The House Education Committee unanimously supported legislation authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) focused on reducing some requirements put on Indiana’s teachers.
Educators are currently required to attend professional development programs, training and additional schooling to continue teaching. According to Cook, many requirements are outdated or duplicative. House Bill 1400 calls for a study committee to examine these requirements before 2020 and determine ways to eliminate, reduce or streamline them.
Cook
“We expect a lot from our teachers; they not only educate but also mentor and even counsel students,” said Cook, a former school superintendent and vice chair of the House Education Committee. “We need to review professional development programs to determine what should be renewed and how we can eliminate unnecessary requirements. This would allow teachers to spend more time in the classroom working with their students.”
Cook said interim study committees are assigned and meet after the legislative session, which ends in the spring.
The proposal now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) represents House District 32, which includes all of Tipton County and portions of Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Howard and Grant counties.