ISTA

School 'deregulation' bill barely clears last hurdle to governor’s desk despite teacher objections

Adam Rayes

Senate Bill 486 drew bipartisan opposition from senators who said it will “silence” teachers and endanger students.

Indiana State Teachers Association members gathered at the Statehouse on Thursday to demand higher pay and express discontent with legislation introduced in the 2023 session.

Indiana State Teachers Association members protest education bills, demand higher pay

Violet Comber-Wilen

ISTA has consistently pushed for increased funding and it was their number one priority for this legislative session.

Indiana education and faith leaders, like Rev. Ivan Hicks, spoke against a Senate bill that targets discussion of race in class curricula during a press conference Tuesday – the day before lawmakers expect to hear it.

Faith, education leaders warn bill would limit race/gender discussions

Violet Comber-Wilen

Indiana education leaders spoke against a Senate bill that targets discussion of race in class curricula during a press conference Tuesday – the day before lawmakers expect to hear it.

The Indiana State Teachers Association has some overriding goals for this upcoming legislative session – addressing the issue of low teacher pay and staffing shortages in school districts.

ISTA wants lawmakers to prioritize teacher pay, staffing shortages in legislative session

Violet Comber-Wilen

According to Indiana’s Department of Education job board, there are currently around 1,500 open teaching positions.

During a virtual press conference Monday, the Indiana State Teachers Association called on lawmakers during the 2022 General Assembly to allow educators to negotiate on issues related to health and safety, class sizes and teacher prep periods.

Indiana’s largest teachers union demands lawmakers restore bargaining rights

Bente Bouthier

Indiana’s largest teachers union wants lawmakers to restore collective bargaining power to educators in an effort to mitigate the state’s teacher shortage.