Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois’ teacher shortage has had state lawmakers looking for solutions for years. One of the latest: allowing student teachers to earn a $10,000 stipend per semester.

“Across Illinois,  classrooms are going unfilled, students are being shuffled around, and school leaders are struggling to find qualified educators,” State Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) told reporters at the Capitol. “And we all know that when we shortchange our teachers, we shortchange our children.”

Johnson adds the bill is not a mandate, and another supporter, State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), said the proposal is part of the budget discussion.

HB 3528 has passed the House and awaits a vote in the Senate.