IL SB3218

Amends Section 16-106 of the Illinois Pension Code to expand the definition of "teacher" under the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code.

Adds a new category (11) defining "teacher" to include educational, administrative, professional, or other certified staff employed by nonpublic special education facilities located in Illinois.

Requires that income for these nonpublic special education facility employees be derived entirely from public funding through local school districts, Department of Human Services, or Department of Children and Family Services.

Makes nonpublic special education facility employees eligible to participate in the Downstate Teacher Retirement System if they hold required teacher certification.