The Illinois State Board of Education has announced the selection of 100 school districts to receive Teacher Vacancy Grant funding, continuing the state’s efforts to address educator shortages in the communities facing the greatest staffing challenges.
In Fiscal Year 2027, ISBE is allocating $15 million to support this program.
The selected districts account for approximately 77% of all reported teacher vacancies statewide while representing only 12% of Illinois Local Education Agencies.
The grants are described as ” targeted investments in recruitment, retention, and professional learning.”
Contnuing, “ISBE identified eligible districts by analyzing unfilled full-time equivalent teaching positions and applying the program’s established eligibility criteria, including Evidence-Based Funding tier status and geographic considerations.
“Districts have used the funding in a variety of ways tailored to local needs, including signing bonuses and retention stipends, tuition reimbursement and professional learning opportunities, mentorship programs for new teachers, special education teacher incentives, classroom technology and resources, and initiatives designed to strengthen school culture and educator support.”
The district selected from McHenry County follow:
