The Cause And Effect Of Illinois’ Teacher Shortage

By Daniel Tucker
Burke Elementary School teacher Jakil Hill Turner. Turner discovered Burke through a Chicago Public Schools program that helps place quality teacher candidates in high-need schools.
Burke Elementary School teacher Jakil Hill Turner. Turner discovered Burke through a Chicago Public Schools program that helps place quality teacher candidates in high-need schools. Arionne Nettles / WBEZ
Burke Elementary School teacher Jakil Hill Turner. Turner discovered Burke through a Chicago Public Schools program that helps place quality teacher candidates in high-need schools.
Burke Elementary School teacher Jakil Hill Turner. Turner discovered Burke through a Chicago Public Schools program that helps place quality teacher candidates in high-need schools. Arionne Nettles / WBEZ

The Cause And Effect Of Illinois’ Teacher Shortage

By Daniel Tucker
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Many Chicago Public Schools in low-income neighborhoods have trouble finding quality teachers to apply for open positions. While some CPS schools get 35 applications for an open teacher slot, some schools get just a handful. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the state of Illinois is dealing with a major teacher shortage.

Morning Shift talks to WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp about why Chicago does not have enough teachers and what’s being done to address the situation.