Ind. Code ch. 20-28-5

Ind. Code ch. 20-28-5
in effect

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-1 Responsibility for licensing teachers

Sec. 1. The department is responsible for the licensing of teachers. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-1.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.155.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-2 Rules; substitute teachers

Sec. 2. The state board may adopt rules for: (1) the issuance of a substitute teacher's license; and (2) the employment of substitute teacher licensees. An individual may not serve as a substitute teacher without a license issued by the department. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-2.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.156; P.L.90-2011, SEC.22.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-3 Requirements for licensing

Sec. 3. (a) The department shall designate the grade point average required for each type of license. (b) The department shall determine details of licensing not provided in this chapter, including requirements regarding the following: (1) The conversion of one (1) type of license into another. (2) The accreditation of teacher education schools and departments. (3) The exchange and renewal of licenses. (4) The endorsement of another state's license. (5) The acceptance of credentials from teacher education institutions of another state. (6) The academic and professional preparation for each type of license. (7) The granting of permission to teach a high school subject area related to the subject area for which the teacher holds a license. (8) The issuance of licenses on credentials. (9) The type of license required for each school position. (10) The size requirements for an elementary school requiring a licensed principal. (11) Any other related matters. The department shall establish at least one (1) system for renewing a teaching license that does not require a graduate degree. (c) The department shall periodically publish bulletins regarding: (1) the details described in subsection (b); (2) information on the types of licenses issued; (3) the rules governing the issuance of each type of license; and (4) other similar matters. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-3.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.157; P.L.166-2007, SEC.1; P.L.75-2008, SEC.1; P.L.90-2011, SEC.23; P.L.93-2011, SEC.3; P.L.146-2011, SEC.1; P.L.6-2012, SEC.135; P.L.106-2016, SEC.7; P.L.121-2016, SEC.28; P.L.85-2017, SEC.79; P.L.92-2020, SEC.50.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-4 Application for license; oath or affirmation

Sec. 4. (a) An individual who applies for a license or a license renewal to teach in a public school shall subscribe to the following oath or affirmation, which may be administered by the governing body: "I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Indiana.". (b) Two (2) copies of the oath or affirmation shall be executed as follows: (1) One (1) copy shall be filed with the secretary of education when the license application is made. (2) The individual who subscribes to the oath or affirmation shall retain the other copy. (c) The oath or affirmation must be filed with the secretary of education before a license may be issued. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-4.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.43-2021, SEC.86.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-5 Out-of-state graduate applicant

Sec. 5. If a teacher who is a graduate of an accredited institution outside Indiana does not meet certain technical requirements for a license, the teacher may be granted a particular type of license and a reasonable amount of time to fulfill the requirements of the license granted. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-5.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-6 Repealed

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-6.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.13. Repealed by P.L.246-2005, SEC.228.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-7 License revocation and suspension

Sec. 7. On the written recommendation of the secretary of education, the department may suspend or revoke a license for: (1) immorality; (2) misconduct in office; (3) incompetency; or (4) willful neglect of duty. For each suspension or revocation, the department shall comply with IC 4-21.5-3. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-7(a).] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.158; P.L.43-2021, SEC.87.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-8 License revocation for a person convicted of certain offenses

Sec. 8. (a) This section applies when a prosecuting attorney knows that a licensed employee of a public school or a nonpublic school has been convicted of an offense listed in subsection (b). The prosecuting attorney shall immediately give written notice of the conviction to the following: (1) The secretary of education. (2) Except as provided in subdivision (3), the superintendent of the school corporation that employs the licensed employee or the equivalent authority if a nonpublic school employs the licensed employee. (3) The presiding officer of the governing body of the school corporation that employs the licensed employee, if the convicted licensed employee is the superintendent of the school corporation. (b) Except as provided in section 8.5 of this chapter, the department shall permanently revoke the license of a person who is known by the department to have been convicted of any of the following: (1) The following felonies: (A) A sex crime under IC 35-42-4 (including criminal deviate conduct (IC 35-42-4-2) (before its repeal)). (B) Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2). (C) Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3). (D) Incest (IC 35-46-1-3). (E) Dealing in or manufacturing cocaine or a narcotic drug (IC 35-48-4-1). (F) Dealing in methamphetamine (IC 35-48-4-1.1). (G) Manufacturing methamphetamine (IC 35-48-4-1.2). (H) Dealing in a schedule I, II, or III controlled substance (IC 35-48-4-2). (I) Dealing in a schedule IV controlled substance (IC 35-48-4-3). (J) Dealing in a schedule V controlled substance (IC 35-48-4-4). (K) Dealing in a counterfeit substance (IC 35-48-4-5). (L) Dealing in marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia as a felony (IC 35-48-4-10). (M) An offense under IC 35-48-4 involving the manufacture or sale of a synthetic drug (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-321), a synthetic drug lookalike substance (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-321.5 (before its repeal on July 1, 2019)) under IC 35-48-4-10.5 (before its repeal on July 1, 2019), a controlled substance analog (as defined in IC 35-48-1.1-8), or a substance represented to be a controlled substance (as described in IC 35-48-4-4.6). (N) Homicide (IC 35-42-1). (O) Voluntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-3). (P) Reckless homicide (IC 35-42-1-5). (Q) Battery as any of the following: (i) A Class A felony (for a crime committed before July 1, 2014) or a Level 2 felony (for a crime committed after June 30, 2014). (ii) A Class B felony (for a crime committed before July 1, 2014) or a Level 3 felony (for a crime committed after June 30, 2014). (iii) A Class C felony (for a crime committed before July 1, 2014) or a Level 5 felony (for a crime committed after June 30, 2014). (R) Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5). (S) Robbery (IC 35-42-5-1). (T) Carjacking (IC 35-42-5-2) (before its repeal). (U) Arson as a Class A felony or Class B felony (for a crime committed before July 1, 2014) or as a Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 felony (for a crime committed after June 30, 2014) (IC 35-43-1-1(a)). (V) Burglary as a Class A felony or Class B felony (for a crime committed before July 1, 2014) or as a Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 felony (for a crime committed after June 30, 2014) (IC 35-43-2-1). (W) Human trafficking (IC 35-42-3.5). (X) Dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death (IC 35-42-1-1.5). (Y) Attempt under IC 35-41-5-1 to commit an offense listed in this subsection. (Z) Conspiracy under IC 35-41-5-2 to commit an offense listed in this subsection. (2) Public indecency (IC 35-45-4-1) committed: (A) after June 30, 2003; or (B) before July 1, 2003, if the person committed the offense by, in a public place: (i) engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-221.5); (ii) appearing in a state of nudity with the intent to arouse the sexual desires of the person or another person, or being at least eighteen (18) years of age, with the intent to be seen by a child less than sixteen (16) years of age; or (iii) fondling the person's genitals or the genitals of another person. (c) The department shall permanently revoke the license of a person who is known by the department to have been convicted of a federal offense or an offense in another state that is comparable to a felony or misdemeanor listed in subsection (b). (d) A license may be suspended by the secretary of education as specified in IC 20-28-7.5. (e) The department shall develop a data base of information on school corporation employees who have been reported to the department under this section. (f) Upon receipt of information from the office of judicial administration in accordance with IC 33-24-6-3 concerning persons convicted of an offense listed in subsection (b), the department shall: (1) cross check the information received from the office of judicial administration with information concerning licensed teachers (as defined in IC 20-18-2-22(b)) maintained by the department; and (2) if a licensed teacher (as defined in IC 20-18-2-22(b)) has been convicted of an offense described in subsection (b), revoke the licensed teacher's license. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-7(b), (c), (d), (e).] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.159; P.L.151-2006, SEC.8; P.L.121-2009, SEC.10; P.L.90-2011, SEC.24; P.L.138-2011, SEC.4; P.L.182-2011, SEC.4; P.L.155-2011, SEC.4; P.L.78-2012, SEC.5; P.L.196-2013, SEC.6; P.L.158-2013, SEC.250; P.L.214-2013, SEC.20; P.L.168-2014, SEC.32; P.L.238-2015, SEC.4; P.L.13-2016, SEC.6; P.L.185-2017, SEC.4; P.L.252-2017, SEC.2; P.L.198-2018, SEC.2; P.L.161-2018, SEC.34; P.L.80-2019, SEC.6; P.L.43-2021, SEC.88; P.L.174-2021, SEC.19; P.L.125-2022, SEC.7; P.L.186-2025, SEC.117; P.L.74-2026, SEC.94.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-8.5 Reinstatement of revoked license

Sec. 8.5. The department may, after holding a hearing on the matter, reinstate the license of a person whose license has been revoked under section 8 of this chapter if the person's conviction has been reversed, vacated, or set aside on appeal. As added by P.L.185-2017, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-9 Repealed

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-7.1(d), (e), (f), (g).] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.160. Repealed by P.L.121-2009, SEC.17.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-10 Records

Sec. 10. (a) The department shall keep a record of: (1) all licenses issued; (2) all licenses in force; and (3) the academic preparation, professional preparation, and teaching experience of each applicant for a license or a license renewal. (b) A superintendent of a school corporation shall register and keep a record of the following for each licensed teacher employed by the school corporation: (1) The type of license held by the teacher. (2) The teacher's date of first employment. (3) The teacher's annual or monthly salary. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-8.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.161.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-11 Repealed

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-9.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.162. Repealed by P.L.90-2011, SEC.50.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-12 Initial practitioner license; need to demonstrate proficiency; rules

Sec. 12. (a) Subsection (b) does not apply to an individual who: (1) held an Indiana limited, reciprocal, or standard teaching license on June 30, 1985; or (2) is granted a license under section 12.5, 16.5, or 18 of this chapter. (b) Except as provided in sections 12.5 and 16.5 of this chapter, the department may not grant an initial practitioner license to an individual unless the individual has: (1) met the requirements of section 12.3 of this chapter; and (2) demonstrated proficiency in the following areas on a written examination or through other procedures prescribed by the department: (A) Pedagogy. (B) Knowledge of the areas in which the individual is required to have a license to teach. (C) If the individual is seeking to be licensed as an elementary school teacher, comprehensive scientifically based reading instruction skills aligned to the science of reading. (c) An individual's license examination score may not be disclosed by the department without the individual's consent unless specifically required by state or federal statute or court order. (d) Subject to section 22 of this chapter, the state board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to do the following: (1) Adopt, validate, and implement the examination or other procedures required by subsection (b). (2) Establish examination scores indicating proficiency. (3) Otherwise carry out the purposes of this section. (e) Subject to section 18 of this chapter, the state board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 establishing the conditions under which the requirements of this section may be waived for an individual holding a valid teacher's license issued by another state. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-10.1.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.163; P.L.90-2011, SEC.25; P.L.6-2012, SEC.136; P.L.106-2016, SEC.8; P.L.143-2019, SEC.17; P.L.275-2019, SEC.3; P.L.156-2020, SEC.77; P.L.96-2021, SEC.1; P.L.243-2023, SEC.10; P.L.245-2023, SEC.9; P.L.194-2025, SEC.1; P.L.214-2025, SEC.112.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-12.3 Training required for initial practitioner license

Sec. 12.3. The department may not grant an initial practitioner license unless an individual completes the following: (1) Child abuse and neglect training. (2) Youth suicide awareness and prevention training. (3) Identification and reporting of human trafficking training. (4) Training described in IC 20-28-5.5-1(a). As added by P.L.214-2025, SEC.113.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-12.5 Alternative certification teaching license

Sec. 12.5. (a) The department shall grant an initial practitioner license to an individual who: (1) possesses a bachelor's degree from an accredited postsecondary four (4) year institution; (2) successfully completes an alternative teacher certification program that includes: (A) the required content training in the area in which the individual seeks to be licensed; (B) pedagogy training and an examination that is in substantive alignment with nationally recognized pedagogical standards and teaches effective: (i) instructional delivery; (ii) classroom management and organization; (iii) assessment; (iv) instructional design; and (v) professional learning and leadership; (C) successful demonstration of content area proficiency in an examination that includes content area material in substantive alignment with nationally recognized content area standards in the areas that the individual is required to have a license to teach; (D) verification from a third party that regularly reviews educational and professional examinations that the alternative certification examination is equal to or greater in rigor than the written examination under section 12 of this chapter; and (E) content within the curriculum that: (i) beginning July 1, 2024, is aligned to the science of reading; and (ii) beginning July 1, 2024, prepares teacher candidates or program participants who seek to obtain an elementary generalist license that is valid for teaching in kindergarten through grade 5 or an early childhood license that is valid for teaching prekindergarten through grade 3 to obtain the literacy endorsement required under section 19.7 of this chapter; (3) successfully completes an applicable teacher licensing exam as approved by the state board; (4) holds a valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification from a provider approved by the department; and (5) has attended youth suicide awareness and prevention training. (b) The individual must complete a one (1) year practical experience program during the individual's first year in the classroom when the individual is employed as a full-time teacher. The provider must: (1) provide the practical experience program at no cost to the state or to the school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school; and (2) as part of the practical instruction program, provide instruction in: (A) instructional design and planning; (B) effective instructional delivery; (C) classroom management and organization; (D) effective use of assessment data; (E) content in federal and Indiana special education laws; and (F) required awareness, preparation, and understanding of: (i) individualized education programs; (ii) service plans developed under 511 IAC 7-34; (iii) choice special education plans developed under 511 IAC 7-49; and (iv) plans developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794. (c) An in-state alternative teacher certification program under subsection (a)(2) must operate in accordance with the procedures and program approval standards and requirements set by the department and the state board for teacher education programs for the licensure of teachers. (d) An out-of-state alternative teacher certification program under subsection (a)(2) must: (1) currently operate in at least five (5) states; and (2) have operated an alternative teacher certification program for at least ten (10) years. (e) An individual who receives an alternative teacher certification under subsection (a)(2) is authorized to teach the subject and educational level that the individual has successfully completed. (f) An individual who receives an initial practitioner license under this section shall be treated in the same manner as an individual who receives an initial practitioner license after completing a traditional teacher preparation program. (g) An individual who graduates from an alternative teacher certification program must be treated in the same manner as a traditional teacher preparation program graduate during the transition from an initial practitioner license to a practitioner license. (h) An individual who receives an initial practitioner license under this section may not teach a special education course for a special education student for the period the individual maintains a license under this section unless the individual is at least twenty-six (26) years of age and employed in a school setting or with another community organization, including a for-profit or nonprofit organization, to provide care or instruction for a student with a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability. However, an individual who receives an initial practitioner license under this section may not be a teacher of record for a special education student for the period the individual maintains the initial practitioner license. (i) A school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school shall submit a plan to the department if the school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school hires one (1) or more individuals who have received an initial practitioner license under this section. The plan must be submitted in a manner prescribed by the department and must include a description of how the school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school will, excluding the practical experience program described in subsection (b), provide an individual who receives an initial practitioner license under this section opportunities to obtain exposure to classroom management and instructional techniques, including meaningful exposure to special education. The plan is a public record. (j) Not later than July 1, 2024, the department shall prepare a report that shall be submitted to the general assembly in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6. The report must contain the following information: (1) Data showing how many teachers obtained an initial practitioner license under this section. (2) A description of the number of teachers who received an initial practitioner license under this section who are currently employed as a teacher by each: (A) school corporation; (B) charter school; or (C) state accredited nonpublic school. The description must include a breakdown of the subjects taught by teachers who receive an initial practitioner license under this section. (3) A comparison of the applicable teacher licensing exam as approved by the state board pass rates for individuals who receive an initial practitioner license under this section in comparison with the applicable teacher licensing exam as approved by the state board pass rates for teachers who obtained an initial practitioner license using a different pathway to licensure. (4) A description of how many teachers who received an initial practitioner license under this section are rated as effective or highly effective. As added by P.L.96-2021, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.134-2022, SEC.1; P.L.243-2023, SEC.11; P.L.201-2025, SEC.3; P.L.214-2025, SEC.114; P.L.23-2026, SEC.185.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-13 Examination for teacher licensure; furnishing test scores

Sec. 13. (a) This section applies to an examination required for teacher licensure under this chapter. (b) If an individual does not demonstrate the level of proficiency required to receive a license on all or a part of an examination, the examination's scorer must provide the individual with the individual's test scores, including subscores for each area tested. [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-12.] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.90-2011, SEC.26; P.L.74-2026, SEC.95.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-14 Initial standard license applicant; delinquent tax liability; individual on tax warrant list

Sec. 14. If the department is notified by the department of state revenue that an individual is on the most recent tax warrant list, the department shall not grant a license to the individual until: (1) the individual provides the department with a statement from the department of state revenue indicating that the individual's tax warrant has been satisfied; or (2) the department receives a notice from the commissioner of the department of state revenue under IC 6-8.1-8-2(k). [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-6.1-3-10.1(f).] As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.246-2005, SEC.164; P.L.90-2011, SEC.27; P.L.172-2011, SEC.121.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-15 Teacher shortage areas; licensing and employment of individuals with postgraduate degrees; conditions for renewal

Sec. 15. (a) Notwithstanding section 3(b)(6) of this chapter, the department shall grant an initial practitioner's license in a specific subject area to an applicant who: (1) has earned a postgraduate degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary educational institution in the subject area in which the applicant seeks to be licensed; (2) has at least one (1) academic year of experience teaching students in a middle school, high school, or college classroom setting; and (3) complies with sections 4, 12, and 12.3 of this chapter. (b) An individual who receives an initial practitioner's license under this section may teach in the specific subject for which the individual is licensed only in: (1) high school; or (2) middle school; if the subject area is designated by the state board as having an insufficient supply of licensed teachers. (c) After receiving an initial practitioner's license under this section, an applicant who seeks to renew the applicant's initial practitioner's license or obtain a proficient practitioner's license must: (1) demonstrate that the applicant has obtained training and information from a special education teacher concerning exceptional learners; and (2) meet the same requirements as other candidates. As added by P.L.75-2008, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.121-2009, SEC.11; P.L.92-2020, SEC.51; P.L.250-2023, SEC.26; P.L.214-2025, SEC.115.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-16 Licensing program for charter school teachers

Sec. 16. (a) The department shall establish a program under which an individual may obtain a license that allows the individual to teach in a charter school if the individual: (1) wishes to teach in a charter school in Indiana; and (2) satisfies either of the following requirements: (A) The individual holds at least a bachelor's degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale from an accredited postsecondary institution in the content or a related area in which the individual wishes to teach. (B) The individual holds at least a bachelor's degree and proof that the individual has passed the state approved content area examination in the subject area that the individual intends to teach. (b) The program established under subsection (a) must allow the individual to teach in a charter school while the individual is in the process of obtaining the license. (c) Subject to subsection (d), if an individual described in subsection (a) demonstrates effectiveness as a teacher, as determined by the applicable charter school leader, for not less than two (2) consecutive years, the individual shall be eligible to obtain an initial practitioner professional educator license for the content area in which the individual has taught. (d) An individual eligible to obtain an initial practitioner professional educator license under subsection (c) must: (1) demonstrate proficiency through a written examination, as described in section 12(b)(2) of this chapter, in the knowledge area in which the individual has taught and is seeking an initial practitioner professional educator license; and (2) complete the training described in section 12.3 of this chapter. As added by P.L.91-2011, SEC.28. Amended by P.L.205-2013, SEC.253; P.L.150-2026, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-16.5 Initial practitioner license; academic credit; requirements

Sec. 16.5. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), the department shall grant an initial practitioner license to an individual who meets the following requirements: (1) The individual holds a bachelor's degree with a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited postsecondary educational institution. (2) The individual successfully completes a total of at least nine (9) academic credits in courses that include instruction on the following: (A) High impact practices in: (i) lesson planning; (ii) instructional design; (iii) instructional activities; (iv) integrating learning modalities; and (v) if applicable, developing laboratory experiments. (B) The use of: (i) digital media; (ii) learning management software; and (iii) technology to maximize learning. (C) Teaching: (i) inductive and deductive reasoning; (ii) metacognition; (iii) problem framing; (iv) interpreting results; and (v) data based decision making. (D) Best practices to evaluate student learning through: (i) diagnostic assessment; (ii) direct and indirect assessment; and (iii) formative and summative assessment. (E) Creating feedback loops. (F) Fostering engagement and using peer to peer learning and other small group strategies. (G) Providing constructive feedback and preventing disruptive behavior. (H) Early intervention strategies and professional standards. (I) Teaching students with disabilities. (3) The individual demonstrates proficiency through a written examination in the knowledge of the areas in which the individual is required to have a license to teach, as described in section 12(b)(2) of this chapter. (4) The individual has completed the training described in section 12.3 of this chapter. (5) The individual participates in one (1) or more of the following, as determined by the department: (A) Job shadowing. (B) Field experiences. (C) Teaching cooperatives. (D) Full-term student teaching. (b) An individual who receives an initial practitioner license under this section: (1) may only teach in any combination of grades 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, as determined by the department; (2) shall be treated in the same manner as an individual who receives an initial practitioner license after completing a traditional teacher preparation program; and (3) must be treated in the same manner as a traditional teacher preparation program graduate during the transition from an initial practitioner license to a practitioner license. (c) The department may not grant an initial practitioner license under this section to teach special education. (d) The state board may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to administer this section. As added by P.L.194-2025, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.150-2026, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-17 Teacher's license; STEM subjects

Sec. 17. (a) The department shall establish a program under which an individual may obtain a license that allows the individual to teach in school corporations and charter schools in Indiana if the individual holds a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree with a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 point scale from an accredited postsecondary educational institution with both of the following: (1) A major in any combination of the following: (A) Science. (B) Technology. (C) Engineering. (D) Mathematics. (2) An education minor or concentration from an accredited teacher preparation program recognized by the state board of education as preparing educators to meet requirements for licensure. (b) The program established under subsection (a) must allow the individual to teach in a school corporation or charter school while the individual is in the process of obtaining the license. (c) The initial program under subsection (a) must be established not later than August 1, 2015. As added by P.L.239-2015, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-18 Out-of-state license holder; grant of Indiana license

Sec. 18. (a) This section applies to an individual who: (1) holds a valid teaching license issued by another state (excluding a teaching license equivalent to an Indiana temporary or emergency teaching license) in the same content area or areas for which the individual is applying for a license in Indiana; and (2) was required to pass a content licensure test to obtain the license described in subdivision (1). (b) Notwithstanding sections 3 and 12 of this chapter, the department shall grant one (1) of the following licenses to an individual described in subsection (a): (1) If the individual has less than two (2) years of full-time teaching experience, an initial practitioner's license. (2) If the individual has at least two (2) years of full-time teaching experience, a practitioner's license. (3) If the individual has a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and at least two (2) years of full-time teaching experience, an accomplished practitioner's license. (c) An individual who is granted a license under this section shall comply with the training requirements under section 12.3 of this chapter. As added by P.L.106-2016, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.92-2020, SEC.52; P.L.139-2022, SEC.12; P.L.250-2023, SEC.27; P.L.214-2025, SEC.116.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-19 Content area licenses issued by another state

Sec. 19. (a) This section applies to an individual who: (1) holds a valid Indiana teaching license; (2) holds a valid teaching license subsequently issued by another state (excluding a teaching license equivalent to an Indiana temporary or emergency teaching license) in an additional content area or areas; and (3) was required to pass a content licensure test to obtain the license described in subdivision (2). (b) The department shall grant an application to add the additional content area or areas described in subsection (a)(2) to a valid Indiana teaching license submitted by an individual described in subsection (a). As added by P.L.216-2017, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-19.5 Elementary school teacher content area licenses; incentive program; recommendations

Sec. 19.5. (a) Not later than July 1, 2024, the state board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to establish early childhood and elementary school teacher content area licenses and required endorsements that must, at a minimum, include the following: (1) An elementary mathematics specialist license. (2) One (1) or more of the following: (A) An elementary mathematics teacher license. (B) An elementary mathematics and science teacher license. (3) The required literacy endorsement established by the department under section 19.7 of this chapter. (b) To be eligible to receive an elementary mathematics specialist license under subsection (a)(1), an individual must meet the following: (1) Hold one (1) or more of the following: (A) A valid early childhood education license. (B) An elementary generalist license. (C) A middle school mathematics license. (D) A secondary mathematics license. (2) Have three (3) years of successful teaching experience that includes the teaching of mathematics. (3) Have completed graduate course work in the following areas: (A) Specialized content knowledge for teaching mathematics focused on the following: (i) Number concepts and operations. (ii) Proportional reasoning. (iii) Algebra and functions. (iv) Geometry and measurement. (v) Data analysis and probability. (B) Mathematics pedagogical content knowledge focused on the following: (i) Teaching. (ii) Learners and learning. (iii) Curriculum and assessment. (C) Leadership knowledge and skills. (4) Have completed a supervised practicum that includes working with a range of elementary student learners and elementary school teachers, both novice and experienced, in a variety of professional development settings. (c) If the state board establishes an elementary mathematics teacher license under subsection (a)(2)(A), an individual must complete the following to be eligible to receive the license: (1) Course work in the area of specialized content knowledge for teaching mathematics, focused on the following: (A) Number concepts and operations. (B) Proportional reasoning. (C) Algebra and functions. (D) Geometry and measurement. (E) Data analysis and probability. (2) Course work in the area of pedagogical content knowledge in at least one (1) science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field, focused on the following: (A) Teaching. (B) Learners and learning. (C) Curriculum and assessment. (3) A supervised practicum that includes working with a range of elementary student learners and elementary school teachers, both novice and experienced, in a variety of professional development settings. (d) If the state board establishes an elementary mathematics and science teacher license under subsection (a)(2)(B), an individual must complete the following to be eligible to receive the license: (1) Course work in the area of specialized content knowledge for teaching mathematics, focused on the following: (A) Number concepts and operations. (B) Proportional reasoning. (C) Algebra and functions. (D) Geometry and measurement. (E) Data analysis and probability. (2) Course work in the area of specialized content knowledge for teaching at least one (1) of the following: (A) Biology. (B) Chemistry. (C) Earth and atmospheric sciences. (D) Physics. (3) Course work in the area of pedagogical content knowledge in at least one (1) science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field, focused on the following: (A) Teaching. (B) Learners and learning. (C) Curriculum and assessment. (4) A supervised practicum that includes working with a range of elementary student learners and elementary school teachers, both novice and experienced, in a variety of professional development settings. (e) To be eligible to receive the required literacy endorsement under subsection (a)(3), an individual must satisfy the requirements set forth in section 19.7 of this chapter. (f) The department shall develop an incentive program to: (1) assist teachers who pursue a content area license under this section; and (2) reward teachers who earn a content area license or a required literacy endorsement under this section. The department shall make recommendations to the general assembly in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 regarding ways to accomplish the goals described in this subsection. As added by P.L.148-2018, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.243-2023, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-19.7 Literacy endorsement; review of licensure; endorsement requirements; procedure and rules

Sec. 19.7. (a) Not later than July 1, 2024, the state board shall establish and require a literacy endorsement for individuals first licensed after June 30, 2025, to teach a content area involving literacy instruction, including special education, in prekindergarten through grade 5. (b) Except as provided in section 19.8 of this chapter, beginning July 1, 2027, the department may not renew a practitioner license or an accomplished practitioner license, or a comparable license under prior rules, issued to an individual who, based on the content area for which the individual is licensed, including special education, provides literacy instruction to students in prekindergarten through grade 5 unless the individual receives a literacy endorsement under this section. (c) To be eligible to receive a literacy endorsement, an individual must meet the following: (1) Complete eighty (80) hours of evidence based professional development that is: (A) aligned to the science of reading; (B) provided by an organization that is: (i) accredited by the International Dyslexia Association; or (ii) aligned with Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS) as determined by the department; or (C) approved by the department. (2) Demonstrate proficiency in scientifically based reading instruction skills aligned to the science of reading on a written examination or through other procedures prescribed by the department in accordance with this section. (d) The eighty (80) hours of evidence based professional development required under subsection (c)(1) must provide individualized and on demand support. The evidence based professional development required under subsection (c)(1) must: (1) promote explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction as the primary approach to literacy instruction; (2) align with both word recognition and language comprehension; (3) promote an understanding of how language, reading, and writing relate to each other; (4) promote strategies for differentiated instruction for: (A) students with: (i) reading difficulties; or (ii) disabilities; and (B) English language learners; (5) focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; and (6) allow participants to implement the strategies into a classroom environment with the opportunity for feedback throughout the professional development experience. (e) The written examination required under subsection (c)(2) shall ensure the individual demonstrates the ability to: (1) effectively teach foundational reading skills, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; (2) implement reading instruction using high quality instructional materials aligned to the science of reading; and (3) provide effective instruction and interventions for students with reading deficiencies. (f) The department shall approve and provide the evidence based professional development necessary for an individual to receive a literacy endorsement under this section. (g) The department shall establish the procedure for an existing teacher to add the literacy endorsement established under this section to the teacher's license. (h) The state board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to do the following: (1) Adopt, validate, and implement the examination or other procedures required by subsection (c)(2). (2) Establish examination scores indicating proficiency. (3) Otherwise carry out the purposes of this section. As added by P.L.243-2023, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.5-2024, SEC.5; P.L.150-2024, SEC.23; P.L.1-2025, SEC.191.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-19.8 Waiver of literacy endorsement requirements; extension; report

Sec. 19.8. (a) An individual described in section 19.7(b) of this chapter who cannot comply with the requirements of section 19.7 of this chapter may apply for a waiver from the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department. (b) Subject to subsection (d), if the department determines that an individual described in subsection (a) cannot comply with the requirements of section 19.7 of this chapter, the department may grant the individual a waiver that provides an exception to the requirements. (c) The department may grant a waiver under this section to an individual that: (1) is not more than one (1) year; and (2) does not extend beyond July 1, 2028. However the department may extend the waiver described in this subsection if the department determines a hardship exists for the individual in meeting the requirements under section 19.7 of this chapter. (d) Before the department may grant a waiver under this section, the department shall submit a report not later than December 1, 2026, to the legislative council in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 that contains the following information: (1) The progress made by the department toward the requirements in section 19.7 of this chapter. (2) The progress made by the department toward the goal of student literacy in Indiana. (3) Barriers and challenges that remain for all individuals described in section 19.7(b) of this chapter to achieving the requirements of section 19.7 of this chapter. (4) The reasons the department's waiver authority under this section is necessary. (5) Any other recommendations the department may have for educators, communities, parents, schools, teacher preparation programs, and the general assembly for achieving: (A) full compliance with the requirements of section 19.7 of this chapter; and (B) student literacy goals of the state. As added by P.L.5-2024, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-20 Pass rate of content area examination for each postsecondary educational institution posted on Internet

Sec. 20. The department shall post for each calendar year on the department's website the pass rate of the content area examination for each postsecondary educational institution regarding individuals who: (1) graduated from the teacher preparation program of the postsecondary educational institution; and (2) took the content area examination. As added by P.L.170-2018, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.23-2026, SEC.186.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-21 Career specialist permit; eligibility requirements

Sec. 21. To be eligible for a career specialist permit to teach in a secondary school, an applicant must meet one (1) of the following: (1) The applicant: (A) has a bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent if another grading scale is used) in the content area in which the applicant intends to teach; (B) has passed the approved content area examination in the content area in which the applicant intends to teach; (C) demonstrates proficiency in the area of pedagogy under procedures prescribed by the department; and (D) has, within the immediately preceding five (5) years, at least four thousand (4,000) clock hours of documented occupational experience in the content area in which the applicant intends to teach. (2) The applicant: (A) meets the requirements under subdivision (1)(A) or (1)(B); (B) demonstrates proficiency in the area of pedagogy under procedures prescribed by the department; and (C) has, within the immediately preceding seven (7) years, at least five thousand (5,000) clock hours of documented occupational experience in the content area in which the applicant intends to teach. (3) The applicant: (A) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; (B) will teach aviation ground instruction; and (C) meets at least one (1) of the following conditions: (i) The applicant has passed the Federal Aviation Administration advanced ground instructor and fundamentals of instruction tests and been issued a valid Federal Aviation Administration advanced ground instructor certificate. (ii) The applicant possesses a valid Federal Aviation Administration certified flight instructor or certified flight instructor instrument certificate. (4) The applicant: (A) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; (B) will teach flight instruction; and (C) possesses a valid Federal Aviation Administration: (i) certified flight instructor; or (ii) certified flight instructor instrument; certificate with the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration aircraft ratings for the flight instruction being provided. As added by P.L.170-2018, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.275-2019, SEC.4; P.L.159-2026, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-22 Adoption of teacher licensing examinations

Sec. 22. (a) This section applies to teacher licensing examinations administered to determine whether an individual demonstrates, in accordance with section 12(b) of this chapter, proficiency in: (1) pedagogy; and (2) knowledge of the areas in which the individual is required to have a license to teach. (b) Not later than July 1, 2020, the state board shall adopt teacher licensing examinations to replace the teacher licensing examinations administered on July 1, 2019. (c) The state board shall adopt teacher licensing examinations that are already in existence and administered nationally. (d) The department shall, not later than September 1, 2021, implement the teacher licensing examinations adopted under this section. (e) The state board may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to carry out this section. As added by P.L.143-2019, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.156-2020, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-22.1 Employment of unlicensed vocational program instructor

Sec. 22.1 (a) After June 30, 2019, a school corporation, a school, or a secondary school vocational program may employ an instructor who does not have a license under this chapter for not more than fifty percent (50%) of the career and technical education courses offered by the school corporation, school, or secondary school vocational program, if the instructor: (1) has: (A) six thousand (6,000) hours of work experience in the five (5) years immediately preceding the year of employment as an instructor in the secondary vocational program; (B) four thousand (4,000) hours of work experience in the ten (10) years immediately preceding the year of employment as an instructor in the secondary vocational program and provides evidence of occupational licensure or occupational proficiency based on a regional, state, or national board training and evaluation approved by the department; (C) four thousand (4,000) hours of work experience in the ten (10) years immediately preceding the year of employment as an instructor in the secondary vocational program and provides evidence of completion of an accredited two (2) year or higher degree in the specific area in which the instructor will teach; or (D) four thousand (4,000) hours of work experience in the ten (10) years immediately preceding the year of employment as an instructor in the secondary vocational program and has completed an apprenticeship or internship program; and (2) obtains an expanded criminal history check and child protection index search under IC 20-26-5-10. (b) An instructor is considered a teacher for purposes of collective bargaining under IC 20-29. As added by P.L.143-2019, SEC.19.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-22.4 Annual report regarding licensed teacher information

Sec. 22.4. (a) The department shall annually prepare a report that includes the following information regarding teachers licensed in Indiana: (1) The total number of teachers who hold licenses in one (1) or more content areas. (2) The total number of teachers who teach in the content area for which the teacher holds a teaching license. (3) The total number of teachers who: (A) teach under a license or permit issued by the department; (B) completed a teacher preparation program (as defined in IC 20-28-3-1(b)); and (C) have not passed the teacher licensing examinations under section 12 of this chapter. (4) The percentage of teachers who complete a particular teacher preparation program who are teaching in Indiana: (A) five (5) years; and (B) ten (10) years; after completion of the particular teacher preparation program, disaggregated by teacher preparation program. (b) Not later than October 1 of each year, the department shall submit the report prepared under subsection (a) to the: (1) legislative council; and (2) interim study committee on education established by IC 2-5-1.3-4; in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6. (c) The department shall post the report prepared under subsection (a) on the department's website. As added by P.L.233-2019, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.96-2021, SEC.3; P.L.41-2022, SEC.2; P.L.23-2026, SEC.187.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-22.5 Workplace specialist license; eligibility requirements

Sec. 22.5. To be eligible for a workplace specialist license, an applicant must meet the following criteria: (1) Hold a high school diploma and be at least twenty-one (21) years of age. (2) Be accepted for employment as a workplace specialist teacher in a recognized content area listed on the workplace specialist license by at least one (1) of the following: (A) An Indiana school corporation. (B) A cooperating school corporation for career and technical education organized under IC 20-37-1-1. (C) An accredited education program offered by the department of correction. (3) Complete the application process required by the department. (4) Provide documentation that the applicant meets at least one (1) of the following criteria: (A) The applicant has, within the immediately preceding five (5) years, at least five thousand (5,000) clock hours of documented occupational experience in the specific career and technical occupational area in which the applicant intends to teach. (B) The applicant has: (i) within the immediately preceding ten (10) years, at least four thousand (4,000) clock hours of documented occupational experience in the specific career and technical occupational area in which the applicant intends to teach; and (ii) completed a state approved occupational competency exam in the career and technical occupational area in which the applicant intends to teach, an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree from a postsecondary educational institution in the career and technical occupational area in which the applicant intends to teach, or an approved apprenticeship or internship program that is a regular part of the training for the career and technical occupational area in which the applicant intends to teach. As added by P.L.275-2019, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-23 NASDTEC agreement

Sec. 23. The department shall enter into the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. As added by P.L.275-2019, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-25 Professional growth experience points

Sec. 25. (a) This section applies to a professional growth plan that begins after July 1, 2019. (b) Fifteen (15) of the total number of professional growth experience points required to renew a practitioner license or accomplished practitioner license may be obtained through the completion of one (1) or more of the following: (1) Working for or with a local company in a capacity that includes an understanding of the current and future economic needs of the company and community and a process to disseminate that information to students. (2) Professional development provided by the state, a local business, or a community partner that provides opportunities for schools and employers to partner in promoting career navigation. (3) Professional development provided by the state, a local business, or a community partner that outlines the: (A) current and future economic needs of the community, state, nation, and globe; and (B) ways in which the current and future economic needs described in clause (A) can be disseminated to students. (4) Participation in mentoring or coaching students who are involved in, working with students who are involved in, and exposing students to real world competitions or any other types of programs that provide career skills, including competitions or programs involving or provided by the following: (A) Robotics. (B) Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS). (C) Technology Student Association (TSA). (D) Future Health Professionals (HOSA). (E) Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). (F) Future Farmers of America (FFA). (c) This section may not be construed to limit the types of professional development that qualify for professional growth experience points. As added by P.L.143-2019, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.78-2020, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-26 Repealed

As added by P.L.124-2020, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.96-2021, SEC.4. Repealed by P.L.214-2025, SEC.117.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-27 Issuance of adjunct teaching permits

Sec. 27. (a) In an effort to fill a vacant teaching position, offer a new program or class, or supplement a program currently being offered, the governing body of a school corporation or the equivalent authority for a charter school or nonpublic school may issue an adjunct teacher permit to an individual if the following minimum requirements are met: (1) The individual has at least four (4) years of experience in the content area in which the individual intends to teach. (2) The school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school conducts an expanded criminal history check and expanded child protection index check concerning the individual as required under IC 20-26-5-10. (3) The individual has not been convicted of a felony listed in section 8(b) of this chapter or described in section 8(c) of this chapter or the individual's conviction has been reversed, vacated, or set aside on appeal. However, the governing body or equivalent authority may establish stricter requirements than the requirements prescribed by this subsection. (b) If a governing body of a school corporation or the equivalent authority for a charter school or nonpublic school issues an adjunct teacher permit to an individual under subsection (a): (1) the school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school may enter into an employment agreement for employment with the individual as a part-time or full-time teacher of the school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school; (2) the individual who holds the adjunct permit may teach in any content area, including a career and technical education content area, in which the school corporation, charter school, or nonpublic school allows the individual to teach based on the individual's experience described in subsection (a); (3) the individual must be assigned a teacher mentor for support in pedagogy; and (4) the individual must complete the following training within the first ninety (90) days of employment: (A) Bullying prevention. (B) Child abuse and neglect. (C) Youth suicide awareness and prevention. (D) Human trafficking. (c) An adjunct teacher may not provide special education instruction. (d) The salary of an adjunct teacher under an employment agreement described in IC 20-28-6-7.3 is not subject to the requirements under IC 20-28-9-1.5 or a local compensation plan established by a school corporation as described in IC 20-28-9-1.5. (e) Except as otherwise provided in a collective bargaining agreement entered into or renewed before July 1, 2022, an employment agreement entered into under this section is not subject to a collective bargaining agreement entered into under IC 20-29. (f) It is not an unfair practice for a school corporation to enter into an employment agreement under this section. (g) A school corporation or charter school shall post a vacant adjunct teacher position on the department's online adjunct teacher portal established under IC 20-19-3-25. (h) A school corporation may notify the parents of students enrolled in the school corporation of a vacant adjunct teacher position. (i) The governing body of a school corporation shall announce any vacant adjunct teacher positions at meetings of the governing body. As added by P.L.168-2022, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.160-2023, SEC.4; P.L.170-2023, SEC.18; P.L.200-2023, SEC.11; P.L.214-2025, SEC.118; P.L.74-2026, SEC.96.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-28 Visiting teacher license

Sec. 28. (a) As used in this section, "visiting teacher" means a citizen of another country who: (1) is or will be visiting the United States; and (2) is or will be employed as a teacher at a school in Indiana as evidenced by a written offer of employment. (b) An applicant is eligible to receive a visiting teacher license if the applicant meets the requirements established by the state board. (c) A visiting teacher license issued to a visiting teacher must be a five (5) year nonrenewable license. As added by P.L.150-2024, SEC.24.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-29 Licensure pathway; high school level course, or grades 5 through 9

Sec. 29. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the department may grant a license to teach: (1) a high school level course; or (2) in grades 5 through 9; to an individual who completes a licensure pathway established by the department. (b) A licensure pathway established by the department under subsection (a)(1) must be aligned to a course content area that is part of student diploma requirements established by the state board under IC 20-19-2-21. As added by P.L.194-2025, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 20-28-5-30 Emergency permit renewal

Sec. 30. (a) As used in this section, "emergency permit" refers to an emergency permit described in 511 IAC 16-4-1 or its successor rule. (b) An emergency permit may be renewed up to two (2) times to an individual enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program under section 12.5 of this chapter if the program provides documentation verifying the individual's good standing in the program to the department. As added by P.L.159-2026, SEC.10.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/20Fetched: 10/17/2026

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