IL SR0995

Urges the General Assembly to fund the Diversified Educator Recruitment Program to support recruitment and retention of racially diverse teacher candidates.

Notes that in 2012, 49% of Illinois's 2,000,000 public school students were racially and ethnically diverse, while only 16.7% of the state's teachers were similarly diverse.

Cites that nationally, only 6% of the public school teaching force is Hispanic and only 7% is African-American.

Identifies targeted experiences and support for middle and high school educators as essential to recruiting and retaining a diverse teaching corps.

Acknowledges that Illinois communities where children live and learn are growing increasingly diverse.