INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's largest teachers union is working to rebuild after the 2009 collapse of its insurance trust and is hoping the election of teacher Glenda Ritz as the state's top school official will help.

The Indiana State Teachers Association has been saddled by millions in debt, seen its membership drop, battled lawsuits and been forced to cede its independence to the National Education Association since its trust collapsed. Its staff is a third the size it once was, and the union had to win contract concessions from its own unionized workers to cut costs.

The Indianapolis Star reports the troubles have undercut the once powerful lobbying force.

ISTA Executive Director Brenda Pike acknowledges the group faces challenges but says it is working to deal with its financial issues.