About Us

Teaching in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Teaching Fellows teach in Indianapolis Public Schools.  Our Fellows teach in schools throughout the city, where there is not only a need for high-quality teachers in the areas of math, science, special education, and Spanish, but also a need for teachers to take on the challenges of high-need school environments.  Teaching Fellows are especially committed to overcoming the challenges that they face in helping their students achieve.  The first year for any new teacher is challenging, and Fellows should anticipate expending intense effort throughout summer training and the school year in order to meet their goals – and in order to help their students reach new academic heights.

A teaching day in Indianapolis is about 7.5 hours.  A typical school day may run from 7:30 to 2:30 or from 8:50 to 3:40, depending on the school and how it structures its day.  At the end of each school day, Fellows should also anticipate spending several hours tutoring students, meeting parents, grading student work, or even supervising extracurricular activities – as well as attending evening courses in the evenings and on weekends at Marian University to earn their teaching license.

Indianapolis Public Schools

10 Culture Imperatives of IPS*

1. Children come first!
2. All employees are accountable for student achievement that meets or exceeds state standards.
3. All employees will demonstrate professionalism and integrity.
4. Student success is the only option.
5. Potential is discovered and nurtured.
6. Academic rigor is the norm.
7. Communication is clear, open and timely.
8. Students, parents, families and community members are essential partners.
9. Diversity is valued as demonstrated by culturally competent practices.
10. Facilities are safe, clean, secure and inviting.

Within the city of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is the largest of 11 school districts, with a student population of 35,000.  There are 50 elementary schools, nine middle schools, five high schools, and four alternative schools in IPS.  IPS is considered a high-need district because more than 40% of its students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. 

With a strategic plan that focuses on eliminating achievement gaps; recruiting, developing, and retaining quality staff; providing clean, safe learning environments; and engaging parents and community members in reaching goals, IPS is positioning itself to make significant improvements in the delivery of public education.   But, there is still a need for additional talent in its classrooms to close the achievement gap between IPS students and other students in the state of Indiana.  For example, during the 2006-2007 school year the statewide average pass rate for the ISTEP was 71% while the pass rate for IPS was only 48%.  Creative and innovative teachers are needed to motivate their students to learn and achieve.  There is especially a need for teachers with specialized knowledge and training in critical shortage areas such as math and science.

Please visit the IPS website for more information.