Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced that its $6 million teacher recruitment campaign, "The Answer is Teaching," has drawn interest from over 17,000 individuals since its launch on July 1, 2024. This initiative aims to address the persistent teacher shortage in Illinois, where approximately 3,900 teaching positions were unfilled as of October 2024.

"The success of 'The Answer is Teaching' campaign demonstrates the power of sharing real teachers' stories to inspire the next generation of educators," stated Dr. Tony Sanders, State Superintendent of Education. He emphasized ISBE's commitment to raising awareness about teaching benefits and removing barriers for prospective candidates.

The campaign was motivated by stories from dedicated teachers across Illinois and focused on filling high-need positions in both urban and rural areas, particularly in special education and bilingual education. Designed by Avoq, it targeted regions with significant vacancies using a bilingual approach.

Efforts included extensive research among current and potential teachers to develop effective messaging. The marketing strategy involved digital outreach through various channels such as social media and radio advertising, alongside community events like the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago.

All promotional materials directed interested individuals to ISBE's website BecomeATeacher.com for further information. Respondents received personalized emails offering support on their path to becoming educators. Partnerships with local educational offices facilitated personal contact with candidates.

A recent survey showed that over 96% of respondents remain interested in pursuing a teaching career despite the time required for additional education and licensure. Paid advertising concluded on January 31, 2025, achieving around 146 million impressions and significant online engagement.

Although there are signs of progress—such as a reported decrease in unfilled positions—the need remains pressing with nearly 3,900 vacancies still present. Special education continues to be an area requiring attention. The state supports initiatives like Teacher Vacancy Grants to aid understaffed districts.

For more details about becoming a teacher or licensing information, visit the ISBE Educator Licensure webpage or BecomeATeacher.com.