Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA)
@ista-in.org
ISTA is the voice of Indiana’s educators and public schools. We advocate, organize and empower educators to strengthen public education for all students.
https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
"As things stand now, the cell phone ban applies only to instructional time, and teachers are allowed to let students use their phones in class for learning. But more restrictions could be on the way."
A stricter cellphone ban may be coming to Indiana schools
Indiana lawmakers may tighten the state’s school cellphone ban even further during this legislative session.
www.chalkbeat.org
December 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
"As things stand now, the cell phone ban applies only to instructional time, and teachers are allowed to let students use their phones in class for learning. But more restrictions could be on the way."
"Indiana school officials are warning that the state’s new property tax overhaul is pushing districts into an unprecedented financial squeeze — which dozens of Hoosier superintendents say is already forcing staff cuts, delaying maintenance and increasing the likelihood for other reductions."
Indiana school leaders warn property tax reforms are destabilizing public education budgets • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana school officials are warning that the state’s new property tax overhaul is pushing districts into an unprecedented financial squeeze.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:06 PM
"Indiana school officials are warning that the state’s new property tax overhaul is pushing districts into an unprecedented financial squeeze — which dozens of Hoosier superintendents say is already forcing staff cuts, delaying maintenance and increasing the likelihood for other reductions."
Drive your support for public education! The new ISTA Foundation specialty plate arrives January 2026. Your purchase helps fund scholarships and grants for current and aspiring Indiana educators. ISTA Foundation license plates are available at BMV branches, online via myBMV.com or at BMV kiosks.
December 5, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Drive your support for public education! The new ISTA Foundation specialty plate arrives January 2026. Your purchase helps fund scholarships and grants for current and aspiring Indiana educators. ISTA Foundation license plates are available at BMV branches, online via myBMV.com or at BMV kiosks.
Good afternoon from the Indiana Statehouse. Today is the early start of the 2026 legislative session. The House and Senate will be meeting over the next two weeks to consider a bill which would redraw Indiana's Congressional districts. Other bills may also be heard. The draft map can be found here:
www.indianahouserepublicans.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Good afternoon from the Indiana Statehouse. Today is the early start of the 2026 legislative session. The House and Senate will be meeting over the next two weeks to consider a bill which would redraw Indiana's Congressional districts. Other bills may also be heard. The draft map can be found here:
A belated congrats to ISTA Minority Educator of the Year, Terrell Taylor, for being named the grand prize winner of the ‘Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.’ Way to keep showing up for your students and community!
Merrillville trades teacher wins $100,000 Harbor Freight award
Terrell Taylor’s eyes widened in shock as he walked into the freshman lecture room Tuesday at Merrillville High School. Inside, his students, family, staff members and officials from tool supply co…
www.chicagotribune.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A belated congrats to ISTA Minority Educator of the Year, Terrell Taylor, for being named the grand prize winner of the ‘Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.’ Way to keep showing up for your students and community!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at ISTA! We hope you enjoy a relaxing day filled with gratitude, good food and time with loved ones.
A quick note: We will not be sending an ISTA News newsletter next week. The newsletter will return in two weeks!
Enjoy your celebration!
A quick note: We will not be sending an ISTA News newsletter next week. The newsletter will return in two weeks!
Enjoy your celebration!
November 26, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at ISTA! We hope you enjoy a relaxing day filled with gratitude, good food and time with loved ones.
A quick note: We will not be sending an ISTA News newsletter next week. The newsletter will return in two weeks!
Enjoy your celebration!
A quick note: We will not be sending an ISTA News newsletter next week. The newsletter will return in two weeks!
Enjoy your celebration!
ISTA believes every student deserves a safe, welcoming school focused on learning — not fear. Read ISTA’s statement on the attorney general’s lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools: https://www.ista-in.org/ista-statement-on-lawsuit-targeting-indianapolis-public-schools
ISTA Statement on Lawsuit Targeting Indianapolis Public Schools
ISTA Statement on Lawsuit Targeting Indianapolis Public Schools
www.ista-in.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:35 PM
ISTA believes every student deserves a safe, welcoming school focused on learning — not fear. Read ISTA’s statement on the attorney general’s lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools: https://www.ista-in.org/ista-statement-on-lawsuit-targeting-indianapolis-public-schools
"According to new data released Wednesday by the Indiana Department of Education, roughly 3,000 students were held back this year after failing the state’s IREAD assessment."
Roughly 3,000 Indiana third-graders held back due to reading proficiency law
INDIANAPOLIS -- According to new data released Wednesday by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), roughly 3,000 students were held back this year after failing the state's IREAD assessment. “(...
fox59.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
"According to new data released Wednesday by the Indiana Department of Education, roughly 3,000 students were held back this year after failing the state’s IREAD assessment."
Many Indiana families could lose food assistance Nov. 1 as SNAP funding runs out due to the government shutdown. Help your neighbors: donate to a local food bank or contact your members of Congress to restore funding for vital nutrition programs.
No student should have to learn on an empty stomach.
No student should have to learn on an empty stomach.
Find Your Local Food Bank | Feeding America
Find the Feeding America member food bank nearest you. Over 200 member food banks can connect you with free food, food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile pantries in your community.
feedingamerica.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Many Indiana families could lose food assistance Nov. 1 as SNAP funding runs out due to the government shutdown. Help your neighbors: donate to a local food bank or contact your members of Congress to restore funding for vital nutrition programs.
No student should have to learn on an empty stomach.
No student should have to learn on an empty stomach.
“I never knew that being a teacher could have so much power to it.”
Lexi is still in school, but she’s already found her place in education through ISTA. Aspiring Educators don’t have to wait to feel supported, to keep learning, and to know they belong. Join now: https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
Lexi is still in school, but she’s already found her place in education through ISTA. Aspiring Educators don’t have to wait to feel supported, to keep learning, and to know they belong. Join now: https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
October 28, 2025 at 10:06 PM
“I never knew that being a teacher could have so much power to it.”
Lexi is still in school, but she’s already found her place in education through ISTA. Aspiring Educators don’t have to wait to feel supported, to keep learning, and to know they belong. Join now: https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
Lexi is still in school, but she’s already found her place in education through ISTA. Aspiring Educators don’t have to wait to feel supported, to keep learning, and to know they belong. Join now: https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
"As six Indiana school districts seek local property tax referendums to pay for teachers and transportation, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith joined the campaign to defeat them by door-knocking in Avon."
Why Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith is door-knocking in Avon ahead of a referendum vote for schools
Beckwith wants voters to defeat Avon schools’ referendum, which funds teaching positions and programming at the district. Avon schools says he doesn’t even go here.
www.chalkbeat.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:36 PM
"As six Indiana school districts seek local property tax referendums to pay for teachers and transportation, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith joined the campaign to defeat them by door-knocking in Avon."
Applications for the Emerging Leaders Cohort are now open! Apply today to identify, strengthen and broaden your leadership skills. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 7.
Learn more about the program: https://www.ista-in.org/our-association/leadership-1/emerging-leaders
Learn more about the program: https://www.ista-in.org/our-association/leadership-1/emerging-leaders
October 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Applications for the Emerging Leaders Cohort are now open! Apply today to identify, strengthen and broaden your leadership skills. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 7.
Learn more about the program: https://www.ista-in.org/our-association/leadership-1/emerging-leaders
Learn more about the program: https://www.ista-in.org/our-association/leadership-1/emerging-leaders
ISTA Members: Check your mailboxes for the fall Advocate. Be sure to submit your NEA RA and ISTA RA delegate nominations by Friday, Nov. 7.
October 17, 2025 at 4:35 PM
ISTA Members: Check your mailboxes for the fall Advocate. Be sure to submit your NEA RA and ISTA RA delegate nominations by Friday, Nov. 7.
My first year of teaching was hard, and I felt very alone… until someone told me: ‘You should join the union.’”
When you join ISTA, you’re never in it alone. Join Now: https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
When you join ISTA, you’re never in it alone. Join Now: https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
October 16, 2025 at 11:19 PM
My first year of teaching was hard, and I felt very alone… until someone told me: ‘You should join the union.’”
When you join ISTA, you’re never in it alone. Join Now: https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
When you join ISTA, you’re never in it alone. Join Now: https://www.ista-in.org/joinnow
There is one week left to register for the 2025 Good Teaching Conference Nov. 7 - 8 at Intech in Indianapolis. Secure your seat today. You don’t want to miss the biggest and most energizing Good Teaching Conference yet.
REGISTER: https://www.ista-in.org/our-profession/good-teaching-conference
REGISTER: https://www.ista-in.org/our-profession/good-teaching-conference
October 16, 2025 at 5:18 PM
There is one week left to register for the 2025 Good Teaching Conference Nov. 7 - 8 at Intech in Indianapolis. Secure your seat today. You don’t want to miss the biggest and most energizing Good Teaching Conference yet.
REGISTER: https://www.ista-in.org/our-profession/good-teaching-conference
REGISTER: https://www.ista-in.org/our-profession/good-teaching-conference
In 2024-25, there were at least 6,870 book bans. Check out PEN America’s website for detailed information about which books were banned, where bans took place and policy trends in this area.
The Normalization of Book Banning
This report offers a window into the complex and extensive climate of censorship between July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
pen.org
October 9, 2025 at 4:59 PM
In 2024-25, there were at least 6,870 book bans. Check out PEN America’s website for detailed information about which books were banned, where bans took place and policy trends in this area.
Reposted by Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA)
“I’m an educator…who drives a school bus.”
From classrooms to transportation and beyond, educators shape how students learn and grow. Charles joined ISTA because standing together means our voices carry further.
Together, we are educators. Together, we are powerful. Join now at ista-in.org/joinnow
From classrooms to transportation and beyond, educators shape how students learn and grow. Charles joined ISTA because standing together means our voices carry further.
Together, we are educators. Together, we are powerful. Join now at ista-in.org/joinnow
October 8, 2025 at 3:47 PM
“I’m an educator…who drives a school bus.”
From classrooms to transportation and beyond, educators shape how students learn and grow. Charles joined ISTA because standing together means our voices carry further.
Together, we are educators. Together, we are powerful. Join now at ista-in.org/joinnow
From classrooms to transportation and beyond, educators shape how students learn and grow. Charles joined ISTA because standing together means our voices carry further.
Together, we are educators. Together, we are powerful. Join now at ista-in.org/joinnow
“I’m an educator…who drives a school bus.”
From classrooms to transportation and beyond, educators shape how students learn and grow. Charles joined ISTA because standing together means our voices carry further.
Together, we are educators. Together, we are powerful. Join now at ista-in.org/joinnow
From classrooms to transportation and beyond, educators shape how students learn and grow. Charles joined ISTA because standing together means our voices carry further.
Together, we are educators. Together, we are powerful. Join now at ista-in.org/joinnow
October 8, 2025 at 3:47 PM
“I’m an educator…who drives a school bus.”
From classrooms to transportation and beyond, educators shape how students learn and grow. Charles joined ISTA because standing together means our voices carry further.
Together, we are educators. Together, we are powerful. Join now at ista-in.org/joinnow
From classrooms to transportation and beyond, educators shape how students learn and grow. Charles joined ISTA because standing together means our voices carry further.
Together, we are educators. Together, we are powerful. Join now at ista-in.org/joinnow
📚 It’s Banned Books Week!
This week we celebrate the freedom to read and the diverse stories that help students grow and think critically. When books are banned, everyone loses.
Learn more from PEN America ➡️
This week we celebrate the freedom to read and the diverse stories that help students grow and think critically. When books are banned, everyone loses.
Learn more from PEN America ➡️
Banned Books Week 2025
We invite readers, authors, educators, librarians, and everyone who opposes censorship to get involved during Banned Books Week 2025.
pen.org
October 6, 2025 at 11:34 PM
📚 It’s Banned Books Week!
This week we celebrate the freedom to read and the diverse stories that help students grow and think critically. When books are banned, everyone loses.
Learn more from PEN America ➡️
This week we celebrate the freedom to read and the diverse stories that help students grow and think critically. When books are banned, everyone loses.
Learn more from PEN America ➡️
Get ready to level up your teaching! Check out some of the exciting sessions lined up for the 2025 Good Teaching Conference.
Secure your seat by registering today: https://www.ista-in.org/our-profession/good-teaching-conference
Secure your seat by registering today: https://www.ista-in.org/our-profession/good-teaching-conference
September 25, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Get ready to level up your teaching! Check out some of the exciting sessions lined up for the 2025 Good Teaching Conference.
Secure your seat by registering today: https://www.ista-in.org/our-profession/good-teaching-conference
Secure your seat by registering today: https://www.ista-in.org/our-profession/good-teaching-conference
Join us this evening!
Have questions, concerns, fears or excitement about the impact of AI technology on classroom instruction and student learning? Join ISTA for a policy series virtual webinar on trending AI issues around education.
AI in the Classroom: How Expanding Technologies Are Impacting Pedagogy and Student Learning · Indiana State Teachers Association
Do you have questions, concerns, fears or excitement about the impact of AI technology on classroom instruction and student learning? Join ISTA for a policy series virtual webinar on trending AI issue...
www.mobilize.us
September 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Join us this evening!
Reposted by Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA)
No matter our color, ZIP code, or language, we all want our children to have an honest and accurate public education. Yet some politicians try to whitewash history. This #HispanicHeritageMonth, use NEA's classroom resources to honor how Hispanic and Latino communities have helped shape our nation.
Hispanic Heritage Month | NEA
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month with the following lessons, activities, videos, and more.
www.nea.org
September 6, 2025 at 9:08 PM
No matter our color, ZIP code, or language, we all want our children to have an honest and accurate public education. Yet some politicians try to whitewash history. This #HispanicHeritageMonth, use NEA's classroom resources to honor how Hispanic and Latino communities have helped shape our nation.
Reposted by Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA)
September 20, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Have questions, concerns, fears or excitement about the impact of AI technology on classroom instruction and student learning? Join ISTA for a policy series virtual webinar on trending AI issues around education.
AI in the Classroom: How Expanding Technologies Are Impacting Pedagogy and Student Learning · Indiana State Teachers Association
Do you have questions, concerns, fears or excitement about the impact of AI technology on classroom instruction and student learning? Join ISTA for a policy series virtual webinar on trending AI issue...
www.mobilize.us
September 19, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Have questions, concerns, fears or excitement about the impact of AI technology on classroom instruction and student learning? Join ISTA for a policy series virtual webinar on trending AI issues around education.
