This year’s Excellence in Teaching Award at the doctoral level recipient brings outstanding academic work to Ball State University. As a graduate instructor nominated by BSU faculty and selected through a rigorous peer review process, this award recognizes an educator who excels at thinking outside of the box and is passionate about bringing accessibility to the education system at-large. Congratulations, Shawnna Sundberg! 

Where is your hometown? 

Delphi, Indiana. 

What are a few of your favorite hobbies? 

I love reading, anything involving animals, and listening and playing music. I also enjoy knitting, decorating, and baking, especially when I get to do it just for fun and not on a schedule. 

Why did you choose Ball State? 

I chose Ball State because it was genuinely accessible. As a mom, a first-generation college student, and someone working full time, there’s no way I would have been able to pursue a doctoral degree without the flexibility and support Ball State offers. The program made it possible for me to be here at all, not just successful once I arrived. 

What first interested you about your graduate program? 

I was working at a clinic in Muncie where Ball State faculty would occasionally contract or conduct research, and I really wanted to be part of that work. I had already completed my Master’s degree at Ball State, so I was familiar with the faculty and the program. It felt like a natural place to continue my training and grow professionally. 

How did you begin teaching as a graduate student on campus? 

I built my CV throughout my graduate program through teaching experiences and publications. When a full-time faculty position opened, I applied and was fortunate to be hired. That allowed me to transition into a teaching role while still completing my graduate work. 

What is one lesson you have learned as a graduate student through your teaching experience? 

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of flexibility and responsiveness. Teaching as a graduate student showed me that effective instruction isn’t about having everything perfectly planned. It’s about listening to students, adapting in real time, and adjusting support based on what they actually need. 

What has been the most valuable part of your graduate teaching experience? 

The most valuable part has been getting to teach and watching students grow. I also really value the challenge of figuring out how to teach complex ideas in ways that make sense to students. That ongoing problem-solving as an instructor has been incredibly rewarding. 

Is there anything else you would like to communicate about your experience as a teacher here on BSU’s campus? 

The Special Education faculty have been incredibly supportive throughout my time here. People consistently make themselves available when I need guidance or help. That sense of support has made a meaningful difference in my experience as both a graduate student and a teacher. 

What are your future plans and career goals? 

I plan to continue teaching at the university level while continuing my research focused on anti-ableism in applied behavior analysis. My goal is to support future practitioners through teaching while contributing research that promotes more ethical, inclusive, and reflective practices in the field.