Ball State University Department of Special Education

Have you checked out our partner of the month, Ball State Online? Ball State University offers online graduate programs in applied behavior analysis and special education with a focus in autism.

Learn more: bsu.edu/online/MAABA

Check out this local all abilities camp!

East Central Indiana North FCA To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

Job opening at Burris
See the link for more information or to apply

Instructor of Special Education, K-12 Position Title: Instructor of Special Education, K-12 Compensation: $48,500 - $74,312 Department: Burris Laboratory School Start Date: 08/10/2026 About this opportunity: Burris Laboratory School at Ball State University welcomes applications for an Instructor of Special Education to support K–12 s...

TOP 100 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

We’re continuing our series highlighting incredible Teachers College and secondary education students from Ball State University who have been recognized as Top 100 Students.

Meet Sydney Schmitt, a junior studying Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education with a minor in American Sign Language.

From leading campus organizations to creating hands-on classroom experiences during practicums, Sydney is passionate about building strong support systems for students and future educators alike.

Read Sydney’s story at: https://blogs.bsu.edu/teachers-college/2026/05/13/teaching-language-and-connection-meet-top-100-student-sydney-schmitt/

Ball State Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies
Ball State University Department of Special Education

Meet Alexander Willoughby, a Ball State graduate student pursuing his Master of Arts in Special Education. Through advocacy, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving students with exceptionalities, Alexander is helping create more inclusive and supportive learning environments every day.

Recently recognized with the Dr. Michael Peter Livovich Servant Leader Scholarship and multiple Department of Special Education awards, Alexander continues to lead with compassion and purpose.

Read his story and learn more about the experiences and mentors that shaped his passion for education: https://blogs.bsu.edu/teachers-college/2026/05/11/empathy-advocacy-and-impact-meet-graduate-student-alexander-willoughby/

American Sign Language Club raising awareness for the deaf community The club continues to support and shine a light on the deaf and hard of hearing community here at Ball State.

Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to celebrate our Department Chair, Dr. Kim Zoder-Martell and reflect on the incredible impact she has had on the Department of Special Education.

During a time of tremendous change and growth, Dr. Zoder-Martell led our department with vision, determination, and genuine care for both students and faculty. Her commitment to excellence has strengthened our department in lasting ways.

But her impact extends far beyond this work. Dr. Zoder-Martell created opportunities for us to connect as colleagues and as a community. She organized faculty retreats that brought our diverse faculty together, inspired initiatives like the sensory walk for Admitted Students Day, and somehow managed to channel her competitive, joyful spirit into department victories including first place in the Homecoming hallway decorating competition and winning the Spirit Award during the One Ball State Day Annual Duck Race.

Perhaps most importantly, she invested deeply in people. She mentored new faculty, supported us through challenges, celebrated our successes, and consistently encouraged us to grow into better professors, scholars, and colleagues. She valued each of us as individuals, and that support made our department stronger.

While we will miss her leadership and presence in our department, we are excited to see her begin her next chapter as Dean of the College of Education and Human Service Professions at the University of Minnesota Duluth. They are gaining an exceptional leader and advocate.

Thank you, Dr. Zoder-Martell, for the leadership, encouragement, laughter, and care you brought to our department every day. We wish you continued success and happiness in your new role!

Fun Fact Friday - Student Edition!

Say hello to Olivia Williams, a freshman dual major studying Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.

Olivia has participated in Johnson County 4-H for 10 years and has earned four Grand Champion awards over the past three years! Three of those awards were for Child Development projects, and another was for Recyclable Art.

She also graduated from Center Grove High School early and started college ahead of schedule to jumpstart her future career in education.

What an incredible start to her Ball State journey!

So proud to see one of our Exceptional Needs: Intense Interventions graduates celebrated by her student teaching placement as she finished her final day! Watching her grow into a compassionate, dedicated educator has been a privilege. Wishing you all the best as you begin this next chapter after graduation, Grace!