We are in an era of rapid change in the nature
of work and the future of learning. The skills and
knowledge that students need to be successful
are evolving with an increasing focus on
connecting ideas, solving problems, and building
relationships.
The nature of work and the entire economy are changing as technology, automation, and ubiquitous access to information alter how and where people do their jobs. Lifelong learning is essential as people need to continuously develop skills, gain knowledge and prepare for multiple career changes over their lifetimes. The higher education system must provide future-ready learning opportunities that meet student needs for flexibility and portability while allowing students to build upon their learning over time and across settings.
The governor’s economic development plan, "A Plan to Revitalize the Illinois Economy and Build the Workforce of the Future", recognizes that equity and growth are inseparable and that Illinois must reduce equity gaps for economically-disadvantaged communities to create a thriving inclusive economy for all. That plan highlights specific growth and focus industries within various regions across the state. Regional higher education and employer partnerships are essential to preparing the workforce in these growth areas. We also need statewide analysis to ensure that our higher education system and employer needs remain aligned.
Higher education’s role in preparing the educators of the future, and particularly diverse educators, is fundamental to the state’s success. A well-qualified, diverse educator workforce is essential to ensuring that all children have a high-quality education that meets their needs. Yet, there is a well-documented shortage of educators in Illinois across educational roles, sectors, levels, and regions. Illinois school districts reported 4,494 unfilled positions in the 2021 school year, an increase of 124% from 2017.23
To increase access to preparation programs,
our higher education institutions should
work together to make the acceptance
of previous academic and relevant work
experience consistent, seamless, and
systematic, and to create options for rural,
place-bound, and working adults that allow
a student-centered choice between local
and virtual coursework and completion.
Our state’s universities are hubs of
research, discovery, and innovation that
continue to drive the economy forward
and contribute to Illinois’ growth.
We must leverage the intellectual capital and
investment in the higher education system
to grow the economy across the state.
The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) seeks to improve the state's economy through an inclusive approach to innovation, research, and education. Its 15 hubs include all the state’s public universities and many community colleges. Each hub has its own distinct concentrations, such as Chicago State University’s Center for Solutions to Urban Problems, with its emphasis on improving health outcomes in minority communities and equity in higher education. Eastern Illinois University and Lake Land College’s partnership will promote sustainability of critical social and natural system and an expansion of the Center for Energy and Resource Education. For more information, visit the IIN website .
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While vacancies exist in all staffing areas, teaching positions consistently make up most vacancies with
special education and bilingual positions experiencing the highest vacancy rates. Shortages of early childhood
educators mirror these trends. The intensity of the teacher shortage varies across the state but is most severe in
rural areas in the Central, Southern, and Northwest regions. Furthermore, shortages also exist in administrative
and student support roles.