Trine faculty part of Transition to Teaching bill signing

Two faculty members from Trine University’s Franks School of Education were recently part of a signing ceremony for Indiana House Bill 1528, which provides additional scholarship support for state residents in Transition to Teaching programs.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law on May 22.

Amy Heavin, Ph.D., director of Transition to Teaching at Trine, and Phil Downs, Ph.D., director of education graduate programs, joined Holcomb, Rep. Dave Heine and educators from across the state for the ceremony.

“I was honored and humbled to be a part of that process. It truly was a highlight in my career!” said Heavin.

Heavin and Downs were invited to the signing after Heavin testified on behalf of the bill before the House Education Committee in February.

Heavin said Marilyn Hissong, superintendent of East Allen County Schools (EACS), was a leader in the creation of the bill. Hissong worked with Trine throughout the development of its Transition to Teaching (T2T) program, and her district is one of those partnership with the university for the program.

Hissong also was present at the signing ceremony.

HB 1528 provides more eligibility to the Hoosier Educators Scholarship program, allowing students in Transition to Teaching programs to access up to $10,000 toward their tuition.

“We truly hope this scholarship continues to grow and expand so that more people may join the teaching profession,” Heavin said.

Students must already have a baccalaureate degree to be eligible for the scholarship. They also must agree to teach at a public school or eligible school for five years after completing the transition to teaching program.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/r4m8x2ay or email NextTeacher@che.in.gov.