SPRINGFIELD – Substitute teachers will be able to spend more time in the classroom under a law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel in an effort to continue her fight to tackling the teacher shortage.

“Students need to be familiar with their teacher, even if it’s for a short period of time,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “For students, they will be able to continue learning and growing while maintaining consistency in the classroom.”

The new law allows a substitute teacher who has filled a vacancy left by a licensed teacher to teach in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if the school district files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education.

Previously, a substitute teacher could only fill a vacancy left by a licensed teacher under contract in an emergency situation for up to 30 days.

“We continue to see the impact the teacher shortage has on our students, schools and teachers,” said Loughran Cappel. “We have to collaborate with school districts so they have the resources to be flexible and adapt to unforeseen situations.”

House Bill 3442 was signed into law Friday.