Teachers to rally to push education reforms

INDIANAPOLIS—More than 100 school districts across Indiana will close on Tuesday as thousands of Hoosier teachers say they will descend on the Statehouse to urge lawmakers to improve pay and make other education reforms.

The “Red for Ed” rally organized by the Indiana State Teachers Association takes place on the day lawmakers return to the Statehouse to get ready for the 2020 legislative session. They are expected to be in session for about half a day.

Jennifer Smith-Magraf, ISTA vice president, said more than 13,000 have signed up to attend the day-long event, which includes speeches, meetings with lawmakers and other activities.

“The fact that so many have registered should tell them everything about the seriousness of the issues,” she said. “Educators don’t leave their students lightly.”

Smith-Margraf said teachers are pushing for true “hold harmless” legislation that will not punish school districts and teachers for low test scores this year on the new ILEARN standardized exam; an increase in teacher pay to an average of $60,000 a year, which would cost about $700 million; and getting rid of the 15 hours teachers are required to work in business in order to renew their teaching license.

Read more: http://thestatehousefile.com/teachers-rally-push-education-reforms/40303/