This handbook explains the legal principles underlying the Illinois public education system, thereby providing teachers, administrators, and school board members with an understanding of the nature of the public school as a social and governmental institution. It also considers the legal status of Illinois teachers by defining their rights, duties, and obligations. After an introductory overview of school law, chapter 2, "Education in the Governmental Structure," addresses the responsibility of various levels of government for education. Chapter 3, "The Purpose of Public Education," delineates the respective responsibilities of parents and the state for the education of children and discusses the legal implications of the idea that education is a function of the state. Chapter 4 describes the organizational structure of the Illinois Public School System at the state, intermediate, and local levels. Chapter 5 specifically addresses the legal status of teachers under Illinois statutes, while chapters 6, 7, 8, and 9 delineate state laws governing teacher certification, teacher contracts, teacher tenure, and teacher retirement benefits, respectively. Chapter 10 is a discussion of tort liability of school districts and school employees, and chapter 11 lists miscellaneous statutory responsibilities, rights, and limitations of teachers. The final chapter addresses financial facts that teachers need to know, with respect to school budgets, taxes, school district bankruptcy, bonds, surplus funds, and state and federal financial support for schools. Appended is a resource equalizer formula for state financial aid. (TE)