A Message from Department Chair

A message from

The Department Chairperson

"Welcome to the Department of Elementary Education at Ball State University! We are very proud of the programs in our department. When you have completed your undergraduate education at Ball State, we believe that you will be well prepared to enter the teaching profession.

Teachers must develop expertise in many areas. Teaching in today's schools requires highly qualified, professional educators who are able to meet the needs of students, families, and communities. Teachers must be knowledgeable in learning theory, instructional planning, and individual differences. They must be organized, thoughtful, and dedicated to their profession. Within any given school setting your duties may include acting as teacher, mentor, counselor, confidant, disciplinarian, nurse, psychologist, mediator, colleague, and leader to name a few.

This handbook was developed to assist you as you move through the program and toward the exhibition of behaviors required of today's teachers. Study it carefully and see your advisor at least once each semester to minimize difficulties moving through your program.

The faculty and staff in the Department of Elementary Education bring extensive experience to the teacher education program and are ready to assist you in any way they can. We hope that you have a memorable experience at Ball State University, while keeping in mind the enormous responsibility that will be yours upon graduation."

James C. Stroud , Ph. D. Chair