Indianapolis Public Schools recognized Teacher Appreciation Week on May 4 by sharing the story of Haley Alexander, an eighth-grade mathematics teacher at Broad Ripple Middle School. Alexander described her journey into education and what motivates her in the classroom.
Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity to highlight the role educators play in shaping students’ lives. Indianapolis Public Schools serves over 30,000 students and emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority, according to the official website.
Alexander said she entered teaching after realizing that other jobs lacked a sense of purpose. “After graduating from Butler with a degree in marketing and healthcare management, I realized all the jobs I was applying for were missing something–purpose. All those jobs felt like just showing up for a paycheck without making a meaningful difference in individuals. I was lucky enough to stumble upon the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows program and haven’t looked back once. Now, I am a second-year teacher, and will have my Master’s degree completed in May of 2026!”
She said she enjoys finding ways to make math engaging for her students: “I am an eighth-grade math teacher. It’s not the most fun subject, so when I have the opportunity to make a lesson fun, it always shocks the kids, and it’s a good way to break up the day.” She also explained her approach to teaching: “I feel like I run my classroom a bit like a reality tv show that’s only half-scripted. Obviously, I have learning objectives we must get to, but as we cover them, I let the students control the discussion and the topics we relate them to.”
Alexander recalled one project that stood out: “Last year, we did a business project until the end of the year. It was inspiring to see some of the students come out of their shells and apply their knowledge to topics they care about. Some of them even decided to implement their business as a way to have a summer job!” She advised those considering teaching: “It’s hard, but it’s rewarding. It may not be the best financially, but in terms of emotions, it is really rewarding.”
Indianapolis Public Schools provides services through its network of schools across central Indianapolis with programs focused on fostering academic excellence through tailored education built on relationships in dynamic settings; Aleesia Johnson serves as superintendent according to its official website.