Senate Bill 356, authored by Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger), would allow local school districts to issue adjunct teacher permits to individuals with relevant knowledge and expertise to teach classes – especially in high-need subjects aligned with workforce need – on a part-time basis without expecting them to leave their primary career or vocation. The bill, which passed the Senate Education Committee 7-5, is a legislative priority for the Chamber.
While the Chamber and other advocates argued that the bill is a practical approach – among other strategies – to help address Indiana’s teacher shortage, the proposal was greeted by opposition from teacher unions and Senate Democrats who claimed it’s an assault on the education profession. Interestingly, this is by no means a new or revolutionary concept, at least not in higher education where adjunct faculty are commonplace at community colleges and other campuses across the state.
Resource: Jason Bearce at (317) 264-6880 or email: jbearce@indianachamber.com
