CALL 6: Thousands of Indiana teachers leaving the classroom
In the state of Indiana, 12,426 educators, or 18 percent of Indiana's teachers and administrators, left their schools over a single school year period, according to the most recent data from the Indiana Department of Education.
Those numbers are among the worst in the nation, according to a recent study by the Learning Policy Institute.
When teachers remain in their schools, they get to know their students, families and their communities, which school leaders say is a huge factor in student achievement.
So what's causing the departure? Call 6 Investigates took a deep dive into the numbers, and found that there is no documentation state-wide on why teachers are leaving.
Why They Left
Taji Gibson was a teacher for 19 years with an enthusiasm so contagious, it won her an outstanding educator award.
“I loved the kids,” said Gibson. “I loved teaching. I wish I didn’t have to leave.”
Gibson said she left the classroom for numerous reasons including a lack of leadership opportunities and compensation.
“At the time I left, after 19 years of experience, I made maybe $54,000,” said Gibson.
“I loved the kids. I loved teaching. I wish I didn’t have to leave.”
Gibson said she had trouble juggling everything that comes along with being a teacher.
“On your days off, you’re grading, you’re making lessons, you’re trying to make things better for your students,” said Gibson.
Gibson worked at Warren Central High School and Bloomington High School North until her departure in May 2016.
She now works for the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning at Indiana University Bloomington.
“I’m still making a difference hopefully in education,” said Gibson. “I plan toCALL 6: Thousands of Indiana teachers leaving the classroom - Longform Story:
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