Teach Indy Seeks to Bolster Teacher Pipeline

INDIANAPOLIS –

The director of talent strategy for Indianapolis-based The Mind Trust says a new initiative launched in collaboration with Indianapolis Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation will address teacher shortages in one of the hardest-hit areas of the city. Jackie Gantzer says Teach Indy will strengthen the pipeline of teacher talent by recruiting educators from throughout the state and country to teach in public schools within the city’s urban core.

Gantzer says The Mind Trust is investing up to $200,000 in the first year of the collaboration, which is centered around the theme “This is Why You Teach.” In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, she said the campaign showcases the city’s assets both in schools and the community as a whole.

“We have such a wide array of school models and communities in Indianapolis that no matter what it is you’re passionate about as a teacher, you can find a school and you can find a neighborhood where you can ignite that passion and you can develop it and you can really thrive in a community that continually inspires you,” said Gantzer. “So I think, from an education perspective, it’s that diversity of school type, diversity of school leadership and diversity of local community, but we all know Indianapolis is also a great place to live and is one of the most affordable big cities in the country. So there’s also a lot of benefits just to living in Indianapolis as well…”