INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Students from five high schools on Thursday were participating in the Teacher Prep Academy at the University of Indianapolis, an effort designed to address the ongoing teacher shortage.

Indiana Department of Education’s website on Thursday listed 3,530 job openings at Indiana schools. In June 2024, when 30 students from 11 high schools attended UIndy’s academy, WISH-TV reported that number was more than 2,100.

The future of the academy, though, isn’t certain.

Professors from the private, Methodist Church-affiliated university were leading the weeklong program to give students insights into the teaching profession and encourage them to explore careers in education. High school students stay in campus housing and receive meals, all at no cost.

Tracy Johnson, a profe

See Full Page