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
NJ schools now required to give parents more information before IEP meetings

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a new law requiring public schools to provide parents with a written statement of items to be discussed at an annual Individualized Education Program meeting for students with disabilities.

By 
Jessie Gómez
 | Today, 9:30am UTC
Detroit school board candidate withdraws name as questions raised about use of ChatGPT

Traci Ricks withdrew her candidacy Wednesday, a day before she was scheduled to be interviewed by the board.

By 
Hannah Dellinger
and
Micah Walker, BridgeDetroit
 | July 24
CPS changes bell times at 22 schools to help address transportation challenges

The district is adjusting start and dismissal times in order to manage transportation routes amid what officials say is an ongoing bus driver shortage.

By 
Reema Amin
 | July 24
Data that Philly educators have seen about school closures is making them nervous

The district has delayed publicly releasing data officials say will inform which schools they choose to close. Principals and community members who’ve seen that data recently have concerns.

By 
Rebecca Redelmeier
and
Carly Sitrin
 | July 24
Q&A: Dan Weisberg on literacy, Mamdani, and his decision to step down as NYC’s No. 2 school official

The second-in-command weighed in on how long it will take reading curriculum mandates to pay off, hiring challenges connected to the class size mandate, and Zohran Mamdani’s education proposals.

By 
Alex Zimmerman
 | July 24
Chicago school board votes to expand eligibility for students seeking accelerated learning

CPS officials estimate 1500 additional students would be eligible to advance a grade or work ahead a grade level under the new policy.

By 
Reema Amin
 | July 24