Skip to main content

Become a Chalkbeat sponsor

Teaching & Classroom Teachers and teaching Statehouse policy and politics

You’re invited: Hear local educators share their stories they want lawmakers to know

By

| January 30, 2025, 9:38pm UTC

A man wearing a baseball cap and a blue sweater stands in the middle of a large room with three people sitting toward the back wall. — Andrew Pillow shares a story during a previous story slam presented by Teachers Lounge Indy in collaboration with Chalkbeat Indiana and Indy Kids Winning. (Elaine Cromie/Chalkbeat)

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.

What do teachers wish Indiana’s lawmakers knew about daily life in schools? We’re asking educators to share stories and experiences from the classroom that they want state lawmakers to know as they craft rules about schools at the Statehouse.

Join us for “Letters to Lawmakers,” a teacher story slam from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Guggman Haus Brewing Co., 1701 Gent Ave. in Indianapolis. The event is hosted by Chalkbeat Indiana, Indy Kids Winning, and Teachers Lounge Indy, and is a continuation of previous story slams. It’s a place for educators to share stories, spend time together, and learn from each other too. The community is also invited to hear their stories.

The event is free, but RSVP is encouraged. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

To RSVP, get your free ticket here.

And if you are an educator and are interested in telling your story, please fill out this form by Tuesday, Feb. 18.

promo image — (Isaiah Spears)

Update, Feb. 4: This story was updated to extend the deadline for educators to sign up to be storytellers.

MJ Slaby oversees Chalkbeat Indiana’s coverage as bureau chief. Contact MJ at mslaby@chalkbeat.org.

The Latest

EPIC Academy charter school could close due to low enrollment and financial challenges

EPIC Academy charter school could close due to low enrollment and financial challenges

The move comes two months after the school’s contract was renewed by the Chicago Board of Education and two years after it unveiled plans for a $22 million renovation.

By

| September 15

‘We need a show of force’: NYC charter schools to march over Brooklyn Bridge before mayoral election

‘We need a show of force’: NYC charter schools to march over Brooklyn Bridge before mayoral election

Charter school leaders are planning to rally on Thursday, less than two months before the mayoral election. Zohran Mamdani, the frontrunner, has criticized the sector.

By

| September 15

Chicago Public Schools starts rolling out its Black Student Success Plan despite federal scrutiny

Chicago Public Schools starts rolling out its Black Student Success Plan despite federal scrutiny

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is investigating the initiative the district unveiled in February. But the school board member heading the committee tasked with overseeing the rollout says it will proceed.

By

Mila Koumpilova

| September 15

Fort Lewis College starts new nursing program to improve health in rural, Durango-area communities

Fort Lewis College starts new nursing program to improve health in rural, Durango-area communities

Fort Lewis College’s new nursing program is the first bachelor’s degree in nursing program in the Durango area. The program aims to train students to help fulfill the health care needs of the Four Corners region and other rural communities.

By

| September 15

The push to ban undocumented immigrants from Head Start is more and less than meets the eye

The push to ban undocumented immigrants from Head Start is more and less than meets the eye

Many Americans don’t think undocumented immigrants should get public benefits. But the Trump administration has admitted its new rule could have a relatively small impact.

By

| September 15

Kresge invests $180M to improve Detroit neighborhoods for families

Kresge invests $180M to improve Detroit neighborhoods for families

Community engagement has begun as part of the initiative, including a youth and education group that spent time in July exploring students' routes to attend several schools.

By

| September 12