By Jamie Francisco

In a day devoted to education, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin met Thursday with teachers and administrators from three suburban Chicago high schools to hear their concerns about recruiting and retaining qualified math and science teachers.

Durbin (D-Ill.) visited Niles North High School in Skokie, Waukegan High School and the District 214 administrative headquarters in Arlington Heights to promote five education bills he has co-authored that provide more grants and ease student loan debts for teachers who specialize in math, science and technology for at least five years. The latter would forgive $ 10,000 in interest payments on loans for the teachers.

"When it comes to providing a high-quality education, individualized attention from well-qualified teachers cannot be underestimated," Durbin said. "We need to take action now to recruit and retain the best possible teachers."

At a round-table discussion at Niles North, administrators told Durbin that they try to offer incentives to encourage teachers to remain in the profession, but some leave for higher paying jobs because they can't afford to pay their student loans. However, many Baby Boomers are entering teaching because they feel they would get a greater sense of fulfillment, said District 219 Supt. Neil Codell.

It is possible to retain qualified teachers by identifying high school students interested in the profession and nurturing their careers, said Elaine Schuster, president and CEO of the Golden Apple Foundation, a Chicago-based organization that mentors and provides grants for future teachers.

"The future of the profession of teachers is how we get young people committed and stay with us," said Schuster, who accompanied Durbin.

After the discussion, Durbin expressed support for teacher pay raises.

"You have to accept that teachers are professionals and you have to treat them as professionals," Durbin said. "That means paying them so they can have a better life."

Niles North senior Sarah Muser, 17, who participated in the discussion, said it was encouraging to learn that there are groups dedicated to helping her pursue a teaching career. She realized she wanted to become a math teacher after helping a fellow student understand a difficult physics problem.

"When the light bulb clicks, it's the best feeling," she said.