IU partnerships, programs support teachers across the state

Indiana University has long been known for educating highly skilled teachers who go on to serve in schools across the Hoosier state and beyond. IU is also engaged in special projects and partnerships that provide professional development for current teachers, improve classroom learning, and address teacher shortages.

For example, work on the Education for Liberation project concludes this summer on our Indianapolis campus. Funded by grants from the Indiana Department of Education and the Lumina Foundation, the project provided two years of professional development for school leaders, focusing on improving teachers' pedagogical practices and improving outcomes for students of color, English learners, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students.

The School of Education at IU Kokomo is addressing teacher shortages by partnering with school districts to help paraprofessionals become certified teachers. In addition to the Tomorrow’s Teachers and Transition to Teaching programs, IU Kokomo piloted a yearlong student teaching residency that gives participants a holistic view of teaching, increases retention, and improves experiences for educators and schools alike.

Current teachers were recently on our Bloomington campus for training in the IU Special Education Leadership Program, which prepares teachers for leadership roles at school and district levels. K-12 science educators were also on campus to participate in the Educating for Environmental Change Summer Science Institute, where they learned to teach the science and policy of climate change more effectively.

At the New Neighbors Education Center, IU Southeast partners with school districts to address the educational needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students and those learning English as a new language. Additionally, the Growing Tomorrow’s STEM Teachers grant program provides financial assistance to advance the education of Indiana STEM teachers.

IU is proud to be a part of these and many other programs and initiatives that impact the lives of teachers and students across the state.

Pamela Whitten

President
Indiana University