We have over 65,000 teachers in Indiana, and only one is named our Indiana Teacher of the Year. It’s an honor that not only celebrates the individual teacher, but also celebrates all who serve in our educator profession. While the candidate pool is fiercely competitive (because we have so many great teachers!), we annually name one special person, who then represents Indiana on the national stage.
…and this year, our 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year is Mr. Eric Jenkins, an English/language arts teacher at Franklin Community High School!
The gymnasium was packed for a ceremony recognizing National Merit winners and fall sports athletes, but much to everyone’s surprise, we would also be celebrating the Indiana Teacher of the Year, who also happens to be a favorite at FCHS.
Mr. Jenkins’s calm demeanor when the announcement was made was a powerful testament to one of the reasons he is such an asset to his school community. Ready in the face of any challenge, Mr. Jenkins took the mic after the announcement to remind his colleagues and his students that this day wasn’t about him; it was about all of them. You see in the pictures some of his work family, as well as his actual family. This is a common theme among our best educators, having strong support systems at home and at school who make it all possible. Mr. Jenkins spoke about the janitors and the school support staff, the administrators and the cafeteria workers, and the teachers and students who make our schools great.
|
 |
Mr. Jenkins is so impactful because he has an innate ability to help students grow and develop the knowledge and skills needed to find their voice and make positive changes in the world around them. As a high school ELA teacher, Mr. Jenkins ensures his students work to strengthen essential skills like reading, writing, and speaking, encouraging them to be lifelong readers and learners.
He further encourages students to take charge of their learning and develop their unique perspectives through mock trial. In defending a specific opinion, students may choose to play a character or imagine themselves as attorneys, doctors, administrators, or parents. Whether their views are strengthened or changed as a result, mock trials provide students an opportunity to build their confidence, work as a team, and consider a range of information and perspectives…helping them to become the best versions of themselves.
Please join me in congratulating Mr. Jenkins on this well-deserved honor! And thank you, as always, for all that you do to support our students!
REMINDER: Legislatively-Required and Other Guidance Surrounding Newly-Enacted Legislation
Following the close of each legislative session, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) immediately begins working to implement newly-enacted legislation impacting K-12 education, which includes compiling guidance for educators. Guidance is a product of robust cross-agency collaboration and partnership with countless stakeholders. Any future updates will be added to this comprehensive guidance document and shared via the weekly newsletter.
REMINDER: 2023 Mandatory and Voluntary Graduation Rate Audits
The mandatory and voluntary graduation rate audit window is open and will close on Friday, October 27. If you are unsure if your school was selected for the mandatory graduation rate audit, please check the list of mandatory audit schools.
If you would like to request a change to the cohort status of a student in the 2023 cohort, this will need to go through the voluntary graduation rate audit. The voluntary graduation rate audit involves submitting the student on the voluntary graduation rate audit Excel template and submitting the supporting documentation. (Enrollment key: AccountabilityCommunity). The Voluntary Graduation Rate Audit is open to all schools and is the final opportunity to request a change to the 2023 cohort.
If you are submitting a voluntary graduation rate audit and are subject to the mandatory graduation rate audit, submit both audits in the same, single submission. Contact IDOE's Office of Accountability with any questions.
REMINDER: Apply for the 2024-2025 Dyslexia Assessment Program Approval Committee
IDOE seeks qualified committee members to evaluate dyslexia screener and diagnostic assessment programs for potential approval for the 2024-2025 school year using the Indiana Dyslexia Assessments Evaluation Protocol. Interested educators must complete the 2024-2025 Dyslexia Assessment Program Approval Committee interest survey by Friday, November 3. Completion of the interest survey is non- binding. Additional information regarding dyslexia assessments can be found on IDOE’s Dyslexia webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment or Literacy Center with questions.
REMINDER: Apply for the 2024-2025 Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant Program Approval Committee
IDOE also seeks qualified candidates to evaluate formative (interim) assessment programs for potential approval for the 2024-2025 school year using the Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant Program Evaluation Protocol. Interested educators must complete the 2024-2025 Formative (Interim) Assessment Program Approval Committee interest survey by Friday, November 3. Completion of the interest survey is non-binding. Additional information can be found on IDOE’s Formative (Interim) Assessment Grant webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of Student Assessment with questions.
REMINDER: Deadline Approaching - The 2024 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Classified Staff Award
Districts, charters, and non-public schools across the state are encouraged to nominate up to two classified school employees for the RISE Award. The RISE Award honors and promotes the excellence exhibited by classified school employees who provide exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school. The deadline to submit nominations is Thursday, October 19, at 5 p.m. ET. Nominations can be submitted via JotForm. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Nominations Open for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
PAEMST is the highest honor bestowed to educators by the U.S. government, specifically for those teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to grades seven through 12. PAEMST was established by Congress in 1983 and the president may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year. More information about the process can be found here. Nominations must be submitted by January 8, 2024. Contact Anne Marie Milligan with any questions.
REMINDER: Additional Opportunities to Recognize Indiana Educators
Throughout the year, numerous opportunities arise nationwide to acknowledge the incredible work of Indiana educators. IDOE’s Office of Educator Talent has developed this document which will be updated periodically with external opportunities to recognize educators. To submit an educator recognition opportunity not listed, contact Anne Marie Milligan.
REMINDER: Register to Attend Be A Teacher Day hosted by Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Join FCCLA on Friday, November 3, for an exciting event that focuses on the Education and Training pathway. This event allows students interested in a future in education or even early childhood education to connect with numerous college programs from around the state. Students spend the day learning about how to go to college, pay for college, and where they might want to attend. Click here to learn more and to register. Contact Alyson McIntyre-Reiger with any questions.
REMINDER: Application Center Reporting - Educator Evaluation Rating (ER) 2023
The ER 2023 data reporting guidance layout for educator staff employed in the 2022-2023 school year is posted to the Data Exchange Moodle Community under resources and in the Data Exchange Knowledge Hub at School Support Hub > Reporting Guides > Staff Employment > References > ER (Educator Rating) Data Layout 2023. ER data will be submitted via the STN Application Center. The Application Center reporting window is now open and will close Friday, October 27, at 4 p.m. ET. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Indiana STEM (I-STEM) Educator Expansion Program Registration Now Available
IDOE is partnering with Educational Service Centers (ESCs) of Indiana to launch the I-STEM partnership. I-STEM provides support for both currently licensed teachers in non-STEM areas and prospective teachers who are not licensed and hold a bachelor’s degree to become licensed to teach in a STEM content area. IDOE has identified eligible STEM content areas as life science, chemistry, earth/space science, physics, physical science, computer science, technology education, and mathematics. Click here for more information and registration. Contact IDOE's Office of Educator Talent with any questions.
REMINDER: Membership Count Status
Monday, October 2, marked the first official membership count of the 2023-2024 school year. School data personnel have been working to ensure quality and accuracy. IDOE will work with schools over the next week to respond to open tickets and move all schools to a timely sign-off. See the item below regarding the resolution of conflicts where two or more schools claim the same student. Complete documentation regarding all data collection and certification is available on the Knowledge Hub. Contact the IT helpdesk with any questions.
REMINDER: Resolution of Conflicts for Membership 2023
Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, IDOE will no longer be brokering the resolution of conflicts after the certification date. If, after the certification date, schools are unable to resolve an outstanding conflict, schools may petition the State Board of Education for an adjustment in their average daily membership (ADM) count by providing the Board with evidence supporting an adjustment in their membership claim. The process for petitioning the Board will be made available this fall and communicated in Dr. Jenner’s Weekly Update. IDOE wants to make sure each school receives full funding for the students they are serving and completes the Membership count within two to three weeks of the count date. This process will help achieve both of these goals. See this memo for a more complete explanation of this change. Contact the Data Exchange Team with any questions.
REMINDER: Resources for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
As you begin planning for your communication to stakeholders during Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, here are some great resources to keep training and knowledge up to date:
REMINDER: National Cybersecurity Review (NCSR) Now Open
A great way to assess the cybersecurity posture of your school/school corporation is to complete the free annual NCSR from MS-ISAC. As your team completes the survey, your information is secure and is only used to provide nationwide statistics and trending in aggregate. By completing the NCSR, you also have the option to review next steps at no cost during a meeting with a representative from MS-ISAC. You can also measure growth as you complete it each year. For a quick overview of the process, review this one-page overview.
REMINDER: Cybersecurity for Education Toolkit 2.0 Now Available
Developed by the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity (IECC), with support from IDOE, the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS), the updated Cybersecurity for Education Toolkit 2.0 is filled with a wide range of cybersecurity best practices, resources and tips for everyone in your K-12 school community. Visit Indiana’s Cybersecurity Hub webpage for additional resources for inside and outside of the classroom.
REMINDER: CISA Offers Free Cybersecurity Resources for K-12 Schools
As shared in early February, CISA released “Partnership to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats,” with an accompanying toolkit to provide schools with targeted resources to improve their cybersecurity posture. These resources call out very specific actions that schools can take to drastically reduce their cybersecurity risk. Schools are strongly encouraged to review and implement these recommendations as we begin the 2023-2024 school year. The Free Cybersecurity Services and Tools link below provides access to many great resources that will assist schools as they implement the recommended actions.
NEW: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Information and Resources
In advance of the total solar eclipse in spring 2024, IDOE is collaborating with state and national partners to support local schools as we work to ensure the safety of all students, while also maximizing this STEM learning opportunity. Schools across Indiana will experience the eclipse differently, depending on their geographic location, with portions of central and southern Indiana in the path of totality. See this memo for additional information.
NEW: Vision Screening Resources
Indiana Code (I.C. 20-34-3-12) requires public school corporations, including charter schools, to conduct a near and distant visual acuity screening for students in the required grade levels. In addition to the visual acuity screening conducted by the school corporation or charter school, a more extensive visual screening performed by a licensed eye professional using the Modified Clinical Technique (MCT) is required for students in kindergarten or first grade. Additional vision screening information and resources can be found here. Contact Jolene Bracale with any questions.
REMINDER: Curricular Material Cost Report
Please read this memo regarding the submission of the curricular material cost report, which closes Tuesday, October 31. The cost of providing curricular materials for the 2023-2024 school year must be reported through a JotForm. Contact doetextbooks@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: Membership and Enrollment
As the membership census date approaches on Monday, October 2, enrollment questions have increased. The memos can be found in Moodle Finance under Membership. Contact Cathy Danyluk with any questions.
NEW: 2023-2024 McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application – Round 2
The McKinney-Vento subgrant application will open on Monday, October 16, through Tuesday, October 31, to local education agencies (LEAs) that reported 1-49 homeless students for the 2022-2023 school year. Round 2 applicants may apply as individual or consortium applicants. Please contact McKinneyVentoPOC@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: 2023-2024 McKinney-Vento Office Hours
The McKinney-Vento office hours for the 2023-2024 school year will be open to anyone who has questions or concerns regarding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and how to best serve students. Office hours are on the first Thursday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. ET, and the third Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon, beginning Thursday, October 19. Please see the McKinney-Vento office hours schedule here. Contact McKinneyVentoPOC@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER: October Graduation Pathways Webinar
IDOE’s Student Pathways and Opportunities team will host the first 2023-2024 school year graduation pathways webinar on Thursday, October 19, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET via Microsoft Teams. Please use this link to join. Contact DOEGradpathways@doe.in.gov with any questions.
NEW: Migrant Education Status and Categorical Eligibility for Free Lunch
Migratory students identified through the Title I, Part C Migrant Education Program (MEP) are categorically eligible for free meals and textbooks. School food authorities (SFAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) should work directly with their Regional Migrant Education Program Coordinators to identify migrant children and to document their eligibility for free school meals. SFAs and LEAs must accept documentation indicating students’ migratory identification from the MEP coordinator in lieu of a free or reduced-price meal application. This should be requested prior to a qualifying household completing an application. More information and frequently asked questions can be found on IDOE’s MEP webpage. Contact IDOE’s Office of English Learning and Migrant Education with any questions.
REMINDER: Science of Reading Special Educator Training Series
IDOE is offering a three-part science of reading series designed for special education staff (e.g., special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, paraprofessionals) and features both virtual and in-person opportunities on word recognition, language comprehension, multi-tiered systems of support, and more! Find more information and registration for in-person sessions here; virtual sessions can be viewed live or on-demand in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Office of Special Education with any questions.
NEW: Partnering for Preschool Series Continues Tuesday, October 17
Join IDOE in the Indiana Learning Lab for Partnering for Preschool: Nurturing Success in Early Education, a targeted learning series to support success in preschool and early education. The series continues Tuesday, October 17, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET with a session on the pieces of a high-quality preschool program. Contact IDOE’s Office of Kindergarten Readiness with any questions.
NEW: October Professional Development (PD) with IDOE Continues Wednesday, October 18
October PD with IDOE continues Wednesday, October 18, at 4 p.m. ET with Preschool Special Education Data Collection: Practical Tools to Improve Data Reliability hosted by IDOE’s Early Childhood Education Specialist, Ashley Walke. View a full list of the October sessions here. To register for workshops, or view on-demand sessions, create a free Learning Lab account by visiting the LINK Portal or the Indiana Learning Lab directly and use your school email address to log in. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
NEW: Science of Reading Experts Explain Series Continues Thursday, October 19
Join IDOE and The Reading League Indiana from noon to 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 19, for It’s Not You, It’s Your System: Aligning a Multi-tiered System of Support for All Readers. The Science of Reading: Experts Explain series runs throughout the 2023-2024 school year and features nationally-renowned reading experts to support schools in shifting instruction toward evidence-based reading and writing instruction. Register for the sessions here, and view previous sessions on-demand in the Indiana Learning Lab. Contact IDOE’s Literacy Center with any questions.
REMINDER: Virtual Learning Courses Now Available in the Indiana Learning Lab
IDOE is excited to announce the release of two courses in the Indiana Learning Lab - Virtual Learning Design & Delivery: K-5 and Virtual Learning Design & Delivery: 6-12. These self-paced, introductory courses are ideal for educators who are new to virtual learning and want to learn the essential elements of designing and delivering virtual instruction. To learn more and enroll in the courses, view this resource. Contact IDOE’s Office of Digital Learning with any questions.
REMINDER: Coffee Chats
Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join the Title Grants and Support team for monthly Coffee Chats. Coffee Chats have moved to the last Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. ET. The link will always be the same. Join via Microsoft Teams here. October’s topic will cover family engagement. Contact TitleI@doe.in.gov with any questions or suggestions for topics.
REMINDER: ESSER II/GEER II Late Liquidation
The U.S. Department of Education released a FAQ document regarding the late liquidation extension request template for grantee use for the CRRSA/ESSER II Fund and the GEER II Fund. A flowchart of the submission process can be found at this link. Please view this process flowchart for information on how to apply for a late liquidation approval. Use this JotForm to submit the necessary information. Submissions are due no later than Friday, November 10. Contact esser@doe.in.gov or geersupport@doe.in.gov with any questions.
REMINDER FROM INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY: Registration for The Power of Reading and Power of Math Summit 2023 Now Open
Registration is now open for the annual Power of Reading Summit and Power of Math Summit from Indiana State University on Monday, November 20, and Tuesday, November 21. This free summit is geared toward K-3 educators, and virtual or in-person attendance is available. View the lineup of speakers here and register for these events here.
REMINDER FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: National STEM Challenge Submissions Due Sunday, November 12
Students in grades six through 12 are invited to craft a STEM project that tackles a real-world challenge chosen from one of the 2024 themes of the National STEM Challenge. The best project from Indiana will become a finalist with the opportunity to advance to the next level by submitting a video in the second round. Up to 200 National Champions will win a trip to the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C. in April 2024, to showcase their projects to some of our nation's most influential leaders. The National STEM Challenge is co-presented by the U.S. Department of Education and EXPLR. Contact support@nationalstemchallenge.com with any questions.
REMINDER FROM INDIANA ASSOCIATION FOR THE GIFTED (IAG): Annual Conference
IAG will host its annual conference Sunday, December 3, through Tuesday, December 5, at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. This is an opportunity for high ability educators from across the state to come together and learn about best practices and innovations in high ability education. Sessions are geared toward teachers, coordinators, counselors, administrators, and parents. Learn more and register here. Contact IAG with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: Proteus - National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP)
NFJP is funded through the U.S. Department of Labor and Proteus implements this program in Iowa, Indiana, and Nebraska. Funding provided through this program supports the response to chronic seasonal unemployment and underemployment experienced by agricultural workers by offering educational assistance, short-term certification programs, job training, and/or career placements. The program helps farmworkers cover costs related to career and training programs such as tuition, books, tools/equipment, or provides a stipend for class attendance. Learn more about the program at their website. Connect with your region’s liaison to learn how your students and community can benefit from this program by emailing info@proteusinc.net.
REMINDER FROM THE INDIANA STATE LITERACY ASSOCIATION (ISLA): Fall Literacy Conference
The Indiana State Literacy Association is excited to host educators for the Fall Literacy Conference in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 28. Keynote speaker and author John Schu will share his expertise in the morning with breakout sessions to follow for the afternoon. Come join the fun and walk away with literacy tips and strategies to grow your literacy community! Click here for additional details and registration. Contact Dr. Ryan Eckart with any questions.
REMINDER FROM THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHER INVESTMENT PROGRAM (AP-TIP): Join Cohort 12
AP-TIP at the University of Notre Dame is now accepting applications from schools to join Cohort 12. For information about how AP-TIP supports professional development and stronger outcomes for students in AP math, science, and English courses across Indiana, visit the AP-TIP website. AP-TIP will begin reviewing applications on Friday, November 3. Contact AP-TIP with any questions.
REMINDER FROM AP-TIP: Fall Conference
In light of College Board’s recent changes to the AP Computer Science Principles exam, the AP-TIP Fall Conference for both CSP and CSA has been rescheduled to Wednesday, November 8. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, November 1. If teachers have already registered, they do not need to do so again. Please direct any questions about this change to Math Content Director, Greg Macklem.
REMINDER FROM THE CENTRAL INDIANA CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP (CICP): See Yourself In Summit
Join CICP and its five talent and industry sector initiatives for the See Yourself In Summit on Thursday, November 16, or Friday, November 17. Attendees will hear about Indiana’s industries of the future and learn from innovative teachers about how they are preparing students through unique programs and projects. Click here to register. Questions may be directed to Raquel Bahamonde.
|
