Inside ChalkbeatTeaching & ClassroomTeachers and teaching

You’re invited: Hear true stories told by local teachers at this storytelling event

By 
MJ Slaby
 | October 12, 2023, 11:30am UTC
woman holds microphone and talks
Makayla Imrie shared her story of surviving her first year of teaching at a story slam hosted by Teachers Lounge Indy and Chalkbeat Indiana in September 2019. The teacher-focused storytelling event will return on Nov. 16 in Indianapolis. (Screenshot Chalkbeat Staff)

Sign up for Chalkbeat Indiana’s free daily newsletter to keep up with Indianapolis Public Schools, Marion County’s township districts, and statewide education news.

The infamous “teacher voice” — we all know it, and now you can hear directly from local educators about the times they may have needed to use it.

Join us for the “Don’t Make Me Use My Teacher Voice” teacher story slam from 6 to 8 p.m Thursday, Nov. 16, at Ash & Elm Cider Company, 1301 E Washington Street in Indianapolis. The event will be hosted by Teachers Lounge Indy along with Chalkbeat Indiana and Indy Kids Winning.

Teachers Lounge Indy was formed to help early-career teachers build community, said organizer Ronak Shah. The group last hosted a story slam in 2019. Since then, many in the group have moved on and are no longer early in their careers.

However, Shah said a current teacher encouraged him to bring the event back, so he revived it.

To attend, register here for a free ticket on Eventbrite: https://ckbe.at/3FSCr6z.

Also, if you’re an educator and want to tell your story, contact: teachersloungeindy@gmail.com.

(Teachers Lounge Indy)

MJ Slaby oversees Chalkbeat Indiana’s coverage as bureau chief. She also covers access to higher education and Warren Township Schools. Contact MJ at mslaby@chalkbeat.org.

The Latest
Detroit teens detained by ICE should be released, advocates say

The advocacy event Tuesday was held in Clark Park across the street from Western International High School, where the two detained students were attending classes.

By 
Lori Higgins
 | November 25
A wave of immigration boosted NYC school enrollment for years. Now, the trend has reversed.

Chalkbeat identified 60 schools that likely took in the largest shares of migrant students from 2022 to 2024. Their enrollment has fallen by 11% this year, according to preliminary data.

By 
Michael Elsen-Rooney
 | Today, 12:12am UTC
Colorado’s ‘first public Christian school’ violated health and safety rules, documents show

Local fire district officials are requiring that Riverstone Academy officials patrol the building every half hour for signs of fire.

By 
Ann Schimke
 | Today, 12:12am UTC
Chicago board members warn of cuts at schools if mayor’s budget doesn’t pass

Chicago Board of Education members held a rally outside of Austin High School to urge city officials to vote in favor of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion budget proposal. Members warn there could be staffing cuts if the plan is voted down.

By 
Becky Vevea
,
Samantha Smylie
and
Reema Amin
 | November 25
Chicago’s school board was close to picking a new CEO. Now it’s ‘recalibrating.’

The Chicago Board of Education narrowed its search for CEO to two finalists. But after the names were leaked earlier this month, board members now say they are “reconsidering” and “recalibrating.”

By 
Reema Amin
 | November 25
Who is eligible for Tennessee’s 2026 voucher program?

It’s not clear how many new vouchers will be available for Tennessee students next year. The state’s prioritization of applicants will look quite different compared to the first year of the Education Freedom Scholarships program.

By 
Melissa Brown
 | November 25