Kendall County Times

State Representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) has introduced a bill aimed at addressing the labor and teacher shortage in Illinois. House Bill 4173, known as the METT Educator District License bill, seeks to provide a solution to a massive problem in the state.

The bill proposes the issuance of a METT Educator District License to individuals who have at least 10,000 working hours in a trade related to manufacturing, engineering, technology, or a trade (METT). This license would allow them to teach a course in their respective field, even if they do not have a bachelor's degree in education.

According to Rep. Davis, the lack of education and exposure in critical subjects such as manufacturing, engineering, technology, and trades has led to a shortage of qualified tradespeople in the state. Schools are struggling to fill teaching positions in these subjects, which has a direct impact on the availability of skilled professionals in these fields.

By removing the requirement for teachers in these subjects to have a degree specifically in education, the bill aims to allow qualified professionals with years of experience in their field to impart their knowledge and skills to the next generation. Rep. Davis believes that this focus on equipping future employees will ultimately benefit employers in the long run.

In addition to addressing the shortage of qualified teachers, the bill also proposes expanding the State Board of Education's database to identify METT teacher shortages. This would help to quickly connect prospective teachers with schools that have positions available in their respective fields.

Rep. Davis expressed his optimism that this bill will be a bipartisan solution to an issue that impacts people in every corner of Illinois. He stated, "I am hopeful this bill will be a bipartisan solution to an issue impacting people in every corner of Illinois."

The introduction of House Bill 4173 brings hope for a resolution to the teacher shortage problem in Illinois. With the potential to tap into the expertise of experienced professionals in the METT fields, this bill has the potential to provide quality education and training to the next generation, ultimately benefiting both the students and employers in the state.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repjeddavis.com/2023/10/17/rep-davis-introduces-bill-to-address-teacher-shortage/