Read more: Glowiak Hilton commends new law to address teacher shortage
Jewish Caucus members condemn rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Illinois
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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
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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.
Read more: Turner plan to tackle teacher shortage becomes law
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