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

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

Illinois and Chicago have laws to protect immigrant students. As the Trump administration rapidly rolls back rights for immigrants across the country, here is what you should know about state and city law.

The requests are notable because the Education Department has so far been reluctant to consider enrollment caps at overcrowded schools as a means of reducing class sizes.

Immigrant advocacy groups say the district’s protocols are not strong enough and schools should be doing more to reassure families of their safety.

The state’s acting education commissioner denied the district’s petition to remove school board member Dawn Haynes. The commissioner’s decision comes after a judge ruled against the petition.

The fact-finding process triggers a timeline for a possible strike, but it wouldn’t happen until mid-April at the earliest.

Whitmer has also signed legislation that requires charter schools to publicly post teacher salary information and all public schools to allow indigenous students to wear traditional regalia to graduation ceremonies.