IL HR0942

Illinois House Resolution affirming the importance of the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship program in increasing teacher workforce diversity.

Documents that students of color comprise 54% of Illinois student body while teachers of color make up less than 18% of the workforce, creating a significant representation gap.

Notes that over 8,000 awards have been distributed through the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship to aspiring teachers of color, with recipients required to teach in schools with at least 30% minority student enrollment or in bilingual education programs.

Recognizes research showing teacher diversity positively impacts student outcomes including academic achievement, graduation rates, attendance, and college aspirations, particularly when students are taught by teachers of their own racial or ethnic background.

Urges the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to continue administering the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship to support aspiring teachers of color in entering the teaching profession.