Author: Shane Phipps

My name is Shane Phipps. I am a teacher and writer living in Indianapolis. I have taught 8th grade U.S. history since 2001. I am the author of historical novel, The Carter Journals: Time Travels in Early U.S. History (Indiana Historical Society Press, 2015). My book is used in several school districts across the region as a supplemental curriculum resource. I write a weekly column about education in the Anderson Herald-Bulletin. This column is also shared in about a dozen other newspapers throughout the state of Indiana. I also write a blog for the national platform called Patheos. You can check that out at this link. The mission of this particular blog is to face the growing crisis within public education head on, honestly and frankly. That's just what you'll read here. I've been immersed in the game of education for two decades and I've seen the changes, most of them for the worse. I have a platform to share with my readers the real truth about what is going on. I'll share inspirational successes, disappointing failures, and ideas for making things better.
By Shane Phipps Posted on

The Education Pendulum is Swinging Back and Policy Makers Aren't Going to Stop It

Public education really shouldn’t be a political issue, but we all know that it is–and it’s a big one. As a political issue, public education is subject to the same … Continue reading The Education Pendulum is Swinging Back and Policy Makers Aren't Going to Stop It

By Shane Phipps Posted on

Hey Indiana Legislators, Let Me Tell You About Some Friends of Mine

Hello Indiana legislators, I know you are tired of hearing from us teachers. You may be particularly sick of reading what I’ve been writing about you. I get it, we’ve … Continue reading Hey Indiana Legislators, Let Me Tell You About Some Friends of Mine

By Shane Phipps Posted on

To Stem the Tyrannous Tide, We Need More Educators in Indiana Government: My Platform, Were I to Run

We stand on the cusp of a colossal disaster. A critical teacher shortage is getting worse by the hour. This crisis shows absolutely no signs slowing down. New teachers looking … Continue reading To Stem the Tyrannous Tide, We Need More Educators in Indiana Government: My Platform, Were I to Run

By Shane Phipps Posted on

Indiana's Supermajority House Just Spat Right in the Face of Teachers

The dust of the Red for Ed Action Day rally has barely settled and already the Indiana House supermajority has shown that it has no respect for the cause of … Continue reading Indiana's Supermajority House Just Spat Right in the Face of Teachers

By Shane Phipps Posted on

Stop Telling Me About How Much Indiana Spends on Education–You Just Don't Get It

Let me say this louder for those in the back: INDIANA’S EDUCATION FUNDING PROBLEM IS NOT REALLY A BUDGET PROBLEM–IT’S A POLICY PROBLEM! Did you hear me that time? I’ve … Continue reading Stop Telling Me About How Much Indiana Spends on Education–You Just Don't Get It

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Pushing Back Against the Push Back: An Open Letter to Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Dear Mr. Shabazz, I read with interest your guest column contribution in the Anderson Herald-Bulletin on Monday, Nov. 25. The headline, A Little Education for Indiana’s Teachers, certainly caught my … Continue reading Pushing Back Against the Push Back: An Open Letter to Abdul-Hakim Shabazz