Patricia “Pat” Payne, the former director of multicultural education at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), is a well known community advocate for educational equity in Indianapolis Public Schools.
For more than 50 years, she has made fighting for social justice her life’s work. To honor and recognize her efforts, the Indiana University School of Education at IUPUI has created the Patricia Payne Scholarship for Teacher Candidates.
“Her footprint, her impact in IPS and our community is phenomenal. She made such a difference in education,” said Patricia Rogan, executive associate dean of the School of Education. “Her work is very much in line with what we are committed to as an urban serving school of education.”
The scholarship is for an undergraduate or graduate student who plans to become an educator. It is also awarded to a student who has a record of academic excellence, leadership, and demonstrates commitment to urban education, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Special consideration will be given to underrepresented populations, including but not limited to financially challenged students, students with diverse cultural experiences, and students pursuing dual certification in teacher education and special education.
“This scholarship reflects Pat’s passion and commitment to what teachers do every day and to prepare the next generation of students becoming teachers,” said Rogan.
Payne was made aware of this scholarship during her retirement celebration and is overjoyed that a scholarship has been established in her name, to reflect her values.
“I was in a state of amazement that Dr. Rogan, who is a very dear friend of mine, thought I was so deserving of this amazing honor,” said Payne.
Payne recently retired after 52 years of service to her “beloved IPS.” Coming from a family of educators, she spent her first 25 years as an elementary school teacher. She then became director of multicultural education and spearheaded the Crispus Attucks Museum. Her office was located inside of the historic Crispus Attucks High School.
“When I first started teaching, it was just Black and white. We saw the curriculum did not reflect the children we were teaching. That is when we started a movement to do something about it,” said Payne.
Payne was instrumental in getting resources and materials into IPS classrooms so students of color could see themselves reflected. She was also an integral part in boosting teacher cultural competency training and implementing “The Historic Journey” curriculum guide, a more in depth look at Black History.
Though Payne is retired, she still devotes her time for IPS as an administrator on special assignment and continues her work for social justice in education particularly at IPS. She does this because of her fanatic passion for IPS and its students.
“That is where I see the most being done for Black children. Black children are my main concern and I say that unapologetically,” said Payne. “I was very specific in the wording of this scholarship. We need measures to preserve and not dilute traditional public schools.”
Rogan said not only is there a lack of teachers, but there is also a great need for teachers that reflect the diversity of the students they serve. Payne adds that she hopes students apply and pick up where she’s left off in championing the positive aspects of traditional public schools and the students who attend those schools. They believe the support of a financial contribution can help those areas greatly.
The scholarship has been awarded for the 2015 school year, however students enrolled in a teacher preparation program at the IU School of Education at IUPUI can apply for a 2016 scholarship at Education.iupui.edu/scholarships/available-scholarships.
Currently the scholarship is for $1,000 but Rogan hopes to boost the award amount and also award more than one scholarship. Those who are interested in donating to the Patricia Payne Scholarship for Teacher Candidates can visit Myiu.org/one-time-gift and search for “Payne.”
For more information, call (317) 274-6801 or visit Education.iupui.edu.
