I am sure many of you are aware of the recent events at an Indiana school in which fifth and sixth grade students wrote essays about their thoughts on education in Indiana. The teacher then distributed her students’ letters to several state officials, informing all recipients that the students were not coached in their writing and did their own research. I want to take a moment to share my concerns about the issue.
I first want to say that I value our teachers and communication from them is very important to the General Assembly. As a member of the Education Committee, I recently held a town hall meeting in Johnson County with local educators. We had a spirited discussion about many issues regarding education, including the controversy surrounding the duties of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, as well as the length of this year’s ISTEP+ test. I value the feedback from teachers in my district and the rest of Indiana. We need to know how teachers feel about the legislation we are considering in the General Assembly. However, I am concerned about the way in which this particular teacher chose to share her opinions.
Indiana dedicates enormous energy and resources to the education of our children. We incentivize excellent teaching and promote innovation at every level. The classroom is a sacred place. It is the place where children learn to think, to develop opinions and stand for their beliefs. Even if this teacher did not coach her students as she said, it still seems likely that their research was directed. At the very least, students with a dissenting opinion did not get their essays sent.
Whatever the case may be, I find it disturbing. It is the job of all teachers to give their students the chance to think for themselves. That means presenting all the facts, all points of view and allowing each child to weigh the information and make a decision. I believe that is, by and large, how education is conducted in Indiana, and I am pleased about that. I want to remind all Indiana teachers that educating our children is this state’s top priority and their role is of utmost importance. I appreciate the work our teachers are doing for our children, and I want to encourage each teacher to continue teaching with excellence.
If teachers have opinions or concerns they wish to express, they should be free to do so. I have already emphasized that the General Assembly welcomes any and all input into the legislative process. However, when students are put in the middle of an issue, I must speak. Our children’s voices are valuable, but their protection is also important. I hope we all agree that they deserve fair and unbiased teaching in addition to the opportunity to share their opinions.
I am honored to serve as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, and I welcome your feedback on this and other issues. I can be reached at 317-232-9648 or at h58@iga.in.gov.
