INDIANAPOLIS — IPS students head back to school next week.
The Department of Education lists more than 1,900 open teaching positions across Indiana.
Christina Aden Hamer, chief human resources officer for IPS, said the district has put in a lot of work to retain their teachers. She said they've seen a decrease in resignations from this time last year and have an 89% staff retention rate.
Leadership said there will be a teacher in every classroom this year. 13News asked if any of those teachers would be substitutes. We have yet to hear back from IPS.
Hamer said they are focused on listening to the teachers about what they need to be successful, along with offering retention bonuses to help create an environment where teachers feel valued.
"I think we have really been intentional as a district. I think every teacher should know that IPS is committed to making sure this is an environment where they can come and grow as a teacher and serve students that value the work," Hamer said. "We want to invest continually in our teachers' growth. We see that results in our teachers' feeling that and believing that. We want to keep that trajectory going."
IPS is interested in hiring more teachers. You can find more information about jobs here.
Meanwhile, the district is helping families get ready for the new year with "Back to School Nights." One of them is set for Friday, July 26 at 3 p.m. at Ernie Pyle School 90. Students can get things like school supplies and backpacks. The supplies offered vary by location. It's a way to make sure the kids are prepared to get back in the classroom.