Drop in number of new teachers could get state review

teacher-shortage


Two leading lawmakers on education issues say the Indiana Legislature should look at ways to stem the state’s declining number of new teachers.

The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate education committees have asked for a study panel to review what is causing the drop and what steps can be taken.

The Indiana Department of Education says the number of first-time teaching licenses issued has dropped about 60 percent since the 2009 to 2010 school year. That has some school district officials worried about being able to fill open teaching positions.

Indiana State Teachers Association president Teresa Meredith says legislators are largely to blame because of changes they’ve imposed on schools and not making teacher pay attractive to potential educators.

A decision hasn’t been made on going forward with the study.