January 31, 2022

Bills to create adjunct status for public school teachers considered in Statehouse


The current legislation would exclude the adjunct teachers from collective bargaining agreements, a measure the Indiana State Teachers Association calls a “union busting” effort.  - FILE PHOTO: WFIU/WTIU

The current legislation would exclude the adjunct teachers from collective bargaining agreements, a measure the Indiana State Teachers Association calls a “union busting” effort.

FILE PHOTO: WFIU/WTIU

A bill moving forward in the Indiana Senate would let public schools hire part time “adjunct” teachers without any teaching training.

Bill author Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger) said it could help address an ongoing teacher shortage, but critics say it will lower education quality.

Senate Bill 356 would allow school corporations to fill classes with part-time teachers from the community. They're likened to part-time college professors who are invited to teach based on expertise.


Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues.


The current legislation would exclude the adjunct teachers from collective bargaining agreements, a measure the Indiana State Teachers Association calls a “union busting” effort.

“Nobody’s denying, we have a teacher shortage problem,” said Gail Zeheralis, ISTA public policy and political affairs specialist during a Senate committee. “But this is wrong-headed and I can’t be any clearer.”

A bill with similar language – House Bill 1251 – passed through the Indiana House on Monday afternoon. 

Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

IU changes policy day before encampment arrests
Indiana teachers union's political committee endorses Jennifer McCormick for governor
Here's what Indiana's Republican gubernatorial candidates have to say about education