Senator Mark Messmer on Statewide Teacher Shortages

Local Sources - Indiana Senator Mark Messmer has released his weekly address, focusing on teacher shortages and future teachers.

Local media outlets recently reported that according to an Indiana State University study, nearly 97% of Indiana schools are impacted by teacher shortages. This is a problem the Indiana General Assembly has been keeping a close eye on and has taken several steps to resolve. 

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is encouraging high-achieving high school and college students who are planning to teach in Indiana for at least five years to apply for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship program. This program was created by the Indiana General Assembly in 2016. This scholarship provides a $7,500 scholarship each year for four academic years for a total of up to 30,000.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must have either graduated in the top 20% of their high school class or earned a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT (1190) or ACT (26). To continue earning the scholarship while in college, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per year. Any current college students must be able to use the scholarship for at least two full academic years if they apply.

Nearly 90% of scholarship recipients from 2017 are either continuing their education or have already become a licensed teacher in Indiana.

Those interested should act quickly, as there are only 200 scholarships available. The deadline to apply is Jan. 30, 2022. The commission will review all applications and notify applicants of their scholarship status via email by March 28, 2022.

In addition, following recommendations from the Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission report, the latest state budget contains a $1.9 billion increase in K-12 education over the next two years, including a $600 million down payment needed to improve teacher pay across the state. We have also strongly encouraged schools to have a minimum teacher salary of $40,000 per year and now require them to spend 45% of their state tuition support on teachers' salaries.

These initiatives are steps in the right direction for Hoosier educators. I look forward to the positive impact they will have on teachers and schools across the state.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.