Truth Summary
An Indiana lawmaker is proposing to drive more educators into Hoosier classrooms by allowing them to negotiate their own contract with schools rather than be subject to the collective bargaining contract negotiated by teacher unions.
State Sen. Pete Miller, an Avon Republican, said his proposed legislation aims to address concerns that the state is facing a shortage of licensed educators opting to work in the field.
The proposal would allow schools to hire high-demand teachers in science, math and special education through individual contracts and at a higher pay rate, Miller said. But the state’s largest teachers union quickly denounced Miller’s proposal Tuesday, saying it would weaken collective bargaining instead of addressing the shortage.
Miller argued he’s acting in the best interest of teachers.
