Education leaders are working to hopefully address the state’s teacher shortage with the start of school just a few weeks away. The Department of Education is working with some colleges and universities to fill more of the teaching jobs. Moreover, the state is struggling to get the teachers into the classrooms. This is according to data that was releasing earlier in 2021. In fact, part of the problem is a lack of college graduates that are entering this field.
The issue seems to be about how many students actually end up in an Indiana classroom. That’s about 1 in 6 students who start an education program. This information is according to Holly Lawson. She is the deputy communications director for the Indiana Department of Education.
In fact, the state, in particular, needs more teachers of color, Lawson said. Those who come from diverse backgrounds only comprise 6%, she explained. Lawson emphasizing more work is needed to be done.
Improving Teacher Pipeline
It’s up to the state officials. They are looking at new ways to improve the teacher pipeline in Indiana. A new program gives hope. It is run by Ivy Tech Community College and Marian University in Indianapolis. It involves students getting their associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees within three to four years after high school so they can pursue careers in education.
Education: Freezing Tuition
“Moreover, we were, in fact, able to freeze tuition this year,” said Ivy Tech Provost Kara Monroe. “This includes books in the cost of tuition for all students this year. Yes, this is a great time if you want to be a teacher to come back to school.”
No more than $45,000 is the cost for students in the program can begin classes in high school and earn the three degrees.
Enrolling 100 students this fall is the hope of officials for the program’s launch. Eventually, they want to have 500 students per year enrolled.