The recently-released eighth-annual Illinois Education Association report that polls Illinois residents’ views on all aspects of public school found that 84% of the public say they are very worried about a shortage of teachers.

However, locally in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181, finding and keeping teachers has not been an issue.

Gina Herrmann, assistant superintendent of Human Resources in District 181, said her district has not experienced the level of impact that many others in the state have reported.

“We have been very fortunate in our district,” she said. “In addition to attracting strong candidate pools, we also maintain a very high teacher retention rate, which speaks to the positive culture, collaborative environment and professional support systems we have in place.”

Hermann said District 181 receives hundreds of applications for elementary classroom teaching positions and continues to receive a strong pool of candidates across content areas at its middle schools.

In District 181, Hermann said, a proactive and relationship-driven approach to recruiting outstanding educators is taken.

“We maintain strong university partnerships, invest in growing talent from within, and ensure our hiring processes uphold high standards while removing unnecessary barriers,” she said. “Just as importantly, we work hard to create a culture where teachers feel supported, valued, and able to grow professionally. When we consistently elevate and respect the profession, talented individuals are drawn to teaching as the meaningful and rewarding career that it truly is.”

As for teacher pay and benefits in the district, “We regularly review salary data to ensure our compensation remains competitive with area and comparable school districts,” she said.

Still, Hermann said she’s not surprised that there are families in Illinois worried about the teacher shortage.

“Statewide data and media coverage over the past several years have highlighted very real staffing challenges in many districts, particularly in specialized and hard-to-fill positions,” she said.

“Teachers today are navigating higher academic standards, increased attention to students’ social and emotional needs, and expanding compliance and accountability requirements. As a result, the complexity and demands of the profession have intensified.”

Even with challenges in many areas, Hermann said she believes the teacher shortage can get better.

“I do believe this can improve, but it requires intentional action,” she said. “We must consistently respect and celebrate our teachers. That means valuing their expertise, ensuring they have strong leadership support, providing meaningful professional growth opportunities, and offering competitive compensation.”

Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/06/hinsdale-no-teacher-shortage/