(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A non-profit working to bring more diversity into education is trying to address the serious teacher shortage in the state.
Teach for America estimates there are 2,700 vacancies in Illinois schools.
Anajah Roberts, executive director of the group's Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana region, said not enough people going into teaching while veterans are burnt out and retiring.
To combat that, the organization is offering salary stipends to people switching into the profession.
Roberts applauds a new state law that lowers the GPA requirements for non-traditional teaching students, calling the old 3.0 standard a false barrier.
Teach For America is also partnering with the University of Illinois at Chicago on a stipend for teachers of color who are working to get certified as principals and seeking other leadership roles.
The non-profit says its members are teaching more than 10,000 students in almost 90 schools in Chicago, North Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
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