Indiana Professional Educators, Inc.
"Educators by Calling, Professionals by Choice"
Founded in 1976 by Indianapolis school teacher, Jane Ping, IPE provides an alternative for professional, independent school educators in Indiana.
INDIANA PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS, INC.
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128 So. East Street #200
Crown Point, IN 46307
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Phone: 219-663-8559
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Who are we?
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IPE's priority is children and the commitment to provide them the best possible, uninterrupted education through professional educators.
IPE is adamantly opposed to forced unionization of public school educators and is the leading force protecting them from these abuses.
IPE believes that educators should be free from all forms of compulsory membership and endorsements.
IPE does not get involved in election campaigns, endorse candidates or use member dues to fund political causes or special interest groups.
IPE dues are very reasonable and related directly to the actual costs of our member benefits and services.
IPE IS NOT A UNION! We provide an alternative for the liability insurance that is often obtained through teacher unions.
In 1976, Jane Ping, a kindergarten teacher in Indianapolis, sought to change the landscape of education. At the time, union membership was compulsory and no one dare challenge the mighty unions. But forced union membership was not a goal of good teachers; they wanted to practice their craft in the classroom unencumbered by politics and agendas that did not serve the children and affronted their personal beliefs. They didn't want their money to be spent on special interests and self-serving goals of the union.
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So Jane started down this uncharted path and challenged the status quo to free Indiana teachers from that mandated and burdensome union membership. Teacher unions decried those who were unhappy and accused them of wanting a "free ride". But it was never a "free ride". We were "captive passengers". Jane anticipated and emerged from difficult legal battles and obstacles. She single-handedly discovered allies in both the legal profession and in the Indiana General Assembly. Her perseverance and dedication to the cause was roundly supported by teachers and school districts in central Indiana. On July 28th, 1976, as we celebrated our nation's 200th birthday, IPE was founded and incorporated in the state of Indiana.
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She did it! We were the first organization in the United States to provide an alternative to the teachers' unions. Indiana legislation denounced the closed shop and gave Hoosier teachers the right to choose their professional affiliation and representation. Under this leadership, more than 2 dozen other states have followed suit and now offer their teachers independent affiliation.
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Since that earthquake in the teacher union world, IPE has kept steady. We continue to rally on behalf of our independent and professional teachers for fair legislation and Indiana continues to provide the safety net to ensure our teachers can teach their students with confidence, skill and safety.
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We are honored to continue her legacy.
Heroes
Our Hoosier teachers are heroes. No doubt about it. Navigating charged political and ever-changing societal landscapes, it's difficult to do our job and prepare our students for what waits for them out there. Our jobs have become increasingly difficult (and in some cases, near impossible) but we persevere, heeding our calling -the reason we chose this profession. Keep the faith and rely on your intuition. We all hope these times pass quickly so we can be about our business in creating tomorrow's leaders and heroes. Thank you for being a teacher!
