Proviso Township High Schools District 209 is taking significant steps to address its ongoing teacher shortage by implementing an international teacher exchange program. During the Board of Education Committee of the Whole meeting on June 26, 2025, district officials discussed plans to hire four international teachers from Spain, Peru, and Colombia to fill critical vacancies, particularly in English as a Second Language (ESL) and world language instruction.

The district has faced challenges in hiring qualified teachers, especially in specialized subjects like science and math. With many positions still unfilled, the administration has turned to the VISTA international teacher exchange program to bring in educators who meet the same standards as current staff. These teachers will be union members and will adhere to the district's regulations.

The initiative aims to enhance the educational experience by providing live instruction rather than relying on virtual teaching, which has received negative feedback from both students and parents. The district is optimistic that these new hires will improve classroom dynamics and student engagement.

In addition to hiring international teachers, the district is exploring technology options to support language learning. The goal is to encourage students to learn English effectively while minimizing reliance on translation tools. This approach aims to foster a more immersive learning environment.

Overall, the district's proactive measures reflect a commitment to improving educational quality and addressing staffing challenges as the new school year approaches. The administration is hopeful that these efforts will lead to a more robust teaching staff and better outcomes for students.