STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2024) – To help plug leaks in Indiana's teacher pipeline, Indiana House Representatives unanimously approved State Rep. Dave Heine's (R-Fort Wayne) bill last week providing more scholarship opportunities to Hoosiers who want a career in education.
Heine said his legislation builds on a law he authored last year to create Transition to Teaching Scholarships, which provide a one-time, non-renewable, $10,000 scholarship to students enrolled in a transition-to-teaching certification program. As a result of Heine's efforts, the state awarded $1 million through 100 scholarships to Hoosiers who are professionals in other fields and are making the switch to teaching.
"With the success of the Transition to Teaching Scholarships, we've realized the demand is far greater than we anticipated," Heine said. "That's why I authored legislation this year dip into Indiana's existing resources to fund more scholarship opportunities, which will ultimately help our state grow our teacher workforce."
Under Heine's House Bill 1042, the remaining balance in the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship fund, after all scholarships are awarded, could be used to provide Transition to Teaching Scholarships. Heine said both scholarship programs are both aimed at increasing Indiana's teacher pipeline.
To be eligible for the Transition to Teaching Scholarship, applicants pursuing a transition-to-teaching certification need to have a bachelor's degree, agree to obtain an initial practitioner license and teach in Indiana for at least five years. Heine said he worked closely last year with East Allen County Schools Superintendent Marilyn Hissong to craft the legislation, and help schools fill much-needed teaching positions.
The Indiana Department of Education reported 1,670 teacher openings after the 2022-23 school year started.
House Bill 1042 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov. To learn more about scholarships offered to future Hoosier educators, visit in.gov/che.
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State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 85,
which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
