MOLINE, Ill. — A recent report from the Illinois Education Association (IEA), the state's largest union representing public educators, reveals that a majority of Illinois teachers and education professionals are considering leaving the profession. Economic pressures, such as increasing out-of-pocket costs for classroom supplies and rising health insurance premiums, are major factors contributing to this growing concern.
"Teachers are simply not making enough money. That’s followed closely by a lack of respect for the profession and increasing workloads," Al Llorens, President of the IEA said.
The IEA also reports that 90% of its members, which includes teachers and support staff across Illinois, are worried that their pensions will not provide enough financial security when they retire. According to the report, educators work an average of five unpaid hours per week, and nearly half (43%) hold at least one additional job to make ends meet. Furthermore, 40% of educators carry student loan debt, compounding their financial strain.
Deborah Ward-Mitchell, an education support professional at Thornton Township High School, shared a personal story highlighting the economic burden on educators. "Each day there’s always one [student] who is hungry and asking for a granola bar and a bottle of water, so now we keep breakfast sandwiches and snacks for them in the morning. All of this we paid for out of our pockets," Ward-Mitchell said.
IEA members are calling for the elimination of the tier-two pension system, which provides varying benefits based on age and experience, further contributing to concerns about financial equity within the profession.
“It’s plain to see why we can’t find enough teachers and support staff to work in our schools,” Llorens said.