IL HB0038

School districts with 3,000 or more students must interview a minimum percentage of minority candidates for teaching positions, calculated by subtracting 10% from the percentage of minority students enrolled in the district.

English as a Second Language teaching positions are exempt from the minority candidate interview requirement.

School districts that fail to interview the required minimum percentage of minority candidates for 2 consecutive years must establish a program to assist minority employees interested in obtaining a Professional Educator License.

Required programs must provide minority employees with information about educator preparation programs, assist with enrollment, offer flexible work hours, and provide financial incentives to obtain licensure.

School districts are encouraged to collaborate with Illinois institutions of higher education offering approved educator preparation programs, and any developed program must be submitted to and approved by the State Board of Education before implementation.