August 5, 2011

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois House of Representatives,

97^th General Assembly:

I hereby return House Bill 3489 with a specific recommendation for change.

As Governor, I am committed to the education of the children across Illinois.  In order to properly prepare our children, we, as a State, must properly educate all of the teachers that will be in the classrooms with our children, including substitute teachers.  I commend the sponsors of this legislation on their efforts to increase the instruction provided to substitute teachers by allowing school board to adopt programs for substitute teacher authorization.  This legislation is a step in adequately preparing these individuals to interact with our children and continue their proper studies in the absence of the original teacher.     

While I am supportive of the goal of this legislation, clarity is required to make sure we are having the very best individuals working in our schools.  Accordingly, a change to the language of those who qualify to take this authorization program will help to clarify what is already in the School Code—that individuals who wish to perform as substitute teachers are required to hold a certificate from a place of higher learning or a teaching certificate.  

Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 3489, entitled “AN ACT concerning education.”, with the following specific recommendation for change:

on page 5, by replacing lines 3 through 7, with the following: 

 “(d) A school board may adopt a substitute authorization program for substitute teachers who hold a certificate granted under this Section. A substitute authorization program shall consist of, but is not limited to, the following components:”.

With this change, House Bill 3489 will have my approval.  I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

PAT QUINN

Governor