IL SB3455

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code to extend the deadline for retired teachers to return to teaching in subject shortage areas without affecting their retirement status from June 30, 2013 to June 30, 2018.

Allows retired annuitants (excluding disability retirees) to work in subject shortage areas at qualified schools while continuing to receive their retirement annuity without earning additional service credit or contributions to the pension system.

Requires school districts to first offer vacant positions to non-retired teachers who were honorably dismissed within the preceding calendar year before hiring retired teachers under this program.

Mandates school districts advertise vacancies for at least 90 days in newspapers and college placement offices and search through the Illinois Education Job Bank before hiring retired teachers.

Requires regional superintendent certification that school districts have complied with hiring requirements and that qualified schools are experiencing a genuine teacher shortage in the subject area.