Indy Standard

The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee has moved forward with legislation proposed by State Representative Dave Heine aimed at strengthening the state's teacher workforce. The bill, known as House Bill 1326, seeks to enhance the existing Transition to Teaching Scholarships.

Originally authored by Heine in 2023, the scholarship provides a one-time $10,000 grant for students enrolled in a transition to teaching certification program. The new bill proposes increasing the income eligibility threshold to up to 400% of the amount required for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program. Presently, this threshold stands at an annual income of $100,000 or less.

"It is my passion to make teaching an accessible and rewarding profession for anyone looking to kickstart their career," stated Heine. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to expand the Transition to Teaching Scholarship program and help more Hoosiers find meaningful work educating our future leaders."

House Bill 1326 also allows the Indiana Commission for Higher Education flexibility in using remaining funds from certain teaching scholarships for others if demand increases.

"Over 300 applicants have received Transition to Teaching Scholarships in fiscal year 2025 to date," Heine noted.

Previously, during the 2024 legislative session, Heine introduced measures that permitted unused funds from the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship fund to support Transition to Teaching Scholarships after all other awards were made.

Eligibility criteria for these scholarships include holding a bachelor's degree, committing to obtain an initial practitioner license, and agreeing to teach in Indiana for at least five years.

The bill now proceeds to the full House for further deliberation. More details are available on iga.in.gov and information about scholarships can be found at in.gov/che.