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
Newark school board approves superintendent’s contract extension in sudden about-face

Roger León got his contract extended to 2030 after board member Melissa Reed abruptly decided to vote in favor of it. Last month, the board declined to approve an extension.

By 
Jessie Gómez
and
Carly Sitrin
 | Today, 2:48am UTC
Here are the goals Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero met and missed in his performance evaluation

Superintendent Alex Marrero earned 73.5 points out of a possible 100 on his evaluation, which the school board approved Thursday.

By 
Melanie Asmar
 | Today, 1:53am UTC
Chicago school board approves pension payment to the city — if extra tax dollars come through

The agreement makes the payment contingent on receiving $552.4 million in surplus tax funds proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

By 
Mila Koumpilova
 | Today, 12:29am UTC
Here’s how IPS will use proceeds from the sale of artwork that used to be in school buildings

The sale of 148 pieces of fine art, which have been kept in storage, will fund a roughly $1 million endowment for arts education

By 
Amelia Pak-Harvey
 | Today, 12:26am UTC
Indianapolis Public Schools approves sale of John Marshall school building

The school board vote on Thursday marks the end of a yearslong attempt to dispose of the facility, which opened as a high school in 1968 but also served as a middle school.

By 
Amelia Pak-Harvey
 | October 30
Philly has a severe teacher shortage. Could better opportunities for high schoolers help?

To address Philadelphia’s severe teacher shortage, educators and advocates want to inspire more high schoolers to go into the field through hands-on opportunities.

By 
Rebecca Redelmeier
 | October 30