Smith celebrates passage of transition to teaching bill

Today, Jan. 23, House Bill 1042 passed in the House of Representatives and goes to the Senate for consideration. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement following his floor speech in support of the bill: 

“There are a number of causes contributing to the teacher shortage Indiana is currently trying to solve. Negative media coverage of the teaching profession, toxic legislation, and a societal change in the behavior of students compound to drive people away from becoming an educator. This issue is one of the largest impediments to the wellbeing of Hoosier students, and this program is the best solution I have seen compared to alternative paths. 

“The Transition to Teaching program makes it easier for people to change their career path to the noble profession of teaching. Many people cite the cost of going back to school as a barrier to becoming a teacher later in life. Creating a scholarship for people to pursue a teaching license brings us one step closer to solving the educator shortage crisis in our state.

“The passage of House Bill 1042 expands funding for this popular program to serve even more potential teachers, which our state – and Hoosier children – are in desperate need of.”