Peggy is the Director of the BSU Schools Network. Her primary responsibility is to coordinate the Professional Development Schools Network and facilitate the PDS work within our partnership of P-12 schools and museums. Peggy has taught in schools in California, Maine, and Iowa. Along with classroom teaching in grades 5 and 6, her background includes work with gifted and talented K-6, middle level education, consulting as an education specialist for both language arts and mathematics, and serving as the stateside education liaison for a National Science Foundation expedition to Antarctica. Along with being a band booster and swim parent, she always finds time to be an active participant in Book Club, one of her favorite leisure activities.
Lynette Varner
Lynette is an Instructor of Elementary Education at Ball State University where she teaches practicum classes, senior seminar, student teachers, and serves as a Professional Development Liaison to Mitchell and Washington-Carver Elementary. Prior to teaching at Ball State, she taught a variety of grade levels (1, 3, 4, 5, K-plus, title I Reading, and 3rd/4th gifted and talented) during her 17-year tenure with New Castle Community Schools. Mrs. Varner taught middle school at St. Lawrence Catholic School and served as principal for two years. Lynette is an active member of Indiana Beta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary for Women Educators. Lynette and her family, husband Mark, and daughter Emily are all avid readers.
Kelly Cochran
Kelly Cochran is originally from La Porte, Indiana. She is the daughter of Steve and Tonda Cochran and grew up with an older sister, Casey. It was at Marquette Catholic High School where she found her love for reading. Kelly is a December 2007 graduate from Ball State University, and majored in Elementary Education with a concentration on Kindergarten. During her time at Ball State University she also participated on the woman’s volleyball team. Currently Kelly lives in Fishers, Indiana where is she pursuing her teaching career.
Chris Rodgers
My name is Chris Rodgers. I am currently finishing my 9th year of teaching at Washington-Carver Elementary in Muncie, Indiana. In 1999 and 2007 I earned my BS and MAE from Ball State University. I have been married to my wife Stephanie for 9 years and we have a beautiful 3 year old son. My free time is consumed by my three year old, but when I do have time I enjoy playing golf and reading. Like I said, I enjoy reading, but right now my choices have been limited to Curious George and Brown Bear, Brown Bear.
