This section is strictly reserved for active, dues-paying members of the Association. Access is granted only to individuals who are registered on this site and verified by the ETA President. All content within this area is confidential and should not be shared outside the membership under any circumstances. Unauthorized access or distribution of this information is prohibited.
Just a heads up: July paychecks are issued on July 3 and July 24, so there is a three week gap between those paydays.
Week 34: April 27 - April 30
TOPIC 1: TAG
Q: Can we see how the TAG awards were distributed across the corporation? Specifically:
- The number of recipients at each school
- A breakdown by grade level (elementary, middle, high school)
- A breakdown by discipline taught (elementary, middle, high school)
- Any summary information that reflects overall distribution patterns across buildings or attendance districts
A: The EVSC shared that 430 teachers applied for the TAG award and 191 of those teachers received it, based on a 20% cap. Decisions were made using a comparative review process that focused on documented outcomes, attendance data, credentials, leadership, and priority school work.
EVSC is not providing detailed breakdowns by school, grade level, or discipline. However, they shared that they were pleased with the overall district-wide representation of recipients.
We were not surprised that EVSC did not share a detailed breakdown of TAG award distribution. By law, the TAG dollars and process is not bargainable, which limits ETA’s access to information and influence over the process.
This is important to understand. The TAG funding and its requirements came from the state level, not through local bargaining. EVSC is obligated to follow the laws governing the use of TAG funds.
What I, Lori Young, learned from this process:
- Keep your own data.
Do not assume information will be available later. If you apply again, track your own data, outcomes, and evidence now so you are prepared next year. - Place responsibility where it belongs.
This is not on the union. This is not on EVSC.
The responsibility sits with the legislation and those who supported it, including Bob Behning and members of the Indiana House who advanced the TAG revisions.
Once the bill moved forward, it was rolled into the state budget process. That limited opportunities for meaningful revision, and the Indiana Senate did not have the same ability to weigh in and shape the details.
Bottom Line:
Understand where decisions are made. Prepare accordingly. Keep your own records. And direct concerns to the level where change can actually happen.
TOPIC 2: CHOIR
Q: Are elementary and middle school choir programs being cut for the 2026-2027 school year?
A: No. This is a rumor. Choir will continue at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. There are no plans to eliminate these programs.
TOPIC 3: STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Q: Our AR shared what you, Lori Young, said about student behavior and that principals can suspend students without CAO approval. I have since heard that this may only be partially true and that kindergarten and first grade students cannot be suspended. What is true?
A: ETA has been in ongoing conversations with Dr. Darla Hoover about this topic. While no one wants to suspend a young child, there are situations where removal is necessary to maintain safety and order.
Bottom Line: Students can be suspended when removal is necessary. This was confirmed directly by Dr. Darla Hoover.
Q: Why did my administrator tell me they had to check with their CAO before suspending a student?
A: ETA cannot speak to why that decision was made. There may be many reasons why a principal may consult with their supervisor before imposing significant disciplinary measures on a student.
What we do know is this: if a principal determines a student should be suspended, they have the authority to do so. Principals do not need prior approval from their CAO to suspend a student.
Q: Does this apply to the littles? I’ve heard teachers and administrators say students in kindergarten, first, or second grade cannot be suspended.
A. Yes. This applies to all students. There is no rule or law that prevents suspension based on grade level.
Q: How does suspension apply to special education students?
A: All IEP procedures must be followed, as required by federal law, including documentation, supports, and any required manifestation determination.
At the same time, schools are responsible for maintaining a safe learning environment. Student behavior, including unsafe or disruptive actions, must still be addressed within those legal guidelines.
Week 33: April 20 - April 24
TOPIC 1: Now Listen!
We have 19 days of school remaining. Nineteen.
- Teach all 19 days. Plan for them. Be ready for them.
- Stay consistent. Students need structure now more than ever.
- Keep your cool. Even when they are testing every last nerve you have.
And hear this part clearly…
You are a good teacher.
Not because of a bonus. Not because of a label.
— Because you show up.
— Because you care.
— Because you keep going on the hard days.
— Because you build relationships, even when it is not easy.
— Because you make a difference, even when it is not recognized.
You are steady. You are committed. You are making an impact.
This is the stretch where things can either hold together… or fall apart.
Let’s hold it together.
Finish strong. Every day matters.
Week 32: April 13 - April 17
Q. Why weren’t all applicants updated? Why just the ones who got the money?
A. At this time, ETA does not know why EVSC chose to only notify recipients. That decision was made by EVSC, and we were not part of that communication process.
Q. Who was actually on the TAG selection team? Do we know which administrators were involved?
A. No, ETA does not know who served on the selection team. Sharing those names could put individuals in a difficult position, so that level of detail is not something that has been provided.
Q. Will people who receive the stipend this year be eligible again next year?
A. EVSC will make that decision. ETA will be asking to be included in those conversations so we can represent member concerns.
Q. Is there any way to appeal this decision? I’m honestly upset about how this turned out. This just isn’t right.
NOTE: ETA edited this question and removed language that identified other colleagues, school location, subject taught, AND could be considered hostile by some of our members.
A. ETA understands why this feels frustrating. ETA knew this process could be difficult for members not selected. Currently, there is no appeals process available.
Q. How were decisions even made? It feels like some people were picked over others without a clear reason.
A. That’s a question we’ve heard from multiple members. ETA was not part of the selection process, so we do not have insight into how individual decisions were made. We agree that clarity and transparency matter, and that is something we will continue to advocate for.
Q. Will there be clearer guidelines next time so people understand what they need to do to be selected?
A. That is something ETA will be pushing for. Members should have a clear understanding of expectations and criteria. We will ask to be part of those conversations to help ensure the process is more transparent moving forward.
NOTE FROM LORI: This Q & A will be updated as more questions come in. Please keep your words respectful.
Week 31: April 6 - April 10
Back next week
Week 30: March 30 - April 3
TOPIC 1: Early Enrollment: What Members Need to Know
Q. What is Early Enrollment?
A. Early Enrollment allows new educators to join ETA now and be covered through the rest of this school year, over the summer, and into next year.
There is no gap in protection.
Q. Why does this matter to me as a member?
A. Because our strength depends on us.
Every new member strengthens our voice, our influence, and our ability to support one another.
Q. Why are we doing this now?
A. Because timing matters.
Early Enrollment helps us build momentum now so we are stronger heading into next school year—not trying to catch up later.
Q. I’m not the building-level Association Rep (AR). What is my role in this?
A. This only works if we step up.
The most effective recruitment tool is you.
1.) Invite at least ONE colleague
2.) Share your experience
3.) Start a quick conversation
Q. Do I really make a difference?
A. ABSOLUTELY! More than anything else.
Most educators join because someone they trust asked them.
Q. What should I say?
A. Keep it simple:
“If you join now, you’re covered the rest of this year, over the summer, and into next year. There’s no gap where you’re unprotected.”
“It’s free! You get 17-months of union benefits for the price of 12 months.”
Q. Who should I talk to?
A. Start with 1–2 colleagues:
- New educators
- Educators who aren’t members
- Anyone who has asked questions before
Q. How does this help ETA overall?
A. Here are just a few reason . . .
- More members = stronger voice.
- More members = possible DUE freeze.
- More members = stronger advocacy
- More members = More influence with EVSC administrators
- More members = Better support for educators across buildings
Q. How can they join?
A. Make it easy:
“I can send you the link, so you can get it done.”
TOPIC 2: WHAT ETA IS HEARING AND WHAT WE ARE DOING ABOUT IT
Q. What topics have been brought to ETA’s attention in March 2026.
A. We’re hearing some consistent themes across buildings. None of this is new, but it is becoming more frequent:
- Increased frustration with inconsistent discipline responses
- Questions about why building administrators cannot discipline a student without CAO approval
- Concerns about write-ups happening without face-to-face meetings
- Questions on why it is taking months to get Domain 1, 2, and 3 scores from observations
Q. So, what are we doing about it?
A. Here at ETA HQ, we are not just listening—we are taking action.
- Identifying patterns across buildings to bring forward system-level concerns to Dr. Hoover.
- Raising these issues in ongoing discussions with EVSC administrators
- Clarifying expectations so members are not left guessing
- Supporting individual members who are navigating these situations in real time
Your building-level Association Rep (AR) can tell you more.
Week 29: March 16 - March 20 -- Q&A returns after Spring Break.
Week 28: March 9 - March 13
TOPIC 1: iOBSERVATION
Q. When are principals supposed to have evaluations completed this year?
A. Principals must have Domains 1, 2, and 3 scored for all teachers by Friday, March 20 by the end of the day. Domain 4 must be scored by Friday, April 17. They must have it submitted to HR by the close of business on Friday, May 22.
Q. What should I do if I haven’t been observed by Friday, March 20?
A. Email your ETA President at president@evansvilleta.org. She will contact HR after Spring Break.
TOPIC 2: RUMOR SQUASHING
Q. I heard that every building had to excess someone this year. Is that true?
A. This is a rumor. There were more excesses this year than in previous years but not all buildings had to excess teachers.
Q. Lori, I’ve been hearing some chatter in the building that teachers might be RIF’d or pink slipped this year. Do you know if there’s any truth to that?
A. This is another rumor. The corporation is NOT implementing a Reduction in Force (RIF) this year. Teachers who have been excessed will be placed in another role in the current building or in a position at another EVSC building.
Q. So, no one is being fired?
A. No one is being fired due to excessing.
Week 27: March 2 - March 6
TOPIC 1: EXCESSING PART 2
Q. I was just excessed last year and am being excessed again. Can the EVSC do that?
A. Yes. The EVSC can excess the same teacher yearly. It does happen in the EVSC but it is rare.
Q. Does this mean I’m going to be fired because I’ve been excessed two years in a row? #TotallyStressed
A. No. You are not being fired. You are being excessed again, which means you still have a teaching position in the EVSC. It just probably isn’t in the same building or on your current team.
Q. If I find out I’m being excessed but could retire, do you think Dr. Hoover would waive the March 1 retirement letter deadline? I cannot retire if I get penalized for missing the deadline. I could end up losing $45,000.
A. While there is a new superintendent, it would be unlikely that the March 1 retirement deadline would be waived.
This school year has followed the same general timeline as previous years with regard to excessing. Teachers were notified about excessing about one week later than in past years, which was necessary because the retirement notification deadline moved from February 1 to March 1.
From the corporation’s perspective, the retirement notification deadline helps reduce disruption during the excessing process because Human Resources needs to know who plans to retire and which positions will become available. That information helps determine where openings will exist for the following school year.
That said, ETA will contact Dr. Hoover and HR Director Michelle Williams to ask whether the EVSC would consider allowing an exception in situations like this. It may take up to a week for the EVSC to respond. ETA will keep you posted as soon as we hear back.
Q. If my name is on the excess list, is there any benefit to volunteering for excess instead of waiting to be told?
A. Yes/No. If you volunteer early, are properly licensed for available openings, and have more EVSC seniority than other excessed teachers who are qualified for those positions, you could have the first opportunity to select from the available openings. Ultimately, placement is determined by license area, available positions, and EVSC teaching seniority.
Q. If I volunteer for excess, do I get the first opportunity for openings over teachers who were told they are being excessed?
A. No. Whether you volunteer or are notified that you are being excessed, all affected teachers are placed into the same pool. Human Resources reviews the license areas of all excessed teachers and identifies current openings across the corporation. Teachers are then grouped by the positions they are licensed and qualified to teach. Within each group, teachers are placed on a seniority list based on their years of teaching experience in the EVSC. Positions are offered to the most senior qualified teacher first.
Q. What does this process look like in practice?
A. The following is just a simplified example to help illustrate how the process might work. Actual situations will vary depending on licenses, available openings, and the number of teachers on the excess list.
* An excessed teacher is licensed in grades 5 to 12 Chemistry, Biology, and Physical Science and has 33 years of teaching experience with 20 years of EVSC teaching experience.
* HR reviews the licenses of all excessed teachers, their EVSC teaching seniority, and the available openings for the following school year. Suppose there are three science openings: biology at Riverview High School, grade 5 science at Maple Grove Elementary School with departmentalized science, and grade 8 science at Oak Valley Middle School.
* If that teacher has the most EVSC experience among the excessed teachers qualified for those positions, HR would contact that teacher first and present the available openings.
* The teacher would then choose one of the available positions.
* Once the teacher accepts a position, that placement is finalized and the remaining openings are offered to the next most senior qualified teacher.
Week 26: February 23 - February 27
TOPIC 1: UNDERSTANDING EXCESSING
Q. What is excessing?
A. Occasionally, the EVSC needs to reassign a teacher to a different grade level or a different school. This usually occurs when the number of students at a school falls short of initial projections.
Q. When does excessing occur?
A. Excessing can happen at different times during the school year, but in the EVSC, it usually happens in August when the new school year begins or in February or March for the next school year.
Q. Isn’t this early for excessing to take place?
A. No. This is the time staff are made aware of excessing.
Q. I heard someone say the principal may need to “shift a person.” What does “shifting a teacher” mean?
A. Typically, shifting means that a teacher will be moved to a different grade level or subject area in elementary and middle schools. In high school, it generally means a teacher will be moved to a different curricular area based on their teaching license.
Q. I’m a veteran teacher and really like the grade level I’m teaching. I don’t want to move. Do I have any say if I’m shifted to another grade level?
A. ETA would hope that administrators first ask for volunteers when shifts are necessary. However, we know that not all administrators seek volunteers before making grade level or curricular changes. Regardless of how long you have taught that grade level, how exceptional your student test scores are, how many grants you have secured for the building, how much you volunteer in your school community, or how many athletic teams you coach or clubs you sponsor, principals do have the authority to shift teachers within their building without teacher approval.
Q. But I have the most seniority in the school. How can they move me?
A. The EVSC has not had teacher seniority since 2011. In 2011, our Indiana state legislators stripped away full bargaining rights, which included seniority and tenure. Being the most veteran teacher in the building does not necessarily keep you out of the excessing pool.
TOPIC 2: INTERNAL HIRING PROCESS AFTER EXCESSING
Q. How does excessing work once positions are posted?
A. In years past, excessing worked like this:
- Posting for vacancies will begin during the beginning of March. It is ETA’s understanding that the first round of postings is tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.
- All postings will remain open for a minimum of five consecutive weekdays, excluding spring break, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
- When a posting closes, HR will provide the administrator with a list of qualified internal candidates.
- After the list of qualified internal candidates is received, an administrator has seven weekdays, excluding spring break, Memorial Day and Independence Day, to submit a recommendation to Human Resources.
- Building administrators will select and contact candidates for interviews.
- It is recommended that an administrator interview at least three qualified internal candidates, if available.
- Administrators are not required to interview any internal applicants.
- Once a teacher accepts an internal position through this process, they may not return to their previously held position or apply for other internal positions until the next school year.
Q. How many days does the EVSC post jobs?
A. 5 calendar days not 5 business days.
Q. Are all EVSC openings posted first for internal candidates for five calendar days before moving to external candidates?
A. Only certain positions are posted for internal candidates prior to opening them for external candidates.
Q. When will I be able to apply for another teaching position in the EVSC?
A. It is ETA’s understanding that the first round of postings is tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 9.
Q. Am I guaranteed an interview for any internal opening?
A. No. You are not guaranteed an interview for any internal position regardless of your years of experience, student test scores, or other qualifications.
Q. What if I have a lot of experience and would be an asset to that building?
A. It is up to the building’s administrator to contact you for an interview. ETA has asked the EVSC to consider at least three internal hire candidates for any open positions. However, the decision to interview rests with the building administrator. Please remember that the EVSC has not had teacher seniority since 2011. In 2011, our Indiana state legislators stripped away full bargaining rights, which included seniority and tenure.
Q. I’m hearing teachers talk about a 10% rule. What is that?
A. If 10% of the total building faculty has accepted other district positions, remaining faculty must receive approval from the building administrator to be eligible for internal hire. If the building administrator is unable to respond prior to the closing of a job posting, the Chief Human Resources Officer will consider the internal hire request for approval.
Week 25: February 17 - February 20
TOPIC 1: WHO IS MY ASSOCIATION REP?
Q. Where do I find out who my Association Rep is?
A. Click on this link: https://evansvilleta.org/eta-leadership/.
Q. What if I do not see my building listed?
A. That means no one has stepped up to be your building-level Association Representative.
Q. What?
A. Email your ETA President at president@evansvilleta.org and she will let you know the AR responsibilities.
Week 24: February 9 - 13
TOPIC 1: TAG UPDATE
Q. I applied for the TAG grant and haven’t heard anything yet from EVSC. Some of my teacher friends in nearby districts already know whether they were selected or not. When will EVSC teachers find out about TAG?
A. EVSC has not released an official notification date. However, based on the current state funding timeline, ETA understands that teachers can expect notification mid-April. ETA will share any confirmed updates as soon as they are provided.
Q. Why is it later than some other districts?
A. The state is not scheduled to release TAG stipends to school corporations until April 15, assuming the timeline does not change. ETA understands that some districts may notify earlier, while others may wait to confirm receipt of state funds before sending official notification.
Q. So, once the EVSC receives the TAG money, how many days do they have to get it to TAG recipients?
A. According to the TAG timeline, EVSC must pay TAG stipends to teachers within 60 business days. See Q & A — Week 21 for the TAG timeline.
Week 23: February 2 - February 6
TOPIC 1: TAXES
Q. I am working on my tax returns. Can I deduct my union dues on my 2025 federal taxes?
A. No. Union dues are NOT tax deductible for ETA members. Because we are W-2 employees, federal law does not allow union dues or other unreimbursed employee expenses to be claimed as itemized deductions unless you receive a 1099 form from ETA. This deduction was eliminated in 2018 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ISTA provides dues letters for record keeping only, not for tax deduction purposes.
Q. How much did I pay in dues for 2025?
A. $880.64 for most members. If you joined late, left early, or were on a partial leave, your total may be different. This amount reflects ISTA dues paid in calendar year 2025 and does not include PAC contributions.
Q. Who can I contact if I need more information?
A. If you have any questions about this letter, you may contact the Member Resource Center at 1-844-ASK-ISTA.
IMPORTANT: ETA is not a tax preparation service and cannot provide tax advice. Members should consult a qualified tax professional for guidance related to their individual tax situation.
Week 22: January 26 - January 30 - Be back next week.
Week 21: January 19 - January 23
TOPIC 1: TAG UPDATE
Q. How many teachers completed the TAG application by the deadline?
A. Approximately 450 teachers submitted a TAG application by the deadline.
Q. Does ETA know who is serving as EVSC TAG evaluators?
A. No. ETA does not know which EVSC administrators are serving on the TAG evaluation committee.
Q. When does EVSC report the names of grant recipients to the state?
A. The EVSC must report the names of selected grant recipients to the Indiana Department of Education by Friday, January 30, 2026.
Q. Do you know when the EVSC will share with teachers if they are receiving the TAG money?
A. ETA has not been made aware of when the EVSC will contact TAG recipients.
Q. Do you have a timeline of when money will be distributed?
A. Here is the TAG timeline:
• October 3, 2025: Deadline for schools to notify IDOE of participation or opt-out
• October 31, 2025: IDOE shares district TAG allocations
• January 30, 2026: Districts submit selected teacher names and evidence
• April 15, 2026: IDOE distributes TAG funds to districts
• Within 60 business days after April 15, 2026: Districts must pay stipends to teachers
Q. Is it true that even after EVSC submits the names of TAG recipients, the state could still decide not to award the grant to some of the selected teachers?
A. ETA has not heard this from any of our sources. At this time, we have seen no indication from IDOE that it plans to overrule district-submitted recipients.
TOPIC 2: BEHAVIOR
Q. Has ETA met with Dr. Hoover to discuss concerns about student behavior?
A. Yes. Your ETA president met with Dr. Hoover on Tuesday, January 20, in the afternoon to discuss serious student behavior and staff safety.
Q. Are changes coming in how building-level administrators will respond to serious student behavior?
A. Yes. Dr. Hoover shared that changes in how building-level administrators respond to certain serious and disruptive behaviors are forthcoming. Your ETA president is encouraged by what was shared. ETA understands that CAOs are aware of the changes and that building-level administrators have begun receiving this information. ETA anticipates that educators will receive further communication soon.
Q. What is ETA’s position on student and staff safety?
A. As ETA has consistently shared, no teacher or student should ever expect to be hit, punched, kicked, strangled, or physically harmed by another student. This type of behavior is unacceptable. Ensuring safe learning and working environments for all students and staff remains a shared priority.
TOPIC 3: ETA PRESIDENT VISITS
Q. Overall, how are the ETA president’s school visits going?
A. The visits are going extremely well. Your ETA president has been able to listen to educators, see building-level concerns firsthand, and strengthen communication between ETA and members. These conversations are helping ETA better understand what educators are experiencing in their schools and how to advocate more effectively.
Q. Why hasn’t the ETA president done school visits like this before?
A. Your ETA president has long sought opportunities to visit schools in meaningful ways. Since beginning the role during the 2021–2022 school year, your ETA president has consistently advocated for the ability to be present in buildings to listen to educators and better understand building-level concerns. However, in previous years, access to schools was often denied or restricted in ways that limited the purpose and impact of visits. In some cases, visits were confined to narrow timeframes and locations that did not allow for authentic conversations with educators.
As conditions have changed, ETA has been able to begin more purposeful school visits. These visits reflect ETA’s continued advocacy for educator voice and ETA’s commitment to strengthening communication and support across EVSC.
Q. What happens during a school visit?
A. In PK–5/6 settings, your ETA president supports educators in a variety of ways, including working with small groups, assisting with instructional tasks, organizing materials for upcoming units, and helping with breakfast, lunch, and recess supervision.
At the middle school level, she has supported small-group instruction, supervised lunch periods, assisted with hallway duty, occasionally supported recess supervision, and served as a substitute so teachers, both members and nonmembers, can keep their planning time.
At the high school level, she has served as a substitute, supervised lunch periods, and assisted with hallway duty.
Q. What does ETA do with the information shared during school visits?
A. Themes and concerns shared during visits help guide ETA’s conversations with EVSC and inform future advocacy, communication, and support for educators. Individual concerns are handled thoughtfully and professionally, with the goal of improving conditions across schools.
Q. What is your schedule next week?
A. Monday, January 26: Evans – 7:35 – 3:35
Tuesday, January 27: North Junior – 7:15 – 3:15
Wednesday, January 28: Thompkins – 7:15 – 3:15.
Thursday, January 29: ETA Office – 7:35 – 4:35
Friday, January 30: Washington – 7:15 – 9:45 and 11:45 – 3:15. Lori has a meeting downtown from 10:00 – 11:30.
Week 20: January 12 - January 16
Q. Where can I find last year’s data to upload?
A. We know many of you are frustrated because you cannot access last year’s data that clearly demonstrates academic growth. ETA has communicated this concern directly to EVSC.
1️⃣ Here is where you might be able to find last year’s data:
- Check with your building principal
- Ask your PLC team if anyone saved or printed copies of the needed scores
- Reach out to your school counselor, who may also have access to this information
2️⃣ Use Available State Data
- If you have not already done so, review the Indiana DOE Data Center: https://www.in.gov/doe/it/data-center-and-reports/. While this site does not provide individual student data, it does include school-level data that may help support your application.
Q. Why can only 20 percent of educators receive the TAG grant?
A. The 20 percent participation cap was established by Indiana legislators and is written directly into state law by the Indiana General Assembly. This cap was not set by ETA, EVSC, or local administrators; it was set by our state legislators who voted for the cap.
Q. Didn’t ETA have a say in how TAG money is distributed or who qualifies?
A. No. Indiana legislators explicitly stated that local associations, including ETA, are not permitted to bargain how TAG funds are used within a district. As a result, ETA had no authority to negotiate eligibility criteria, application requirements, scoring systems, or distribution methods related to the TAG grant.
Q. Does ETA agree with how the TAG grant is structured?
A. No. ETA has concerns about the TAG grant as it is currently written. A capped grant system has the potential to create animosity between colleagues, particularly when educators are placed in competition for a limited number of awards. ETA has consistently raised concerns about how this structure impacts morale and school communities.
Q. Why aren’t school counselors eligible for the TAG grant? Does ETA agree with that?
A. Under current state law, school counselors are excluded from eligibility for the Teacher Appreciation Grant. This exclusion was determined by the Indiana General Assembly, not by ETA, EVSC, or local administrators. ETA does not agree with this exclusion. School counselors play a critical role in student success, well-being, and school climate. ETA believes their work deserves recognition and respect alongside other educators and continues advocating for policies that value all education professionals.
Q. Why did EVSC wait to share the TAG application process when surrounding districts released theirs before winter break?
A. While some surrounding school corporations shared their TAG application processes earlier, EVSC was working within evolving guidance and requirements tied to state legislation. The Teacher Appreciation Grant is a new program, and clarification from the state continued to develop over time.
Q. I’ve heard there isn’t enough money for 20 percent of EVSC teachers to receive TAG. Is that true?
A. Yes, this is true. While state law allows up to 20 percent of eligible educators to receive a TAG stipend, the funding allocated to EVSC and surrounding school districts does not fully support awards for 20 percent of teachers at the $3,500 level.
For EVSC, the state provided a set dollar amount for TAG awards. When that amount is divided into $3,500 stipends, it only covers about 223 educators, which is less than 20 percent of EVSC’s teaching staff. This means that even if more than 20 percent of teachers qualify, there is not enough funding to pay 20 percent at the full stipend amount.
Q. Can you share any numbers on how the TAG amounts were calculated?
A. Yes. The chart posted here shows how the state calculated TAG funding for each school corporation.
State TAG Funding Chart
Indiana law allows up to 20 percent of teachers to receive the Teacher Appreciation Grant, but the state does not provide enough funding to reach that level in any school corporation. Across districts, state funding only supports about 10–18 percent of eligible teachers, meaning many qualified educators are excluded even when schools follow the rules exactly.
Formulas and Explanations
Total State TAG Dollars Provided = $37.50 x ADM. This amount is set by the state funding formula, not by school corporations, school boards, or local teacher associations.
Teachers the State Funding Can Pay = Final Allocation ÷ $3,500. Used the lowest grant amount to give out more money to teachers.
Actual Grants Possible: The calculated number is rounded DOWN to the nearest whole number, since grants cannot be divided among partial teachers.
Total Teachers in Bargaining Unit: The total number of teachers covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Percentage of Teachers the Funding Reaches = (Actual Grants Possible ÷ Total Eligible Teachers) × 100. This shows the share of eligible teachers the state funding can actually support.
Week 19: January 5 - January 9
Next week.
Week 18: December 15 - December 19
We'll start this again in January.
Week 17: December 8 - December 12
TOPIC 1: TEACHER ACCUSED OF CHILD ABUSE - PROTECTING YOURSELF
Q: Are accusations of child abuse against Indiana educators increasing?
A: Yes. Unfortunately, reports involving educators are on the rise statewide. Because all allegations are serious and can affect your reputation, it is essential to take proactive steps to limit risk.
Q: If I am accused of child abuse, what should I do first?
A: Contact your UniServ Director Mark Lichtenberg immediately to request legal assistance. His phone number is (800) 382-4037 Ext. 3766. As an ISTA member, you have access to legal support and representation.
Q. What if I contact the ETA President instead of the UniServ Director?
A. Lori will immediately contact Mark Lichtenberg since this is the procedure she is to follow.
Q: Should I answer questions or give statements if approached by DCS, law enforcement, or a prosecutor?
A: No. You have the right to legal representation. Do not give statements or interviews until you have spoken with your UniServ Director. If asked to answer questions, simply state that you must have a representative present before participating. This may feel intimidating or even scary in the moment, but asserting your right to representation is essential to protecting yourself and your career.
Q: What practical steps can educators take to reduce risk?
A: The following practices help safeguard you professionally:
✔ Keep your classroom supervised at all times – EVSC Board Policy 3213, First Sentence
Because unattended students are unsupervised students, and incidents can occur or be alleged when adults are not present to observe or intervene.
✔ Avoid transporting students in your personal vehicle – EVSC Board Policy 3213, G
Because this removes visibility and accountability, exposes you to personal liability, and may violate district policy or insurance coverage
✔ Avoid sending students on any personal errand – EVSC Board Policy 3213, C
Because this removes supervision, which could place the student at potential risk and could be interpreted as a misuse of authority.
✔ Avoid being alone with a student – EVSC Board Policy 3213, D – “give the appearance of impropriety”
Because being one-on-one increases vulnerability to misinterpretation and false accusations without a witness.
✔ Avoid meeting with students behind closed doors – EVSC Board Policy 3213, D -“give the appearance of impropriety”
Because transparency protects both students and educators. An open door or visible space reduces risk and builds trust.
✔ Avoid emailing, texting, or calling students outside of contract hours or without a clear academic purpose – EVSC Policy 3213, D – “give the appearance of impropriety”
Because after-hours communication can blur boundaries, be misinterpreted by students or families, and expose you to accusations of inappropriate contact. If you maintain office hours, communicate them and stick to them so interactions stay professional and documented.
✔ Teach and reinforce classroom rules, especially those involving safety – EVSC Board Policy 3210, C and Policy 3213, First Sentence
Because when expectations are clear and taught, there are fewer opportunities for misunderstandings, unsafe behavior, or discipline concerns.
✔ Prevent students from putting themselves in unsafe situations – EVSC Board Policy 3210, C and Policy 3213, First Sentence
Because courts often evaluate what a “reasonable educator” would do to protect a child; failing to intervene can be seen as negligence.
✔ Maintain calm when disciplining and follow board policy – EVSC Board Policy 3210, C
Because emotional responses escalate risk. Consistency with district policy provides legal protection and documentation.
✔ Never curse or use profanity toward a child – EVSC Board Policy 3210, A and C
Because language that demeans, humiliates, or escalates a situation can lead to misconduct allegations, loss of trust, and disciplinary consequences. Professional language protects students and safeguards you from behavior complaints.
✔ Never kick students or their desks or throw items at students – EVSC Board Policy 3210, A & C
Because physical aggression, even toward an object, can be interpreted as intimidation, retaliation, or physical harm.
Q: Why does this matter?
A: Your professional reputation is one of your most valuable career assets. Clear boundaries, documented support systems, and adherence to policy help protect both students and educators.
Week 16: December 1 - December 5
Lori could not post because she was waiting on data.
Week 15: November 17 - November 21
Only Topic: TAG (Teacher Appreciation Grant)
Q. On which December paycheck will I receive my TAG payment from last school year?
A. There will not be a TAG payment issued in December. ETA shared last year that the previous TAG program, which many teachers informally referred to as the “holiday bonus,” is no longer in place.
During the last legislative session, the General Assembly passed a bill that eliminated the old TAG program. That program had allowed roughly 90 percent of EVSC teachers to receive 400 to 600 dollars each December. The new TAG program, created through that same legislation, has different rules and requirements, so districts across Indiana cannot issue payments in the same manner as before.
Q. Do you know where EVSC is on the new TAG application process?
A. Dr. Hoover asked ETA President Lori Young to gather preliminary input on possible components of the new TAG application. Lori collected feedback from the ETA Board and Association Representatives on several structural questions, including:
- Whether the 20 percent recognition funds should be distributed by school or across the entire district.
- Whether EVSC should use one application for all teachers or separate applications for different grade levels.
This information will be shared with Dr. Hoover at their next monthly meeting.
Q. How much money will the EVSC receive for the new Teacher Appreciation Grants?
A. According to the latest IDOE figures, the EVSC is projected to receive enough funding to award approximately 189 to 223 teachers the 3,500-dollar recognition stipend.
- 189 teachers represent about 13 percent of EVSC’s teaching staff.
- 223 teachers represent about 15 percent of EVSC’s teaching staff.
The exact number depends on whether the allocation is inclusive or exclusive of FICA and TRF, which the IDOE has not yet clarified.
Q. Why were these numbers listed as a range?
A. The IDOE has not yet indicated whether the state allocation includes or excludes FICA and TRF. Once that clarification is provided, the final number of stipends can be determined.
Q. I’ve heard some school corporations have already shared their TAG applications and are including a teacher attendance requirement from the 2024–2025 school year. Is that true?
A. Yes. Some Indiana school corporations that have released draft applications are including an attendance component based on teacher attendance from the 2024–2025 school year. Each district is designing the local portion of the application according to the requirements established by state law.
Week 14: November 10 - November 14
TOPIC 1: CLASSROOM COVERAGE UPDATE
ETA has submitted several follow-up questions to EVSC about how classroom coverage is being defined and compensated. These include:
- How is coverage handled when a teacher steps in during a co-teaching period because their co-teacher was reassigned to another class?
- If a teacher has a scheduled duty period on the master schedule but is pulled from that duty to cover a class without a sub, does this count as class coverage?
- A building secretary shared that coverage stipends are only provided when teachers cover during PLC or plan time. Is that accurate?
At the time of this publication(11/13/25 @ 4:45 pm CT), ETA has not yet received a response. Once clarification is provided, we will update members immediately.
TOPIC 2: ETA PRESIDENT VISITS
Q. Why is the ETA President visiting so many buildings?
A. These visits allow ETA to support educators, listen to concerns, and better understand the day-to-day realities in each building. It is easy for leaders who are no longer in the classroom to lose sight of everything teachers do to make the student day a success. By being present in buildings, the ETA President stays grounded in members’ experiences and ensures ETA’s advocacy reflects what teachers are actually facing.
Q. Why hasn’t the ETA President done this level of building visitation before?
A. Building visits have been attempted over the past four years, but access was limited under previous administrative expectations. The former administration directed that visits occur only during lunch hours and that the ETA President remain in a designated location, typically the office area. With those restrictions now eased, the ETA President is able to spend meaningful time in classrooms and common areas, allowing for more authentic support and connection with educators.
Q. You’ve visited quite a few buildings now. What is your overall feeling? Any similarities or differences that stand out?A. Overall, there are more similarities than differences across buildings. Educators everywhere are working incredibly hard, juggling complex student needs, and doing everything possible to create positive learning environments. A consistent theme is that teachers want to feel supported, heard, and equipped to meet the challenges they face each day.
Each building also has its own personality, strengths, and areas where staff would like additional clarity or support. These visits are helping ETA identify common patterns as well as building-specific needs so advocacy can be both fair and responsive.
Week 13: November 3 - November 7
TOPIC 1: Teacher Safety Matters
Dear Members,
Every educator deserves to feel safe in their classroom. Recently, several members have shared concerns about safety incidents, response times, and follow-up communication after those incidents occur. Please know that ETA is actively gathering information, elevating member concerns, and requesting clarity and consistency from building and district leadership.
If you have experienced or witnessed a safety incident, PLEASE make sure you share it with your ADMINISTRATOR and building level Association Representative. If you wish, you may share it with me as well via the president’s email (Lori Young). Your voice helps me advocate more effectively. Together, we can make sure our schools remain safe environments where everyone can teach and learn with confidence.
In solidarity,
Lori
Week 12: October 27 - October 31
TOPIC 1: CLASSROOM COVERAGE
Q. Earlier this week, an email from Connect stated that teachers are now responsible for entering their coverage periods into Frontline. It also says that coverage must occur during a teacher’s plan or PLC time. Does that mean we only get credit during personal plan or PLC?
A. Please see the new EVSC Connect message because it has been updated. Here are the exact words from today’s (10/30) updated message: “We are pleased to announce updates to classroom coverage. Teachers may now be credited for half-period coverage, absorbing 10 or more students from another teacher’s class, or absorbing 2, 3, or 4 classes together. Half and full period coverage is still required to be during the teachers plan or PLC period, while absorbing >10 students or entire classrooms can be tracked for any period within the day.”
Q. What about getting credit for covering co-teaching periods when our co-teacher is pulled to cover a different class?
A.Good question. ETA is seeking clarification on whether teachers will receive credit for coverage during co-teaching. As soon as we receive an official response from EVSC, we will share that information with all members.
Q. I have a scheduled duty period and am sometimes pulled to cover classes without a sub. Will that be considered class coverage?
A. Great question. ETA is seeking clarification on whether teachers will receive credit for coverage during co-teaching. As soon as we receive an official response from EVSC, we will share that information with all members.
Q. I am a related arts teacher who covers multiple classes every period (except for my lunch) when we are short on substitutes. Do I have to enter this information after every period I cover?
A. Thank you for covering all of these students. Covering your own class while absorbing one, two, or three additional classes is incredible. At this time, yes, you need to enter your coverage for each period. You may wait until the end of the day if that is easier. ETA will ask the EVSC to consider adding an additional code for teachers in your situation. Until you hear otherwise from ETA or the EVSC, please continue entering the classroom coverage codes as directed by EVSC.
Q. Will we receive back credit for coverage we have already done since the start of the school year, or do we only enter coverage from this point forward?
A. The compensation for emergency classroom coverage has never been on a per period basis. Teachers are compensated “when a teacher accumulates a number of covered class periods equal to one (1) calendar workday minus lunch, prep/PLC, and any contracted time outside of the student attendance day.” The quoted language has remained the same since emergency classroom coverage has been in the collective bargaining agreement. Coverage that occurred prior to ratification during a teacher’s plan is still credited and any new coverage after ratification under the new terms of the agreement will be added to what has already been credited. Once the total periods covered equals a full day, compensation will be deposited into the teacher’s 403(b) account at the new $125 rate. If a teacher has not opened a 403(b) account, they will not be compensated.
Example: A teacher works in a school where 6 periods equals a full day. This teacher covered 2 class periods during their plan in September. Once this teacher covers 4 more class periods, including during PLC, personal plan time, or absorbing more than 10 additional students from another class, they will be compensated with a $125 deposit into their 403(b) account.
Q. Is it true that ETA bargained that teachers now have to enter their own classroom coverage?
A. The changes to emergency classroom coverage ETA and EVSC agreed upon in bargaining were:
- Compensation increased from $75 to $125 (certified substitute teacher rate).
- Coverage during any plan or PLC period counts as emergency classroom coverage. (Previously, PLC only counted if the teacher’s plan happened outside of the student day.)
- Partial periods covered count as partial emergency classroom coverage. (Previously, partial periods covered did not count.)
- Absorption of ten (10) or more students now counts as emergency classroom coverage. (Previously, there was no such coverage credit.)
- Teachers absorbing entire classes receive double credit for absorbing two (2) additional classes, triple credit for three (3) additional classes, and so on. (Previously, there was no such coverage credit.)
We are seeking clarification and modification of the procedure that was recently implemented by EVSC to administer these brand new provisions. We appreciate the feedback from members and are using that to advocate for changes to the procedure. For now, continue to record any coverage as directed by your administrator.
Q. What if I forgot to enter my coverage?
A. Since we’re not used to tracking this information ourselves and have always relied on our school administrative assistants, please email the secretary the following three pieces of information: the date of coverage, the classroom coverage code, and the period and teacher you covered.
TOPIC 2: TAG MONEY
Q. Do you have any updates on how the EVSC will award TAG money?
A. First, understand that the TAG stipend of around $500 that was commonplace the past several years will not occur this year because the state legislature removed that program from Indiana statute. In its place was a new TAG program, and your ETA President met with Dr. Hoover on Tuesday to discuss this topic. At this time, the teacher TAG application process is in its initial stages. That said, President Young is happy to share that the EVSC has asked ETA for input and plans to work with us in creating the teacher TAG application process.
TOPIC 3: BEHAVIOR
Q. The student behavior in my building is less than desirable. I feel that I’m receiving zero support from administrators. What should I do because “reteaching the group plan” simply is not enough?
A. ETA understands your frustration. The first step is to schedule a time to talk with your building administrator about what you’re experiencing. When you meet, come prepared with specific examples of behaviors you’re seeing and how they’re affecting instruction. ETA has found it helps to bring at least one or two possible solutions. Administrators tend to respond better when they see that teachers are not only identifying challenges but also thinking about ways to address them.
If you don’t feel comfortable meeting with the administrator on your own, reach out to your building-level Association Representative. Your Rep can help you set up the meeting and can attend it with you to help guide the conversation. Sometimes having that support present makes it easier to express your concerns and collaborate toward a plan that works for everyone.
Q. My building does not have a building-level Association Representative. What do I do if I want to do this?
A. Please contact Lori at president@evansvilleta.org. She can go with you to help guide the conversation.
Q. Is it true that building-level Association Reps are setting up monthly meetings to meet with administrators?
A. Yes. This has been an ETA ask of our Association Reps (AR’s) for roughly three years now.
Q. Who is my Association Rep?
TOPIC 4: TEACHERS AND AI EXPECTATIONS
Q. Will I be required to use AI next year once EVSC adopts an AI platform?
A. No. You will not be required to use AI next year. The ETA President confirmed this with Dr. Hoover during their meeting on October 28.
TOPIC 5: EVSC CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS VISITING BUILDINGS
Q. Why don’t administrators who work at central office visit school buildings to help?
A. Some central office administrators have been out in buildings this year, subbing in classrooms where teachers are participating in Science of Reading training for English Language Learners and other activities.
Q. Can ETA share the idea of having central office administrators spend more time in school buildings? It would be great if they could help in classrooms to help or even sub — not just be on their walking desks.
A. During the most recent EVSC/ETA meeting on Tuesday, October 28, your ETA President shared this idea with Dr. Hoover. While ETA recognizes that it may not be feasible for central office administrators to spend the same amount of time in buildings as the ETA President, the decision ultimately rests with Dr. Hoover and her administrative team.
TOPIC 6: AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
Q. I know that Teacher Appreciation Week happens the first week of May, but isn’t there another week when we celebrate education?
A. Absolutely and it’s fast approaching. American Education Week is celebrated each year the week before Thanksgiving. The Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) recently emailed us about this event and you can check out their guidelines for ideas and resources. ista-in.org+1
Week 11: Be back next week.
Week 10: October 8 -- Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement Q & A's.
If you’ve emailed, texted, or called ETA, please know we weren’t ignoring you. We were simply compiling all questions and verifying answers before sharing them with everyone. This approach ensures that all members get clear, consistent information rather than piecemeal responses.
UPDATE: As more questions come into ETA, we will update this Q & A. We will add the new questions in BLUE font so you will know which questions and answer are new.
Emergency Classroom Coverage
Q. I already had to cover another full class this school year. Will I be retroactively paid for that?
A. No. This new provision begins after the Agreement is ratified.
Q: All of our classes are about 50 minutes long except for one that’s only 25 minutes. Under the new CBA, if we have to cover that 25-minute class, how will it be counted?
A: Since this 25-minute class is part of the master schedule, and the assigned teacher is absent, any teacher who is directed to cover that time will receive class coverage. Because the intervention period is shorter, it will count as ½ class of coverage.
Extracurricular Activity (ECA) Stipend
Q. Did all ECA’s receive an increase?
A. Yes. All ECA positions received a 10% increase.
Q: I coach 5th/6th grade basketball. Will I be paid a stipend through either the Elementary Academy or the Middle School Academy?
A: Yes. At this time, that is the plan. Building administrators will have the discretion to provide stipends to teachers or lay coaches for basketball or other teams, based on the needs of their school.
Q. It was brought to my attention that a few extracurricular assignments may have been left off the ECA list. Was this a simple oversight, or are certain positions intentionally excluded? The ones that come to mind specifically are JV Volleyball, sixth-grade volleyball, and sixth-grade boys’ and girls’ basketball.
A. The ECA list on the ETA handout is the same as the list that was in the 2023-2025 contract with the exception of the changes related to “Academy” stipends at each level. The sports you mentioned will be paid out of the Academy stipend.
Parental Leave
Q. With the new parental leave, would we receive any days that we used this school year back for the birth of a child?
A. No. This new provision starts after the Agreement is ratified.
Q. Do parental leave days need to be used consecutively or can they be broken up?
A. Excellent question. ETA is following up with the EVSC on this question. We will share the answer as soon as we know.
Priority School’s Retention Stipend
Q. Since ETA cannot bargain the retention stipend, will the EVSC still provide teachers in priority schools supplemental pay?
A. If EVSC chooses to offer one, they will inform eligible teachers directly.
Q. When will the retention stipend be paid, and will it be issued as a lump sum?
A. ETA does not know if the EVSC will be giving retention stipends to priority schools.
Salary Schedule
A. The letters are only used for placement. They do not represent years of service or evaluation scores—they simply organize the chart. Everyone moves one step per year if eligible, but your starting point depends on salary placement. The letters are simply a way to organize the chart.
A. No. The letters are just for placement. They don’t represent years of service or evaluation scores—they’re simply an organizational tool for the chart.
Q. Where do I find my base salary for 2024-2025?
A. Go to RDS and look up your 2024–2025 base salary.
Q. I have a question about the Summary Schedule example. The rows are listed as letters of the alphabet. Does each row represent number of years of service? For example, is row A representing year 1 with EVSC?
A. No. The letters are just for placement. They don’t represent years of service or evaluation scores—they’re simply an organizational tool for the chart.
Q. Do you have a cheat sheet I can use to calculate my 2025-2026 Base Salary?
A. Yes. ETA has created 4 different cheat sheets. Please make sure you select the correct worksheet BEFORE using them.
You will NEED to know your base salary for the 2024-2025 school year or the amount you agreed to be paid by the EVSC if you are a new hire. NOTE: Your ETA President created these worksheets. She is providing you with a simple method to calculate your 2025-2026 salary and a more complex way to calculate your 2025-2026 salary. Either method you choose will get you the same salary. She recommends using the SIMPLE METHOD.
A. The former superintendent raised the top of the scale to attract more teachers, but no one ever actually reached $91,000.
Vesting Age
A. New Vesting Requirements:
- 401(a)/VEBA: 5 years of consecutive EVSC service
- Retiree Insurance: 55 years of age, 10 years of consecutive EVSC service, 17 years of Indiana service, notification by October 1/March 1
- Sick Leave Buyout: 55 years of age, 10 years of consecutive EVSC service, notification by October 1/March 1
WEEK 9: September 29 - October 3 - 2 topics
TOPIC 1: TAG money
Q. Did the EVSC apply for the TAG money?
A. Yes. It is our understanding that the EVSC did apply to receive TAG money.
Q. Since only 20% of us can now get this TAG money instead of the roughly 90% who are used to getting money, has the EVSC shared how teachers will get this money?
A. At this time, the EVSC has not shared the process it will use to distribute this money. That said, we have asked to be a part of this process.
Q. Wait, so I’m not guaranteed the $400 – $500 I normally get in December.
A. Correct. No teacher is guaranteed any TAG money this year. It does not matter how many times you have received TAG money in the past — whether you were rated Effective or Highly Effective — that no longer determines eligibility. The rules were changed by our state legislators, and past payouts are not a guarantee of future payouts. ETA shared these changes with members last spring and sent out a survey to hear your thoughts, which we will continue to use as we advocate for fairness and transparency in how this money is distributed.
Q. Where can I find the most updated TAG guidelines from IDOE?
A. Please click on this link to see the latest guidance.
TOPIC 2: Bargaining
Q: Did ETA make progress in bargaining this year?
A. Yes. ETA entered bargaining with a clear set of priorities shaped by member input. Some were accepted quickly, while others required discussion, compromise, and clarification. Through that process, we reached agreements on every priority we brought to the table.
Now it’s time for ETA members to review the tentative agreement and decide through the ratification process.
Q: Can you share the specific items we won?
A: Not yet. The details in the tentative agreement must remain in confidence until they are presented to all ETA members at our All Members Meetings. This ensures every member gets the same information at the same time.
Q: When will members learn the details?
A: All ETA members are invited to attend one of the upcoming meetings to hear a full explanation of the tentative agreement and to ask questions:
- Meeting 1: Oct. 6 | 4–5 PM | SicTc
- Meeting 2: Oct. 7 | 4:15–5:15 PM | ISTA Southwest Conference Room (705 John Street)
Q: Who can attend these meetings?
A: These meetings are for ETA members only. ETA Board members will be outside verifying membership at the door — please bring your school ID or another form of identification.
Q: What if my building’s AR cannot attend either date and I also cannot attend? How will I get the details?
A: If both you and your AR cannot attend, another ETA member from your building should make arrangements to be there. If no one from your building is able to attend, the ETA leadership team will make sure members have this information no later than Wednesday, October 8. Every member will have access to the same details before the ratification vote.
Q: What happens next?
A: Members will vote on whether to ratify the tentative agreement in their buildings on Oct. 20–22. Ballots will be counted on Oct. 23, and results will be announced in the Weekly Wrap-up on Oct. 24.
Week 8: September 22 - September 26
TOPIC 1: ISTA's President Jennifer Smith Margraf's Email from 9/24/25
Dear All ISTA Members,
We recognize the challenging and often contentious environment in which you are doing your important work. Educators today face not only the daily responsibilities of serving students but also the weight of increased public scrutiny and political polarization. ISTA is here to stand with you, defend your rights and provide support when you need it most.
ISTA firmly supports your right to free expression under the First Amendment. At the same time, as public employees, educators are often held to a different standard. Outside groups may try to exploit moments of political division in order to target educators and undermine confidence in our profession. We want you to be aware of these risks and equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect yourself.
To help, please review these key resources:
- First Amendment Protections for Educators – NEA has prepared a comprehensive explainer on how the First Amendment applies to educators, both inside and outside of school. Understanding your rights, and their limits, is essential.
- ISTA Social Media Guidance – In this moment, every post is vulnerable to misinterpretation, screenshots and rapid spread beyond its original context. Our guidance outlines safe ways to engage online, what to do if you are targeted and how to access ISTA support.
- NEA Guidance on Infiltrators – Groups such as Project Veritas and its successors have a long history of using deceptive tactics, including fake identities and hidden recordings, to entrap educators. Their heavily edited videos are designed to discredit educators and unions. NEA’s updated guidance provides practical precautions you can take to protect yourself at events and in everyday interactions.
We encourage you to review these resources and share them with colleagues. Remember, you are not alone. ISTA is committed to defending public education, supporting educators and ensuring safe and respectful environments for both staff and students.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to Indiana’s students. If you have concerns or believe you are being targeted, please reach out to your local president or ISTA UniServ Director for immediate support.
In solidarity,
Jennifer Smith-Margraf
President
Indiana State Teachers Association
TOPIC 2: Bargaining Update
Q. You’ve met now several times. What is taking so long?
A. Your ETA Bargaining Team has been hard at work, and we’ve made tremendous progress. We’ve already reached agreements on several important issues—from personal leave to ECA’s, and many items in between. Bargaining takes time because every detail matters, and we want to be sure that what’s agreed upon is clear, fair, and beneficial for all educators. We are now in the final stages of working through the remaining points. In other words, we are very close—almost ready to shake hands on a contract that reflects our guiding values: Fairness, Loyalty, Family, and Commitment.
Q. When is your next bargaining meeting?
A. Wednesday, October 1
TOPIC 3: ESSER MONIES
Q. What is ESSER Money?
A. ESSER stands for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. These were federal dollars provided to schools across the country during the pandemic to help address learning loss, support students, and stabilize staffing.
Q. How did the EVSC use ESSER Funds?
A. In EVSC, ESSER money has been used in a variety of ways, including:
- Paying retention stipends to teachers in priority schools
- Funding student programs aimed at academic recovery and enrichment
- Supporting staffing and instructional needs tied to pandemic recovery
Q.Why should I care about this?
A. Those funds have now run out. This means the district no longer has ESSER dollars to cover these types of expenses moving forward.
Q. OK. I’m at a priority school. Are you saying that I will not get my retention stipend?
A. The Association believes that to be the case because there are no remaining ESSER dollars. Following disagreement about whether the amounts of these stipends were bargainable, retention stipends were removed from the collective bargaining agreement in 2023. The EVSC continued to pay them as supplemental payments in 2023-24 and 2024-25. In theory, this could still happen this year and in future years, but our understanding based on conversations with EVSC administrators is that there are currently no funds available to support retention stipends.
Week 7: September 15 - September 19
Q: Can my school make me give a student medicine or provide hands-on care like first aid?
A: No. Indiana law clearly states that a school board may not require a teacher or other employee (unless they are a nurse or physician) to perform these services. (IC 34-30-14-1)
Q: I was asked to give students medication when the nurse is out of the building, but I don’t feel comfortable doing that. What law protects me?
A: IC 34-30-14-1 protects you. It prohibits schools from requiring teachers (or other staff who are not nurses/doctors) to administer medication or health care services. You cannot be disciplined for refusing.
Q: If a teacher does choose to administer medicine or health care services and a child is injured, can the teacher be held liable?
A: A teacher could only be liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct. If a parent’s written permission is on file and the teacher has proper training, they would not be liable for ordinary negligence.
Q: I’ve been asked to help a student with full toileting needs (from diapers to toilet training), and I don’t feel comfortable doing this. Am I protected by law?
A: Yes. Assisting a student with complete toileting care is considered a sanitary/therapeutic service requiring hands-on involvement. Under IC 34-30-14-1, you cannot be required to perform this type of care, and you cannot be disciplined for refusing. While some students do require toileting support, it is typically outlined in an IEP or 504 plan. Even then, the district — not the teacher — must ensure qualified staff are assigned to provide that support.
TOPIC 2: Bargaining Update
Q: When is the next bargaining meeting taking place?
A. Your ETA Bargaining Team and the EVSC Bargaining Team will meet on Wednesday, September 24. Please know that your ETA team is working diligently to negotiate a contract that reflects fairness, loyalty, family-friendly policies, and honors the commitment of our educators.
Week 6: September 8 - September 12
TOPIC 1: BARGAINING UPDATE
Q. How did bargaining go on Wednesday (9/10/25) evening?
A. Both ETA and EVSC have come prepared and ready to negotiate. Discussions have been professional and productive. Both sides recognize that bargaining is a process of give and take, and progress has been made.
Q: Has an agreement been reached?
A: Not yet. We are still in active negotiations. Nothing is final until both teams sign a tentative agreement and members have voted to ratify it.
Q. What are the topics being discussed?
A. Salaries for returning and new teachers, Literacy (Praxis 5205) Endorsement, Master’s equivalency for CTE teachers, Emergency classroom coverage, accumulated sick leave buyout, Paid Parental Leave, Personal Business Leave, ECA Schedule, and Insurance premiums.
Q. When is the next bargaining session?
A. The next scheduled bargaining session with the EVSC is on Monday, September 15 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
TOPIC 2: TEACHERS AND FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS
Q: Do teachers have the same First Amendment rights as everyone else?
A: Teachers have First Amendment rights, but because they are public employees, those rights are limited when they are acting in their professional role. EVSC Board policies clarify how those rights apply in instructional and non-instructional settings.
Q: Can teachers say whatever they want in the classroom?
A: No. Speech made as part of official duties (like teaching) is not fully protected. Teachers must follow curriculum and cannot use class time for personal political or religious views.
- EVSC School Board Policy 5240 – Controversial Issues: Teachers may use controversial topics only if tied to instructional goals and student maturity. Teachers may share personal opinions, but only if clearly identified as personal, and not for the purpose of persuasion.
- EVSC School Board Policy 5270 – Religion in the Curriculum: Religion can be studied in a neutral, educational way. Teachers must avoid using instruction to advance or inhibit religion.
Q: What about speech outside of the classroom?
A: Teachers retain free speech rights as citizens. But when the speech relates to the school corporation, it must be balanced against EVSC’s interests in maintaining order, discipline, and trust.
- EVSC School Board Policy 3310 – Freedom of Speech in Non-Instructional Settings: Teachers may speak on matters of public concern, but must:
- Clarify that views are personal, not official EVSC positions.
- Avoid defamatory, abusive, false, or disruptive statements.
- Not threaten co-workers, supervisors, or officials.
- Not disrupt harmony or interfere with discipline.
Q: How does this apply to social media?
A: Teachers’ First Amendment rights extend online, but posts can still be subject to discipline if they disrupt school operations or violate professional duties.
EVSC School Board Policy 7540.04 – Staff Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety:
- EVSC respects employees’ First Amendment rights, but does not allow “inflammatory comments” that compromise the corporation’s mission or cause substantial disruption.
- Teachers must post in ways consistent with professional responsibilities.
- Teachers may not disclose confidential student information.
Q: So, what’s the bottom line?
A. In the classroom (Policies 5240 & 5270): Follow curriculum, stay neutral on politics and religion, no indoctrination.
- Outside the classroom (Policy 3310): Free to speak as a citizen, but avoid disrupting school operations or relationships.
- On social media (Policy 7540.04): Free to post opinions, but not in ways that undermine EVSC’s mission, harm professional relationships, or reveal confidential student info.
Week 5: September 2 - September 5
TOPIC 1: BARGAINING UPDATE
Overview: On Wednesday evening, your ETA Bargaining Team sat down with EVSC to hear their counterproposal. They framed their approach around three “Guiding Principles”: Sustainability, Fairness, and Flexibility.
Here’s what they presented:
- Annual advancement for all teachers.
- Growth balanced against fiscal responsibility and “long-term sustainability.”
- Considerations tied to rising health insurance costs, SEA 1, and DLGF circuit breaker losses.
- A stated commitment to continue supporting students, families, and staff.
Your ETA Bargaining Team is carefully analyzing this counterproposal and remains focused on advocating for a fair contract that truly values educators. We are pleased that EVSC’s counterproposal addresses many of the issues raised in our proposal, and we look forward to reaching a fair settlement.
Q. What is SEA 1?
A. SEA 1 is the property tax relief bill (Senate Enrolled Act 1) passed by the legislature. It negatively impacts the property tax revenue received by school corporations, which affects how much flexibility EVSC has in its budget.
Q. How does SEA 1 affect schools like EVSC?
A. SEA 1 could cause districts to move additional money from the Education Fund (used for teacher pay and classroom costs) into the Operations Fund (used for transportation, buildings, and insurance) in order to offset the revenue shortfall. This reduces flexibility in how schools spend their dollars.
👉 For teachers, that means fewer dollars can stay directly in the classroom and in salaries.
Q. What exactly is the “circuit breaker”?
A. Indiana law limits how much property tax people can be charged, based on the type of property:
- 1% cap for a primary home
- 2% cap for rental homes, farms, and long-term care facilities
- 3% cap for businesses and everything else
If the tax bill is higher than these limits, the extra amount is “broken off”—like flipping a circuit breaker—and the taxpayer doesn’t have to pay it. That savings for the taxpayer means less money collected for schools and other local services.
Q. What are “DLGF circuit breaker losses”?
A. DLGF stands for the Department of Local Government Finance. It’s the state office that oversees local budgets and property taxes. “Circuit breaker losses” happen when schools and other local governments don’t get all the property tax money they expected because of state-mandated tax caps.
Q. Why would the EVSC and ETA need to be concerned with this circuit breaker?
A. When the EVSC counterproposal refers to “DLGF circuit breaker losses,” they’re talking about an impact on revenue driven by Indiana’s circuit breaker property tax caps—a mandatory limit on how much property tax homeowners and property owners can be required to pay, as set by state law and the Indiana Constitution.
Q. Why does this matter for EVSC and ETA?
A. If EVSC doesn’t receive the full amount of property tax money because of circuit breaker caps, the district has less revenue to work with. That impacts how much money is available for teacher pay, benefits, and student programs—so both EVSC and ETA have to factor this in during bargaining.
Q. How does this affect EVSC?
A. When those tax caps kick in, EVSC simply collects less money. The state doesn’t make up the difference. So, EVSC has to plan for those “circuit breaker losses” every year, and it directly affects how much money is available in their budget.
TOPIC 2: EDUCATORS' RIGHTS
Q. How do I remove a student from my classroom who is disrupting the learning of others?
A. Please click on the button labeled Educators’ Rights. This document was prepared by our ISTA Attorney Eric Hylton (pronounced Hilton).
Q. What pages should I focus on?
A. Section XVI on pages 83-89 of the new 2025-26 Educators’ Rights Under the Law AND review last week’s Q & A.
Week 4: August 25 - August 29
TOPIC 1: REMOVAL OF STUDENTS FROM CLASSROOM
A. Two laws give teachers the authority to remove a student from class:
- IC 20-33-8-9 provides that a teacher may take any action that is reasonably necessary to carry out or prevent interference with an educational function. Subject to the rules of the governing body, a teacher may remove a student for a period that does not exceed five (5) school days.
- Additionally, IC 20-33-8-25 provides that a teacher may remove a student for a period not to exceed five (5) class periods for middle, junior high, or high school students, or one (1) school day for elementary school students as disciplinary action that is necessary to ensure a safe, orderly, and effective educational environment. This statute does not require administrative approval. While the child is out of the classroom, the teacher must assign regular or additional school work for the student to complete in another school setting.
A. Yes. Under IC 20-33-8-8(b)(3), teachers have qualified immunity when discipline is reasonable and taken in good faith. This means you are legally protected if your actions are fair, appropriate, and DOCUMENTED.
Q. What should I do to protect myself?
- Always follow your school’s and EVSC’s discipline policies, which includes the Behavior Matrix schools received this year.
- Document any student behavior that goes beyond what’s typical in a classroom.
- Be clear in writing when you remove or suspend a student (note dates, times, behaviors, and actions taken).
- Provide work for the student to complete during removal.
- Use professional language when notifying administrators (cite IC 20-33-8-9 or IC 20-33-8-25 as appropriate)
Q. What’s the key takeaway for teachers?
- You can remove a student from class for up to 5 school days with administration approval (IC 20-33-8-9).
- You can suspend a student from class for shorter periods without administration approval (IC 20-33-8-25).
- The principal’s discretion determines what happens after removal, but students cannot legally be returned to you without a behavior plan meeting.
- Documentation is your best protection.
Q. Where can I find more information about laws that protect me?
A. ISTA posts Educators’ Rights Under the Law each year in mid to late August, and this year’s document has already been published. To make access easier for ETA members, we’ve added a button labeled Educators’ Rights near the top of the page, and we’ve also linked it for you here.
Q. What pages should I focus on?
A. Section XVI on pages 83-89 of the new Educators’ Rights 2025-2026 Guideline.
TOPIC 2: DOCUMENTATION
Q. What’s the best way to document something that happens in my classroom?
A. There isn’t just one right way. Documentation can be digital, paper-based, or even a quick note to yourself. The important part is that you record the details clearly and accurately so you have a record if you need it later.
Q. Our school already has a system for documenting behavior. Why would I bother filling out a paper form, too? Isn’t that a little much?
A. The school’s system is important, but sometimes you need your own copy. A paper/pencil form gives you quick access, keeps your notes in your hands, and ensures you have documentation even if the digital system doesn’t capture every detail. Plus, when you keep your own record, no one can change or re-label what you originally documented.
Q. Does ETA provide an example paper/pencil form?
A. Yes. You can access the form by clicking this link.
Q. Am I required to use this form as an ETA member?
A. No. How you document is entirely up to you. ETA is simply providing this form as a convenient option.
Week 3: August 18 - August 22
TOPIC 1: PERSONAL BUSINESS LEAVE
Q. Is it true that you have to submit a personal business leave form to your administrator one week in advance?
A. No.
Q. How many days in advance to I have to submit a personal business leave form to my administrator?
A. A minimum of 24-hours, but preferably 48-hours.
Q. Where can I find that language to show it to my administrator?
A. You can find this in our Collective Bargaining Agreement under Article IV, Section 1 on Personal Business Leave – Page 11.
Q. Where can I find a copy of our Collective Bargaining Agreement.
A. ETA has it posted for you. Here is the direct link to the entire document:
https://www.evansvilleta.org/uploads/2/2/9/8/22980160/2023-2025.pdf
A. Here is a snippet of the language.
Q. I’ve been told I have to write down exactly why I’m taking a personal business leave. Is that true?
A. This is not true. The only thing you must write down for the reason is “personal business.” See the example below.
Week 2: August 11 - August 15
TOPIC 1: TITLE 1 STIPENDS
Q. Have you heard anything about the Title 1 Stipends yet?
A. No. ETA has not heard anything about these stipends yet.
TOPIC 2: EXCESSING
Q. How does excessing work?
A. Occasionally, the EVSC needs to reassign a teacher to a different school. This usually occurs when the number of students at a school falls short of initial projections. Excessing happens when the EVSC needs to move a teacher to a different school, usually because student enrollment at a school is lower than expected.
While excessing can happen at different times of the year, in EVSC it most often occurs:
- August – at the start of the new school year
- February or March – for the following school year
For the most part, the excess process works like this . . .
1.) The building administrator informs all teachers in the affected grade level or license area. This usually happens during a grade-level or department meeting, but sometimes it does happen in a faculty meeting.
- The building administrator asks for volunteers.
- Any teacher with the required license may volunteer to be excessed.
- If more than one teacher volunteers, the administrator decides who will be excessed based on the needs of the building.
- If no one volunteers, the building administrator will select a person using the following:
- The teacher’s previous year’s evaluation score (if applicable)
- The teacher’s hire date
- The teacher’s birth date – not birth year – but month and day
2.) Once the excess person is identified, HR steps in and contacts the teacher being excessed and assigns that teacher to the first available position that matches their license and meets the needs of the new building.
TOPIC 3: CONTACTING ETA
Q. What is the best way to get in touch with ETA?
A. You can always reach out directly for guidance, support, or contract clarification.here are multiple ways to get in touch with ETA. We HIGHLY suggest you put these numbers into your contacts.
- Contacting your ETA President: You can always reach out to Lori Young directly for guidance, support, or contract clarification.
- Email: president@evansvilleta.org
- Office Phone: 317-263-3403
- Personal Phone Number: (812) 727-0960
- Contacting ETA office: You can always reach out to Cindy Carpenter. Cindy is the Administrative Assistant to our UniServ Director.
- Email: eta@evansvilleta.org
- Office Phone: 1-800-382-4037 Ext. 3765
- Contacting our UniServ Director Mark Lichtenberg.
- Email: mlichtenberg@ista-in.org
- Office Phone: 1-800-382-4037 Ext. 3766
Q. I have our President’s personal home email. Can I still contact her using her home email address?
A. Lori doesn’t mind if you contact her using her home email address. Just make this note, that Lori does not check her spam/junk email box — ever.
Q. What should I do if I need her after work hours?
A. Please call her ETA phone number and leave a message. Her work phone is set up so that voicemail messages are sent to her email. Lori also checks her president’s email periodically when she is at home.
Q. Can I call her on her personal cell phone?
A. Lori is fine with you calling her on her personal cell phone, but she wants you to know she has very poor reception at home. If you call while she’s there, the call will almost certainly drop. That said, texting still works about 75% of the time.
Week 1: August 4 - August 8
TOPIC 1: WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
Q. When will ETA post workshop and seminar registrations?
A. ETA will be posting the August on Tuesday, August 12.
Q. Why do you not have them posted yet?
A. ETA is waiting on confirmation from our retirement seminar partners and needs one (1) more ETA member in years 10 – 20 to be a panelist for August 14. ETA pays panelists $150. UPDATE: All panelist positions have been filled!
TOPIC 2: DUTY FREE LUNCH PERIOD
Q. What does Indiana law say about teacher lunch breaks?
A. Indiana Code 20-28-10-19 says every teacher must have a duty-free lunch of at least 30 consecutive minutes scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. It’s a legal protection to make sure you have time in your day to pause, recharge, and step away from school responsibilities.
Q. What does “duty-free” mean?
A. “Duty-free” means just that—no teaching, no grading, no meetings, and no student supervision. It’s your time to truly step away and take care of yourself so you can take care of your students.
Q. Is this 30-minute duty-free period the same as my lunch?
A. In most Indiana school corporations, yes — your duty-free period is your lunch. Just remember, that your duty-free period still must be uninterrupted and within the legal time frame of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Q. What if my lunch is interrupted by student issues or meetings?
A. That doesn’t count as duty-free time. If you’re pulled into student supervision or meetings during lunch, your schedule should be adjusted so you still get your full, uninterrupted 30 minutes.
Q. Can my administrator assign me to cover a class during my lunch if we’re short-staffed?
A. No. Even in emergencies, the law says your duty-free period cannot be replaced with class coverage, meetings, or other responsibilities.
PLEASE NOTE: ETA understands that there may be times when a true emergency requires you to step in during your lunch period—but true emergencies are rare–very rare in schools.
Q. My administrator asked me if I would mind eating lunch from 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. to make the building schedule work. I really don’t mind doing this since I want to make sure the building runs smoothly. Could this be a problem?
A. Wanting to pitch in so the day runs smoothly shows a lot about your dedication—that kind of teamwork is one of the many things that makes educators so valuable to their schools. The challenge is that Indiana law protects a 30-minute duty-free lunch entirely between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. That protection is meant for everyone. When one person gives it up, even with the best intentions, it can unintentionally put others in a tough position — feeling pressured to do the same or risk being seen as “not a team player.” ETA believes educators are here for students, but we also know everyone needs protected time to pause, recharge, and care for themselves so they can bring their best to students all day long.
Q. What should I do if I’m not getting my full, legal 30-minute duty-free lunch?
A. Your time matters—for your health, your well-being, and your ability to be your best for students. The first step is always to advocate for yourself by talking directly with your principal—it may be a simple scheduling oversight. If that doesn’t solve the problem, your building-level Association Rep can step in and follow up with the principal on your behalf. If there’s still no resolution, your AR will connect with ETA President Lori Young. Before she reaches out to the principal and EVSC HR, she will check in with both you and the AR to make sure the proper steps were followed. This process matters because real change often happens at the building level first, and following the chain of command ensures your concern is documented, addressed, and far more likely to result in a lasting fix.
TOPIC 3: CONTACTING ETA
Q. What is the best way to get in touch with ETA?
A. You can always reach out directly for guidance, support, or contract clarification.here are multiple ways to get in touch with ETA. We HIGHLY suggest you put these numbers into your contacts.
- Contacting your ETA President: You can always reach out to Lori Young directly for guidance, support, or contract clarification.
- Email: president@evansvilleta.org
- Office Phone: 317-263-3403
- Personal Phone Number: (812) 727-0960
- Contacting ETA office: You can always reach out to Cindy Carpenter. Cindy is the Administrative Assistant to our UniServ Director.
- Email: eta@evansvilleta.org
- Office Phone: 1-800-382-4037 Ext. 3765
- Contacting our UniServ Director Mark Lichtenberg.
- Email: mlichtenberg@ista-in.org
- Office Phone: 1-800-382-4037 Ext. 3766
Q. I have our President’s personal home email. Can I still contact her using her home email address?
A. Lori doesn’t mind if you contact her using her home email address. Just make this note, that Lori does not check her spam/junk email box — ever.
Q. What should I do if I need her after work hours?
A. Please call her ETA phone number and leave a message. Her work phone is set up so that voicemail messages are sent to her email. Lori also checks her president’s email periodically when she is at home.
Q. Can I call her on her personal cell phone?
A. Lori is fine with you calling her on her personal cell phone, but she wants you to know she has very poor reception at home. If you call while she’s there, the call will almost certainly drop. That said, texting still works about 75% of the time.