SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation Thursday raising teacher's minimum salary in the state of Illinois to $40,000 by 2023.

This comes as an effort to combat the statewide teacher shortage.

"As Illinois children head back to school this week and next, this new law says to them and their parents loud and clear: we value teachers," said Governor Pritzker.

"In signing this legislation, we're addressing our teacher shortage and gradually putting teachers on track to make at least $40,000 a year by the first day of school in 2023. To teachers all across Illinois: I see the care and compassion you put into your work, and I'm proud to help make sure you earn what you're worth."

Co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Katie Stewart D-(Edwardsville), has nearly 20 years of teaching experience but now, as a state represetntive, she wants to help change the narrative.

"Frankly, [teachers] are exhausted. They work a full time job, and a full time job for a teacher includes all that time over the weekend, over the summer and when you're at home in the evening," Katie says. "Many of them, I see working at our local Target, putting in a six hour shift after the school day."

Currently, the minimum teacher salary ranges from $9,000 to $11,000.

"The fact that it was, I think, 1981 when our current statue set the bar for minimum salary," Katie says. "I mean, I was 11 years old when that happen."

Teacher, Bentley Stewart, says she hopes this bill will give educators more security.

"It will do wonders for teachers, future teachers, current teachers, like myself, in the second year making well under 40,000," Bentley says.

According to Bentley, she says she thinks this bill will help reignite educators passion for teaching.

"Our kids are our future," Bentley says. "They deserve the best education and that comes from their teachers."

Under the new law, the minimum salary will raise over the next four years.

2020-2021: $32,076

2021-2022: $34,576

2022-2023: $37,076

2023-2024: $40,000

House Bill 2078 takes effect Jan. 1, 2020.