Now that the 2024 legislative session has concluded, educators are curious to see what the next legislative session will bring. Legislators largely stuck to a more restrained approach, which produced some positive outcomes for retired and future educators.
House Enrollment Act 1004 provides a practical solution to the pressing problem of financial security for retired educators. This legislation allows the Indiana Public Retirement System to develop a long-term strategy for cost-of-living adjustments and recognizes and honors the lifelong dedication of educators by awarding a 13th check.
HEA 1042 will help address the teacher shortage, which poses a serious threat to the quality of education. This legislation creates a pathway to attract and retain educators by allocating additional funding for teacher transition scholarships.
The session presented several challenges, most notably an attempt to undermine teachers' collective bargaining ability. This poses a direct threat to worsening Indiana's teacher shortage. We want to make sure every student learns from caring, qualified educators, and that educators advocate for their students' futures, get the respect they deserve, and earn the pay, benefits, and work schedules they deserve. You must make sure that you arrive at Caring for your loved ones and preserving your long-term career.
The 2025 session presents an opportunity to make meaningful changes, especially in how schools are funded and educators are paid. We must commit to competitive pay and benefits for all educators, as well as time off to care for sick loved ones and themselves.
The implementation of the revamped high school diploma and the transition to reading science will require a robust infrastructure supported by well-compensated and highly qualified teachers.
ISTA stands ready to work with legislators to advocate for increased investment in public schools. Adequate funding is the foundation to support future changes and ensure that all Hoosier students have access to a quality public education. Competitive pay must be a priority to attract and retain the professionals who are central to the success of public schools.
We urge all stakeholders to work together to develop a comprehensive funding model that reflects the needs of schools and the values ​​of educators. Addressing wage issues is not just an investment in the workforce, but an investment in the future of Indiana's education system, ensuring the state can implement change while maintaining high educational standards.
Together, we can rewrite the rules and end Indiana's educator shortage. We ensure that every child is in a neighborhood with well-prepared educators, class sizes that allow for one-on-one instruction, sufficient nurses, counselors, and healthy meals to ensure student growth. We understand that you need and deserve a school of your own.
We also know that short-term maneuvers and lowered standards will not solve the fundamental problems that can and must be solved to ensure our children receive the quality education they need. Educators, parents, and communities are coming together to seek long-term solutions to long-term problems.
Together, we can build a state where all students, regardless of race, background, or zip code, have the support they need to succeed.
Keith Gambill The Evansville native is president of the Indiana State Teachers Association. A version of this work appeared in the Indiana Capital Chronicle.