CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Governor Pritzker signed legislation Thursday raising the minimum salary for teachers across Illinois.
House Bill 2078, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020, will gradually increase the minimum salary for teachers over the next four years, reaching $40,000 by the 2023-2024 school year.
"As Illinois children head back to school this week and next, this new law says to them and their parents loud and clear: we value teachers," said Governor Pritzker. "In signing this legislation, we're addressing our teacher shortage and gradually putting teachers on track to make at least $40,000 a year by the first day of school in 2023. To teachers all across Illinois: I see the care and compassion you put into your work, and I'm proud to help make sure you earn what you're worth."
The current minimum teacher salary ranges from only $9,000 to $11,000 and hasn't been raised in decades. But, beginning next school year, the minimum salary will be $32,076, followed by $34,576 for the 2021-2022 school year, $37,076 for the 2022-2023 school year, and $40,000 for the 2023-2024 school year.
For each year after that, the legislation states that the minimum salary will rise based on the Consumer Price Index, subject to review by the General Assembly.
"Time and time again, I hear that teaching is one of the most important professions in our state, but we have not seen that reflected in how teachers are paid. By establishing a new minimum salary for teachers, we are ensuring that teachers know they are valued here in the state of Illinois," said Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville).
Signing HB 2078 is one way in which Pritzker said he plans to reduce the teacher shortage across Illinois and revitalize the state's education system after years of disinvestment.
According to Illinois State Board of Education data from the 2018-2019 school year, there are 4,196 unfilled positions in school districts across the state, including 1,848 unfilled teaching positions.
"We have a teacher shortage in our state, and research shows that fair compensation plays a major factor in a person's decision to choose and stay in a profession," said Dan Montgomery, President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. "Too often new teachers struggle financially, and many are forced to work a second job to make ends meet. This legislation is a major step in improving starting salaries and paying teachers based upon their years of education, which will encourage high-quality professionals to enter and stay in the profession. We thank Senator Manar and Representative Stuart for advancing this much-needed bill and Governor Pritzker for signing it into law."
