Ball State University’s Teachers College has a long history of preparing exceptional educators, and recently, one of its own, Megan Johnson ’07, was named 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year. A fourth-grade teacher with Plainfield Community School Corporation, Megan is known for her deep commitment to student belonging, literacy, family engagement, and the science of reading. Her journey shows the lasting power of great teacher preparation, strong relationships, and a passion for helping children succeed.

A Calling Rooted in Childhood

Megan’s desire to teach has always been part of her identity. “I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher,” she shared. As a young student, she found joy and safety in schools, inspired by the teachers who made her feel seen and supported. Those early experiences shaped her vision for her own classroom, one grounded in belonging, connection, and purpose.

Why She Chose Ball State

When it came time to choose a university, Ball State was the clear choice.

“I knew I wanted to learn from one of the strongest teacher preparation programs in the state,” Megan said. The early and frequent classroom experiences, respected faculty, and strong reputation of Teachers College confirmed her decision.

She also remembers a principal telling her that when he saw Ball State on a résumé, he moved it “straight to the top because he trusted the program to produce classroom-ready teachers.” That affirmation has stayed with her throughout her career.

 

Memories That Last a Lifetime

While Megan thrived academically, many of her favorite Ball State memories were made outside the classroom. She served as hall president, led study groups, worked on campus, and enjoyed the tight-knit community of residence life. One memory still stands out: playing mud volleyball with friends from her dorm. “Those moments helped us feel at home,” she said, “and created bonds that lasted far beyond our time on campus.”

 

Teachers College: A Foundation Built on Authentic Experience

Megan attributes much of her success as an educator to Ball State’s emphasis on doing the real work of teaching from day one.

“We weren’t just learning about teaching, we were actually teaching from the start,” she explained.

Her experiences included:

• Working with students from grades 1–5
• Learning from supportive instructors in small, discussion-rich classes
• A life-changing practicum with Year 2 students in Liverpool, England
• A hands-on student teaching experience at Cowan Elementary

One powerful lesson sticks with her to this day: “We’re not teaching classroom discipline; we’re teaching child guidance.” That philosophy continues to anchor her approach to classroom culture.

A Teaching Philosophy Rooted in Relationships

Megan’s academic focus on family, home, and school relationships strongly influences her teaching today. She is known for fostering meaningful connections with families, keeping them informed, and helping them understand their child’s growth as a learner.

Her coursework, especially psychology, classroom guidance, and student engagement, laid the foundation for her philosophy: classrooms should be places of acceptance, understanding, and purposeful learning.

“Ball State gave me the tools, perspective, and confidence to create a classroom where students feel understood, challenged, and inspired to learn.”

Nearly 20 Years of Growth, Leadership, and Impact

Like many new teachers, Megan began her career feeling prepared but still searching for confidence. Over time, she embraced her own instructional style, deepened her professional knowledge, and became an instructional leader in her school and district.

One of her biggest contributions has been her leadership in the science of reading. When she noticed reading and comprehension scores leveling off, Megan dug into the research. She developed a differentiated reading block aligned with the science of reading and later shared it with colleagues who now use the model as well.

She explains, “The systematic approach allows me to really look at each student and determine the direction they need to go to grow as readers.” Today, she applies the science of reading across every subject.

An Honor Rooted in Service and Celebration

Being named the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year is a humbling milestone for Megan. “I want to represent Indiana teachers with integrity, pride, and enthusiasm,” she said.

Her goals for the year include:

• Connecting with teachers across the state
• Learning about their classrooms and communities
• Sharing stories of great teaching
• Lifting up the voices of educators and students

“I hope to carry the voices of teachers and students with me,” she said, “shining a light on the passion, creativity, and heart that exists in classrooms across our state.”

Advice for Future Educators

Megan’s guiding wisdom comes from her first principal, Mike Underwood, who told her to “shut my door and teach.” Over time, she realized that meant focusing on what truly matters, creating a joyful, purposeful classroom community.

“Inside those walls, I can control the climate, the joy, and the learning,” she explained. “I block out the noise that does not serve my students.”

It’s advice she now passes on to aspiring teachers at Ball State.

Life Outside the Classroom

Megan’s world is full of family, adventure, and the outdoors. She and her husband, whom she’s known since second grade, are raising two sons who keep them busy with sports, travel, and exploration. Their family has visited 19 national parks and loves hiking, traveling, and discovering new places.

She also enjoys running, reading, and connecting with friends, activities that help her stay balanced and energized.

A Full-Circle Moment

One of Megan’s most meaningful professional connections is with Ball State instructor Kristie Speirs Neumeister (Professor of Educational Psychology), whose teaching profoundly shaped her. Years later, their paths crossed again during curriculum collaborations and even an audit involving Megan’s own classroom.

“Education is such a small world,” Megan reflected. “It’s been really meaningful to see an instructor who inspired me continue to make a difference for other teachers across the state.”

Celebrating a Teacher Who Leads With Heart

Megan Johnson’s journey reflects everything Ball State University hopes to instill in its future educators: curiosity, resilience, relationship-building, and a deep commitment to students’ growth. As the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year, she not only represents excellence in teaching, she represents what it means to lead with joy, purpose, and authenticity.

Her story is a reminder of the profound impact one teacher can make, both inside and beyond the classroom.