Three Indiana Colleges Win Funding for Programs to Improve Teacher Quality

Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame were awarded a portion of nearly $1 million from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in support of efforts to improve teacher quality in high-need schools and subject areas.

The Improving Teacher Quality Partnership program encourages and supports ongoing collaboration between Indiana’s K-12 and higher education communities to better preparing students for success in college and careers. Teachers in 18 school corporations from across the state will receive professional development support from the three winning universities.

“These three Indiana colleges presented teacher-quality programs that are very different but all show great potential to positively affect both educator quality and students’ academic achievement,” Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers said. “This financial support will leverage the strength of Indiana’s colleges to support teacher recruitment, development and retention.”

2015 Improving Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Recipients

Indiana University – $283,095

• School Districts Affected (3): Indianapolis Public Schools, MSD of Lawrence Township, Monroe County Community School Corporation

Indiana University’s Bloomington and Northwest campuses are leading this project focused on enhancing teachers’ knowledge and skills in English/Language Arts and STEM subject instruction. The project uses intensive summer sessions, monthly workshops and coaching-rehearsal sessions as well as leadership training to ensure ongoing development and collaboration past the life of the project.

Purdue University – $442,956

• School Districts Affected (2): South Bend Community School Corporation and Michigan City Schools

Purdue University’s I-STEM Resource Network continues leading this project focused on improving STEM instruction by developing STEM resource teachers, mentoring new teachers, and growing an online STEM community.

University of Notre Dame – $267,314

• School Districts Affected (15): Indianapolis Public Schools, MSD of Wayne Township, Crawford County Community Schools, Eastern Green Schools, Richland Bean Blossom Schools, School City of Hammond, Kokomo-Center Township Schools, Lake Central Community Schools, MSD of Lawrence Township, Lebanon Community Schools, New Prairie United Schools, Richmond Community Schools, Westfield-Washington Township Schools, Clark Pleasant Schools, Whitko Community Schools

Notre Dame is using its award to support its Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program (AP-TIP IN), which focuses on Advanced Placement math, science and English courses. The program provides extensive professional development for teachers, who are also given materials and a network of AP-TIP program support.

The Improving Teacher Quality Grant program is federally funded and represents the largest federal initiative supporting educator quality in the states. The grants bring together Indiana colleges with high-need school districts to support the professional development of teachers in core academic subjects.

Learn about the Commission and its strategic priorities to increase college completion at www.che.in.gov.