Lawmakers To Discuss Recommendations On How To Address Teacher Shortage

Associated Press

Indiana lawmakers are set to discuss possible recommendations about how best to address the state's teacher shortage.
*file photo*

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana lawmakers are set to discuss possible recommendations about how best to address the state's teacher shortage.

Legislators will gather at the Statehouse for Monday's meeting of an education panel that's been gathering input on potential solutions to the state's 33 percent drop in the number of teaching licenses issued since 2009.

Republicans have disputed arguments blaming the drop on school overhaul actions such as additional student testing and allowing private school vouchers adopted in recent years.

They say the short supply of teachers is also happening in states that haven't adopted similar measures.

A survey of Indiana school districts found about 5 percent of teaching jobs were unfilled when the school year started, with the most vacancies in special education, elementary, and math and science positions.

Tags:teachers teacher shortage

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

Indiana has a school attendance problem. Hundreds gathered to find a solution

Hundreds of educators, youth workers and community leaders gathered in Indianapolis to talk about how to help students who are chronically absent from school.

Education / May 7, 2024

Here’s which Indiana school referendum passed in the primary election

Three of four referendums to increase local taxes for school districts passed in the Indiana primary election Tuesday.

Education / April 22, 2024

Indiana educators need new literacy training. The rollout is under fire

The Indiana State Teachers Association is demanding the state education department provide more and clear details of how educators are affected by the requirement.