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. Next up is Kathryn “Kate” Burbrink.

Major/Minor:

DUAL – K-6 Elementary Education and K-6 Mild Special Education

Projected Graduation Date:

May 2023

Hometown:

North Vernon, IN.

What made you choose Ball State?

I chose Ball State because when I visited, the quality of the campus itself and the potential of being a part of the many opportunities within Student Life were very appealing to me. Most importantly, I felt like the Teachers College was a great place for me to pursue my goal of becoming the best elementary teacher I could be. In all, Ball State was a clear answer in choosing my college to attend.

Are you involved with any campus organizations?

I am a proud member of Kappa Delta Sorority on Campus, where I served as the chapter President for 2022.

What made you want to become an educator/teacher?

I wanted to become a teacher because I have always cared deeply about children and I enjoy seeing how students can grow in their own inquiries and passions, with facilitation from educators. I believe that a quality, individualized education is something of great value that can never be taken away from a child and I knew I wanted to be a part of giving that gift to young people.

Do you have any plans for what you would like to do after you graduate?

My graduation plans are to begin teaching in Fall of 2023 at an elementary school in Central/Southern Indiana, but I am still in the pursuit of finding my school.

Do you have any hobbies? If so, what?

My favorite hobby is baking! I love spending some of my free-time in the kitchen making baked goods for my friends and family.

Fun fact about yourself:

My fun-fact is that I am 6’2 and probably one of the tallest girls on campus!

Is there anything else you would like to add? Any fun projects you are working on? Favorite class/professor? Etc.

I’d like to give a special shout-out to two particularly influential professors I have had the opportunity to learn from while at Ball State. For Special Education, Dr. Penny Craig, who taught me many ways to implement useful technology into a classroom to benefit students of all needs. Then for Elementary Education, Katie Bransteter who fostered experiences in and outside of the classroom and shaped me in becoming an impactful educator.

Congratulations Kate!

Congratulations to all of the Teachers College Top 100 Students:

*Abbey Armstrong

Isabella Barounes

*Kathryn Burbrink

Jada Cooper

Nicole Diaz-Castillo

*Madison Groves

Stacia Hazlett

Mikayla Kirkling

*Lauren Langness

*Alexa Leisure

Kendra Loos

*Leah Meersman

Cole Miller

Sarah Owens

Erin Rossiter

*Isabella Watts

*Aubrey Wilson

*=Top 50