Ball State University Teachers College

09/04/2026

Fun Fact Friday!

If you could pick one place you've visited as your favorite, where would it be?

For Penny Craig, Teaching Professor in the Ball State University Department of Special Education, the answer is Inverness, Scotland.

Penny traveled to Scotland with her father while she was in Germany with student teachers. They took the opportunity to explore the family connection to “Clan Craig” and visit Craig Castle. But it wasn't just the family history that made Scotland special. Penny says the Highlands around Inverness simply felt like home, with a landscape that reminded her of Indiana, only with more hills and water.

They explored castles and historic sites throughout the area, including Urquhart, Brodie, Eilean Donan and Craig Castle. Their first trip to Craig Castle ended in darkness thanks to the early November sunset, so they returned the next day to see the last standing tower.

The only thing missing from their Scottish adventure? A glimpse of Nessie!

We're excited to spend the year getting to know our Teachers College faculty and staff a little better through their favorite places. Check back each Friday for another Fun Fact.

09/03/2026

Damariz Alvarado has dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was a little girl. Now, she's beginning her first semester at Ball State as an Art Education major and taking the next steps toward that dream.

Inspired by her own art teachers, Damariz hopes to share her love of creativity with future students. She's already looking forward to art classes, meeting new people, working as a resident assistant, and getting involved on campus.

As a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, Damariz is grateful for the opportunity to further her education and pursue the career she's envisioned for years.

Get to know Damariz and learn more about her journey in our latest Scholar Spotlight: https://blogs.bsu.edu/teachers-college/2026/09/03/scholar-spotlight-damariz-alvarados-path-to-art-education/

Ball State University School of Art
Ball State University College of Fine Arts

09/01/2026

Camp Achieve went Jurassic this summer!

With dinosaur-themed activities, swimming, archery, art, field trips and even a foam party, Camp Achieve 2026 was packed with adventure.

But beneath all the fun, 34 autistic campers were building skills, confidence and friendships in a supportive community designed to help them thrive.

Want to see what made this year's camp so special? Our latest blog takes you inside Camp Achieve, from big accomplishments to unexpected full-circle moments.

Read the story at: https://blogs.bsu.edu/teachers-college/2026/08/31/more-than-a-summer-camp-camp-achieve-helps-autistic-children-grow-connect-and-thrive/

08/28/2026

Scholar Spotlight: Meet Reagan Bowers!

Reagan Bowers has officially started her Ball State journey as a first-year student pursuing dual majors in Special Education and Elementary Education.

Her passion for working with children began through volunteer experiences, including running children's games at local festivals and serving as a vacation Bible school group leader. Reagan's own experiences as a student also helped shape her desire to support children who may need extra assistance with learning.

As a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, Reagan is now taking the next steps toward her goal of teaching young learners and helping them build the foundation for future success.

Get to know Reagan and learn more about her journey in our latest Scholar Spotlight: https://blogs.bsu.edu/teachers-college/2026/08/28/scholar-spotlight-reagan-bowers-wants-to-help-every-student-succeed/

Ball State University, Department of Elementary Education
Ball State University Department of Special Education

08/26/2026

Scholar Spotlight: Nadia Cline Is Ready to Make a Difference

Nadia Cline has officially started her Ball State journey, but her path toward becoming an educator began years ago.

As a high school student, Nadia discovered her passion for special education. Her mom, a special education teacher of 16 years, had already given her a firsthand look at the field, but it was Nadia's own experiences that made her realize this was the career she wanted to pursue.

Now, she's a first-year Special Education major at Ball State and a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Nadia hopes to work with young students and help them build confidence, develop strong foundations, and discover their potential.
We're excited to see where this journey takes her!

Read Nadia's full Scholar Spotlight at: https://blogs.bsu.edu/teachers-college/2026/08/26/scholar-spotlight-nadia-cline-is-ready-to-make-a-difference/

Ball State University Department of Special Education

08/24/2026

Welcome back, Cardinals!

The first day of the Fall 2026 semester is here, and campus is bustling again! We’re so happy to see students back on campus and Teachers College come alive with the energy of a new academic year.

This fall, we may have Cardinals from the Class of 2026 wrapping up their Ball State journey this December all the way to the newest members of the Class of 2030. That’s a lot of different stages of the college experience represented on campus!

So, let’s hear from you:
• What’s your Ball State class?
• And what piece of advice would you give to someone who is just starting their college journey or someone getting ready to finish it?

Whether you’re a current student, recent grad or an alum who’s been a Cardinal for a while, share your wisdom in the comments!

Here’s to a great semester, Cardinals!

08/20/2026

A little Ball State nostalgia for your Thursday! Do you recognize any of these familiar places from years past?

08/20/2026

08/17/2026

We're excited to start to see campus come alive again!

08/14/2026

Scholar Spotlight: Meet Logan Byrd!

Logan Byrd is an incoming Secondary Education major with a focus in Mathematics and a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship.

Education has been on Logan’s mind since third grade, and the teachers who inspired him throughout his school years helped him see teaching as a career where he could make a difference.

Now, Logan hopes to teach high school mathematics and make a subject that many students dread more engaging and enjoyable. He’s ready to bring his love of math, creativity, and passion for helping others to his future classroom.

Read Logan’s story and learn more about his journey to becoming a mathematics educator at: https://blogs.bsu.edu/teachers-college/2026/08/14/scholar-spotlight-logan-byrd-wants-to-make-math-fun/

Ball State College of Sciences and Humanities