Teaching Programs in Indiana

If you are wondering how to become a teacher in Indiana, now is a great time to start the process. Indiana is experiencing a teacher shortage, with some positions that used to get 20 or more applications receiving only one or two. This shortage not only means that Indiana’s students need you, but that there are more positions available now than in previous years.

How Can I Get a Teaching Degree in Indiana?

There are several different degree levels you can look into if you want to become a teacher in Indiana. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a subject area taught in Indiana schools, you may be very close to a teaching degree. An accelerated certification program can help you get your license and into a classroom quickly. If you do not yet have a degree, a four-year bachelor’s degree can offer a well-rounded approach to education. Bachelor’s degree program graduates may opt to earn a master’s degree, which covers more extensive theory and techniques. If you ultimately want to work as a superintendent, college professor, or in another leadership position, a doctoral program may be the best path for you.

Curricula vary widely between programs and schools. In general, you should plan on focusing on one specific age group and, in some cases, one subject. The average teaching curriculum, regardless of the age or subject you plan to teach, involves courses in pedagogy, child development, and reading and writing skills. All teachers will also take classes in working with special needs students. Elementary school programs typically cover a broad scope of subjects, while secondary and specialized coursework, such as electives and special education, will have narrower focuses.

The Indiana college admissions process is similar to that of many other states. Schools generally require:

• A minimum high school GPA, often 2.5 or 3.0
• A high school diploma or GED
• SAT or ACT scores
• A completed application and fee

If you are a “non-traditional” student, meaning you are not coming to college straight from high school, admission expectations are often different. Check with your school of interest to learn about their requirements.

Paying for College in Indiana

Paying for college is at the forefront of many future students’ minds. In general, an associate degree will cost the least, while a doctorate will cost the most; however, this will vary by school. Associate degrees don’t lead to licensure, but it’s often possible to take courses at a community college and transfer them to a four-year school to save on tuition. You can also begin looking for financial aid opportunities before you enroll, such as state and federal grant programs and funding opportunities offered by private institutions. Through the Indiana State Teachers Association, you can apply for scholarships like the Justine M. Harrell Memorial Scholarship and the Damon P. Moore Scholarship. Your college’s financial aid office is also an invaluable resource for discovering and obtaining assistance.

Career Outlook for Educators in Indiana

Across the board, job growth rates in Indiana are on par with the reported national averages. By 2026, elementary school teachers may experience a 6% growth rate, including in special education. For secondary teachers, the anticipated job growth rate is 7% outside of special education and 6% in special education. These figures represent the anticipated increase in teaching positions in Indiana, not the number of jobs available. However, due to the teacher shortage, the number of posts currently available is quite high.

May 2018 Mean Teaching Salaries in Indiana

• Elementary School Teachers in Indiana: $52,360 per year
• Secondary School Teachers in Indiana: $53,030 per year
• Post-Secondary Teachers in Indiana: $47,840-$126,230 per year (varies by subject)

(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019)

Teacher Training Programs in Indiana

• American College of Education (ACE): Based in Indianapolis, ACE offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching for those who want to be elementary school teachers but do not have a bachelor’s degree in education.
• Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis:This large university has education degrees at all levels of study, from bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees to Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs. There are also certificate and dual licensing options.
• Indiana State Online:Indiana State Online is the online branch of Indiana State University, making high-level teaching programs accessible to people anywhere in the state. Through them, you can earn a B.A. in subjects like vocational teacher education and postsecondary facilitation. Graduate programs that lead to an Indiana teacher license include curriculum and instruction, elementary education, and special education

Indiana Teacher Resources

• Indiana Department of Education: The Department of Education provides you with information about initiatives, state assessments, and licensure.
• Indiana State Teachers Association: ISTA is Indiana’s teachers’ union. It helps teachers find resources, advocate for their students and themselves, and improve education throughout the state.
• Teach Indy: Made for teachers in Indianapolis, this site provides information about licensure, networking events, and even help with job searching.