To better prepare all educators – including substitute teachers – for emergencies at school, a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel requires training in evacuation and lockdown procedures prior to being in the classroom.

“We drop off our children in the mornings and expect educators to know what they’re doing if an emergency occurs,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Full-time teachers receive training on all emergency protocols, and substitute teachers should receive the same.”

The new law requires school districts in Illinois to provide training to all substitute teachers on school evacuation drills and law enforcement lockdown drills. Additionally, all substitutes will be given the same information as full-time employees outlining all lockdown and evacuation procedures, and maps will be required to be displayed in every classroom showing all school exit points.

“This law ensures whoever is teaching your child will know exactly what to do in case of a crisis situation,” said Loughran Cappel. “This is the logical thing to do for Illinois’ educators and school staff to ensure students’ safety at all times.”

House Bill 1787 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.