To our members starting a new school year: Thank you for helping students feel welcome and ready to learn. We’re proud of you!
Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA)
@ista-in.org
ISTA is the voice of Indiana’s educators and public schools. We advocate, organize and empower educators to strengthen public education for all students. https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
As private school voucher funding was increased by the state legislature, private schools have turned around and increased their tuition. This program, by far, benefits middle and high income families, all at the cost of funding for our community-based public schools that serve all kids.
Here’s how much tuition a voucher actually covers at several Indianapolis private schools
A Chalkbeat analysis of voucher-accepting private schools within Indianapolis Public Schools borders found there can still be a significant tuition amount left over after the Indiana Choice Scholarshi...
chalkbeat.org
"A record number of Indiana school districts are asking voters to increase property taxes for various expenses this fall as reforms passed by state lawmakers last year take effect."
School district requests for property tax increases reach record high — and we could see more
The 38 Indiana school districts asking for tax increases on the November ballot represent the highest amount ever requested in a single election. Recent changes to property taxes and when districts ca...
chalkbeat.org
"Indiana K-12 schools must meet new standards before seeking approval to implement a four-day school week."
Indiana sets standards for 4-day school week waivers • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana K-12 schools must meet new state standards before seeking approval to implement a four-day school week.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
Celebrating 250 years of the United States and the public schools that help prepare every generation to shape our democracy.
Students benefit when they see themselves and others reflected in the stories and lessons they encounter at school. During Pride Month, ISTA recognizes the importance of welcoming public schools where all students feel seen, respected and supported.
Today, ISTA staff from all over the state are coming together for a day of long-term strategic planning. We're working to amplify our members' voices and make our public schools even better places to learn.
We're so excited to celebrate Molly Keusch from Southridge High School in Huntingburg! Molly took home first place in public speaking at the Educators Rising National Conference this week. Way to go, Molly—we can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish!
"Indiana has received an F for public education support from the 2026 Network for Public Education report on Public Schooling In America. The state received 25.5 points out of 102 possible."
Indiana receives an F for public education support
The state received 25.5 points out of 102 possible. That total is down from the 2024 report which gave Indiana 52 points out of 111 possible.
ipm.org
ISTA honors Juneteenth, a day to reflect on freedom, resilience and the ongoing work of justice.
Indiana has made progress in raising teacher pay, but we're still falling behind other states when it comes to retaining experienced educators. In a new op-ed, ISTA President Jennifer Smith-Margraf explains why we must go beyond starting pay and invest in keeping great educators in our classrooms.
To keep great educators, Indiana must go beyond starting pay • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana has made progress in raising teacher pay in recent years but new data shows that Indiana is not keeping pace with other states.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
Every student deserves to know they are valued, supported and welcome. During Pride Month and throughout the year, ISTA supports public schools where LGBTQ+ students and all students have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
"A new NPR/Ipsos poll shows many teachers are using AI to save time, but a majority are also worried the technology is making it harder for students to learn to think for themselves."
Most K-12 teachers say AI's impact on education will eclipse the internet or computers
A new NPR/Ipsos poll shows many teachers are using AI to save time, but a majority are also worried the technology is making it harder for students to learn to think for themselves.
lpm.org
June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and support LGBTQ+ students, educators and families. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and welcome in our public schools. This month and every month, ISTA is committed to schools where all students have the support they need to learn and thrive.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer available to ISTA members. Purchase an annual course subscription and take up to 9 credits for only $275. Already have a subscription? Enroll in your summer course today! Learn More: https://www.virtualeduc.com/email-marketing/subscription/Summer_26/ista.html
NEA and the League Of Women Voters are partnering up to power the polls ⚡🗳️ Our elections depend on ordinary people who step up to be poll workers. Together, we can make sure we have safe, fair, and efficient elections! Learn more: https://www.powerthepolls.org/nea-lwv
Power the Polls
Poll workers power democracy. We help recruit them! Sign up now to make sure we have safe, fair, efficient elections for all!
powerthepolls.org
"Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed Indiana’s new “bell-to-bell” school cellphone restriction law Wednesday, saying the statewide policy is intended to reduce classroom distractions and keep students focused on learning throughout the school day."
Indiana schools face stricter cellphone rules under new ‘bell-to-bell’ law starting July 1 • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed Indiana’s new “bell-to-bell” school cellphone restriction law in Whiteland on Wednesday.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
"An overhaul of Indiana’s public K-12 school accountability ratings will take effect despite objections from Attorney General Todd Rokita, who criticized the new system as diluting the importance of academic proficiency."
Indiana's new A-F school accountability system clears last hurdles • Indiana Capital Chronicle
An overhaul of Indiana's public K-12 school accountability ratings will take effect despite objections from Attorney General Todd Rokita, who criticized the new system as diluting the importance of ac...
indianacapitalchronicle.com
"The Indiana Coalition for Public Education anticipates as many as 100 public school districts could ask voters for new money through local property tax referendums this fall."
Public school group expects record number of school referendums • Indiana Capital Chronicle
The Indiana Coalition for Public Education anticipates at least 100 public school districts could ask voters for new money through local property tax referendums this fall.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
The Legislative Council met today to assign topics to interim study committees. There will be an interim committee on education meeting this summer to cover two topics: 1) Report on the Student Learning Recovery Grants, and 2) a study of NIL rights (Name, Image & Likeness) for high school athletes.
"Indianapolis, already one of the nation’s most charter-friendly cities, is going even further with the creation of a powerful and controversial pro-charter board."
Indianapolis Already Leads on Charters. Now It’s Going Even Further
A new board will oversee a controversial plan to share taxes, busing and school buildings with charter schools
the74million.org
Today is Primary Election Day! Polls are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. If you’re in line by 6 p.m., stay in line. Find your polling place, review your ballot and get voting information at: indianavoters.in.gov
:: Indiana Voters ::
I just registered to vote using Indiana's Voter Portal. Update voting registration, see who's on the ballot, get election results, and so much more. Indianavoters.com
indianavoters.in.gov
The primary election is tomorrow. If you haven’t voted yet, today is your last chance to vote early in person before Election Day. You can also use Indiana’s voter portal to: ✔ Find your polling place ✔ Confirm your ballot ✔ Make your plan for tomorrow Get ready to vote at: indianavoters.in.gov
:: Indiana Voters ::
I just registered to vote using Indiana's Voter Portal. Update voting registration, see who's on the ballot, get election results, and so much more. Indianavoters.com
indianavoters.in.gov
"Indiana's 38th-place ranking among states for average teacher pay was unchanged from the previous year, according to a report released this week by the National Education Association."
Report: Indiana's teacher pay efforts fall short
Efforts to increase pay haven't made a dent in the state's ranking.
axios.com
Indiana ranks 38th in teacher pay and second to last among neighboring states. Educators and local schools are making progress, but we’re not keeping pace—and that’s a problem for retaining experienced educators.
New NEA report shows Indiana falling behind in teacher pay, raising…
New NEA report shows Indiana falling behind in teacher pay, raising concerns about educator retention
ista-in.org
Public education is for everyone, and our students deserve to learn and perform in a supportive environment free from political attacks. We stand with the Westfield High School Band and all Indiana educators who foster creativity and excellence in our schools.
Beckwith targets Westfield High School band in deleted Facebook post
A conflict is brewing between Indiana Lt. Gov. Beckwith and the Westfield Band that began with a since-deleted Facebook post from Beckwith.
indystar.com
Moving this data behind closed doors makes it harder to see where our students are struggling and what support they truly need. ISTA remains committed to ensuring every classroom is safe and every student has the resources necessary to succeed.
"We give everything": Teachers react to state pulling back injury reporting law
The state is getting rid of a law that requires schools to publicly report when a school employee is injured on the job by a student.
wrtv.com
National Library Week starts today! 📚 This year's theme: Find Your Joy at the Library. School libraries and librarians are essential to public education — teaching students to find information, love reading, and belong. Thank a librarian this week! #NationalLibraryWeek #FindYourJoy
Need to vote absentee by mail in the May 5 primary? The deadline to request an absentee-by-mail ballot is Thursday, April 23. Learn more and apply at: indianavoters.in.gov
:: Indiana Voters ::
I just registered to vote using Indiana's Voter Portal. Update voting registration, see who's on the ballot, get election results, and so much more. Indianavoters.com
indianavoters.in.gov