Indiana teachers union calls lawmakers to address shortages

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana’s largest teachers union is calling on state lawmakers to address educator burnout and ongoing teacher shortages during the next legislative session that begins in January.

Indiana State Teachers Association President Keith Gambill said during a news conference Monday that the state is “slowly making progress” on teacher pay, but additional action is needed to attract and retain teachers.

Teacher workload and burnout were issues before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Gambill said, but the onset of the virus has since worsened the state’s teacher shortage.

He said the union is now calling on the legislature to restore teachers’ ability to bargain contracts that include health and safety conditions, class sizes and prep periods.

Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved.