Educators in Indiana have expressed disappointment with the Indiana Department of Education following a concise webinar regarding new teacher licensure requirements designed to enhance literacy skills among students.

This issue bears significance as statistics reveal that one in five third-grade students in Indiana are unable to read at grade level, putting them at risk of academic setbacks and potential grade retention, especially following recent changes in state legislation.

In recent years, Indiana lawmakers have enacted multiple bills altering the approach to teaching literacy to young students. One of the most recent changes mandates educators teaching pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and special education students to obtain a “literacy endorsement.” This requirement involves 80 hours of professional development and the successful completion of an exam.

However, teachers have expressed frustration with these requirements, feeling overwhelmed by constantly shifting expectations and negative perceptions. Last week’s webinar aimed to provide clarity on the new mandates but fell short, leaving many educators feeling unsatisfied.

Keith Gambill, president of the Indiana State Teachers Association, criticized the webinar, stating it failed to meet educators’ reasonable expectations for support and clarification amidst significant professional changes. The association warns that these new requirements are adding to teachers’ stress and could potentially prompt early retirement or attrition from the profession.

While the Indiana Department of Education insists it provided clarity through a two-page memo, ISTA has called for additional live webinars to address teachers’ concerns directly.

Moving forward, it remains crucial for educators and policymakers to collaborate effectively to ensure that initiatives aimed at improving student literacy are implemented in a manner that supports and respects the professionals tasked with their execution.