Hamilton proposes amendment that requires legislators shadow teachers

Today, Feb. 26, State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment on Senate Bill 211 that would require legislators to shadow a teacher at a local public school in their district. The amendment was struck down on procedural grounds. 

“Every session, we pass new laws, requirements and restrictions that impact teachers and students in their daily functions,” Hamilton said. “Funding for K-12 education makes up nearly half of the $44.5 billion state budget. Many of us in the General Assembly have not spent time in a public school classroom in decades, if ever. For something this essential to our state’s success, it is imperative that lawmakers better understand the state of public education in their districts. 

“Teachers are highly trained professionals with incredibly demanding jobs. The legislature continues to talk about the teacher shortage, but we haven't seen nearly enough action to address it. In January 2022, the National Education Association (NEA) conducted a nationwide survey of its members and found that 55% of educators, regardless of age or years of service, planned to leave the profession earlier than expected. There are currently more than 1,500 teacher vacancies in Indiana, with more on the way should our state fail to make the profession more attractive. Instead of supporting those responsible for educating future generations, teachers find themselves the collateral damage of Indiana’s culture war and attacks on public education. 

“Spending half a day shadowing an educator is the most straightforward method to understand their work and the needs of our students. This is a simple and effective way for us to be more informed as we do the work of crafting education investments and policies next year and in the years ahead.”