Illinois Gov. Ryan seeks 'summit' on quality teaching

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Gov. George Ryan on Thursday called for a top-level conference on how to improve the quality of teaching in Illinois.

Ryan says he wants the meeting to be held next month and include business, labor, education and community leaders. He hopes it will produce an education agenda for the 2002 legislative session.

He cited news reports that found thousands of teachers failed certification tests at least once before qualifying to teach. Most ended up in poor areas with large minority populations.

"It's not fair for our children, who are most in need, to be taught by teachers who are also struggling," the Republican governor said in a statement. "We need to develop a statewide strategy to solve the teacher shortage and recruit and retain the best people possible."

Ryan suggested several options that could be discussed. They include:

-- more scholarships and loan-repayment options for people who study teaching.

-- different "pay structures" for teachers.

-- higher standards for teacher training.

-- more ways to encourage non-teachers to enter the field.

The Illinois Education Association, a major teachers union, did not return a call seeking comment Thursday afternoon.

Ryan said the meeting's time and place will be set later, but it will take place during the Legislature's veto session at the end of November.