journalism – Page 2 – Lauren Slagter

Why educators want you to think there’s a teacher shortage (Kokomo Tribune)

Educators point to state of profession as reason for shortage, though conflicting information paints varying pictures of supply, demand for teachers

Woman’s death calls into question 911 dispatch practices (Kokomo Tribune)

Kokomo firefighters took 13 minutes to respond to a medical emergency happening less than one mile from the station on July 1, after Howard County 911 Communications dispatchers sent them to the wrong address. In the meantime, the woman who made the 911 call because she was having difficulty breathing died. Firefighter Kurtis Reed, whoContinue reading “Woman’s death calls into question 911 dispatch practices (Kokomo Tribune)”

A fine line between church and state: Eastern Howard School Corp. acknowledges Christian influence within public school district (Kokomo Tribune)

Eastern Howard School Corp. acknowledges Christian influence within public school district GREENTOWN – It’s there in the group of student athletes gathered before school each Wednesday to read the Bible together. It shows up when the elementary school student of the month is recognized for his “strong personal faith” as well as his classroom performance.Continue reading “A fine line between church and state: Eastern Howard School Corp. acknowledges Christian influence within public school district (Kokomo Tribune)”

Teaching Success: Bouncing back from ‘ineffective’ (Big Rapids Pioneer)

Ex-teacher shares circumstances that prompted her to leave the classroom Katie Tomczyk gave her all in her first year of teaching, loving the chance to make a difference in students’ lives. Five years later, that passion was gone. So she quit. “I saw the effort and commitment in other teachers,” said Tomczyk, 29, a BigContinue reading “Teaching Success: Bouncing back from ‘ineffective’ (Big Rapids Pioneer)”

Earning a path out of poverty (Big Rapids Pioneer)

Area residents living in poverty discuss stigma, shame that comes with admitting they need help Sometimes all you can do is put on some lipstick. When utility shut-off notices and bills are piling up, you’ve been wearing the same clothes for days, all you’ve had to eat this week is peanut butter and jelly sandwichesContinue reading “Earning a path out of poverty (Big Rapids Pioneer)”