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Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship

I think the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any
other single profession. - John Wooden

Professional educators are one of our state's most critical resources. They shape our
childrens lives and inspire them to push their personal boundaries. Yet for a variety of
reasons, fewer and fewer Hoosiers are choosing the teaching profession, as evidenced by
recent reductions in first year teacher licenses.

Indiana should take a nonpartisan, forward-looking approach to attracting our most
talented, high-achieving students to careers in the teaching profession. Teaching is one of
the most rewarding and fulfilling professions. Outstanding teachers touch the lives of
thousands of students and have a profound effect on our state and its future generations.

The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship Proposal (Four Years for Four Years):

Encourage Our Best Students to Pursue Careers in Teaching. Indiana will design and
support a narrowly tailored program to attract the best and brightest (top 20 percent in
high school with SAT scores above a certain threshold) to the teaching profession by
offering four-year college scholarships (free tuition) to attend accredited Indiana education
schools and subsequently become teachers for at least four years in any Indiana school. A
student that does not complete the eight-year program would be responsible for paying
back the amount of the scholarship commensurate with time spent in the classroom.

Post- Education School Obligation. The scholarship would be set up as to a loan
forgiveness program. The loan would cover the students full up-front tuition costs. After
graduation, each year the outstanding loan balance would be reduced proportionally for
each full year of teaching completed. The student would be required to pay back any
remaining loan balance due if s/he does not complete the program.

Additional Incentives. If a scholarship recipient chooses to teach in a D or F school, he or
she will be entitled to a one-time annual bonus payment from the State of $7,500.

Program Administration. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education would
administer the program.

Fiscal Impact. Tuition at Indiana University for 2015-2016 year for an undergraduate is
$9,086. If the program is capped at 500 students, the annual investment is approximately
$4.5 million. If a student desires to attend an Indiana private college or university, the
scholarship will be capped at the public university tuition rate.

Starting Date. The program would commence for the 2016-2017 school year.

8/03/2015
Gordon Hendry
Indiana State Board of Education