Indianapolis, January 10, 2026
The Indiana State Teachers Association has announced its legislative priorities for the upcoming session, focusing on key issues such as educator and student safety, classroom conditions, and fair compensation. The priorities emphasize improved school governance, increased public school funding, and support for education professionals. ISTA President Jennifer Smith-Margraf highlighted the importance of educator voices in creating safe and effective learning environments.
Indianapolis, Indiana – January 10, 2026
The Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) has unveiled its legislative priorities for the 2026 session, emphasizing key areas such as educator and student safety, classroom conditions, fair compensation, public school funding, and the enhancement of voter influence in school governance.
Key Legislative Priorities
- Strengthening Educator and Student Safety: Advocating for improved reporting and accountability measures for incidents involving educators, along with expanded collective bargaining rights to give educators a voice in their working conditions.
- Enhancing Classroom Conditions and Student Learning: Proposing clear cell phone usage policies, establishing guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in educational settings, and providing accessible, no-cost professional development aligned with new reading and math requirements.
- Reforming the Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) Program and Supporting Fair Educator Pay: Aiming to restore fairness and collaboration in the TAG program and advance long-term strategies to improve educator compensation.
- Protecting and Strengthening Public School Funding: Seeking a second-year funding increase, replacement revenue for property tax changes, and ensuring that school funds are utilized appropriately.
- Supporting Education Professionals, Retirees, and Voter Voice: Advocating for protections for education support professionals, support for retirees, and promoting fully elected school boards to enhance community involvement in educational decisions.
ISTA President Jennifer Smith-Margraf emphasized that these priorities are directly informed by educators across Indiana, stating that when educators have a voice, schools become safer, classrooms function more effectively, and students benefit.
The full list of ISTA’s 2026 legislative priorities is available on their official website.
Background Context
In recent years, Indiana has seen significant changes in education policy. Notably, the Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) program underwent modifications starting in the 2025–26 school year, shifting from recognizing teachers based on evaluation benchmarks to a more selective model. This new approach limits awards to no more than 20% of certified teachers in a district each year, based on a combination of student outcomes and additional performance criteria. The Indiana Department of Education is currently developing guidance and rubrics to determine how districts will implement this program.
Additionally, the Indiana General Assembly has passed numerous new K-12 education laws over the past legislative sessions, leading to a complex regulatory environment for school corporations. The Indiana State Teachers Association supports continued efforts for regulatory relief to allow educators to focus more on student achievement outcomes rather than administrative compliance.
As the 2026 legislative session progresses, these priorities are expected to shape discussions and decisions regarding the future of education in Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the key legislative priorities of the Indiana State Teachers Association for 2026?
The key legislative priorities include strengthening educator and student safety, enhancing classroom conditions and student learning, reforming the Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) program and supporting fair educator pay, protecting and strengthening public school funding, and supporting education professionals, retirees, and voter voice.
How has the Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) program changed in Indiana?
Starting in the 2025–26 school year, the TAG program shifted from recognizing teachers based on evaluation benchmarks to a more selective model, limiting awards to no more than 20% of certified teachers in a district each year, based on a combination of student outcomes and additional performance criteria.
What is the Indiana State Teachers Association’s stance on recent education legislation?
The Indiana State Teachers Association supports efforts for regulatory relief to allow educators to focus more on student achievement outcomes rather than administrative compliance. They also advocate for fair compensation and protections for education professionals and retirees.
Key Features of the Indiana State Teachers Association’s 2026 Legislative Priorities
| Priority Area | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Educator and Student Safety | Improved reporting and accountability for incidents involving educators, expanded collective bargaining rights. |
| Classroom Conditions and Student Learning | Clear cell phone policies, guidelines for artificial intelligence use, accessible professional development. |
| Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) Program and Fair Educator Pay | Restoration of fairness and collaboration in the TAG program, advancement of long-term compensation strategies. |
| Public School Funding | Second-year funding increase, replacement revenue for property tax changes, appropriate use of school funds. |
| Education Professionals, Retirees, and Voter Voice | Protections for education support professionals, support for retirees, promotion of fully elected school boards. |
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