UIndy program sparks interest in teaching among high school students – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

The University of Indianapolis is taking proactive steps to address the teacher shortage in Indiana by hosting the Teacher Prep Academy for high school students. With over 2,100 job openings in the state, the need for qualified educators is more pressing than ever.

Thirty students from 11 different high schools are participating in the program, which allows them to live on campus for a week and learn about the teaching profession. The students are paired with college mentors who are education majors and take a dual-credit class taught by UIndy professors, all at no cost to them.

One student, Lucy Len Dim from Southport High School, shared her passion for teaching, citing the positive impact teachers have had on her own life. She plans on pursuing a career in education to make a difference in the lives of future students.

The coordinator of the Teacher Prep Academy emphasized the importance of changing the negative stigma surrounding the teaching profession. By providing high school students with early exposure to the field, UIndy hopes to inspire more young people to consider a career in education.

This is the second year that UIndy has offered the program, and organizers are committed to continuing it in the future. Additionally, the university’s School of Education has received a grant to partner with local school districts to recruit and retain teachers, further promoting a positive image of the teaching profession in Indianapolis and Marion County.