INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz has announced a “significant gain” in the number of new teachers getting their licenses.
After recent years of declines, Indiana saw a more than 18% increase in the number of new teaching license recipients from 2015 to 2016.
“A great education begins with great instruction, and great instruction starts with great teachers,” Ritz says. “That is why I am excited to announce that after years of declining numbers, Indiana saw a significant increase in new educator licenses this year. With a majority of school corporations reporting a teacher shortage in their district, now more than ever, Indiana needs more individuals to choose teaching as a profession. While today’s numbers do not fully solve the shortage, they reflect our strong state commitment and work to support the education profession over the past four years.”
Indiana saw a more than 34% decline in the number of people getting new teaching licenses between 2012 and 2015, and a 20% drop between 2014 and 2015 alone, leading to fears of a “teacher shortage” in the state.
Ritz touts her Blue Ribbon Commission for the Recruitment and Retention of Excellent Educators as one of the key reasons for the increase this year, noting that many of the initial licensees this year were likely freshmen when Ritz took office. She also points out that the state Department of Education awarded $24,000 in grants to educators last year to support National Board Certification.
