The Ball State University Foundation Top 100 Student Awards recognizes 100 outstanding junior and senior undergraduates at Ball State University who represent Beneficence both in and out of the classroom. We are thrilled to highlight the winners from Teachers College.
Education
Junior Jada Cooper, originally from Loves Park, Illinois, is an Elementary Education major with a concentration in Gifted & Talented, and a minor in the Psychology of Human Development. She has always loved learning and being in a classroom environment, and she was drawn to become an educator so she can share this passion.
“I know that a lot of students struggle to have a positive outlook on school and see the benefit of all the material they’re learning, but I want all students to love school and learning in the same way I do.”
Mentor
Jada has been an Honors College Peer Mentor for the last two years. She says this has been an amazing experience:
“It’s really awesome to see freshman open up and begin exploring college and the new experiences that it can bring. Some of the freshman I mentored during my first year are still some of my closest friends.”
Her favorite professor in Teachers College is Dr. Lauren Mims, Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology.
“I had her for EDPS260 my freshman year and we have continued developing a relationship as we’ve done research together and even presented to the Board of Trustees at the end of my sophomore year. She’s a great professor and person, who might convince me to get my PhD someday!”
Plans
After she graduates in May of 2023, Jada would like to teach in a 3rd grade high ability classroom. Until recently she was only interested in identifying high ability students and sending them on to appropriate classroom environments. However, recent experiences changed her mind.
“After being in a high ability classroom this semester, I have discovered a new passion for this type of teaching and would love to have my own high ability classroom. I will also be pursuing my master’s degree in Educational Psychology directly after my undergrad is complete.”
Previously in her spare time, Jada was a Ball State Cheerleader for her first two years on campus. She also enjoyed making jewelry. However, she has a new way she’ll be spending her time outside of classes. Last month she welcomed a baby girl into the world!
Comments: