A Passion for Teaching, and a Place to Call Home

For senior Elementary Education major Jamie Johnson-Harris, choosing Ball State was a decision grounded in belonging, opportunity, and purpose.

“I loved the atmosphere and the size of the school,” Jamie shared. “It wasn’t too big or too small… and I’ll forever be grateful” for receiving the Ryan Family Scholarship, which made her dream of becoming a teacher even more attainable.

Originally from Orland Park, Illinois, Jamie found the perfect balance of distance, community, and the strong reputation of Ball State’s teacher education programs.

Building Community Through Involvement

Jamie is a student who makes the most of her college journey. She has immersed herself in organizations across campus, including Rhythms Dance Troupe, Educators for Social Justice, Cardinal Teacher Corps, and Alpha Lambda Delta.

Dance plays a starring role in her life, and one campus tradition has captured her heart: Air Jam.

Going strong since 1987, Air Jam is one of Ball State’s most popular Homecoming events. Student organizations dance, lip-sync, and compete in a high-energy performance showcase that draws huge crowds and big school spirit.

“It is always the highlight of my semester,” she said. Jamie has performed with Rhythms every year, celebrating a runner-up finish two years ago, and a championship title last year.

Finding Her Calling in Education

Jamie’s passion for teaching was sparked early.

“My interest began in high school when I was taking a child development class and was teaching the preschoolers,” she said. That experience ignited a desire “to be a role-model for students and be the representation I didn’t have growing up.”

Her commitment to becoming that role model can be seen through her extensive field experiences, from Burris Laboratory School to McCordsville Elementary, to tutoring at Selma Elementary, and more.

Her journey will soon take her even farther.

This spring, Jamie will complete her student teaching at Ramstein Elementary School, a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school on the Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. There, she will teach children of U.S. military members and civilian employees stationed abroad, an opportunity she describes as transformative and exciting.

Immersive Learning in Action

Jamie has steadily built hands-on experience throughout her years at Ball State:

  • Freshman Year: Volunteered with the Great Achievers after-school program
  • Sophomore Year: Kindergarten field experience at Burris Laboratory School
  • Junior Year: 2nd grade at Burris and 5th grade at McCordsville Elementary
  • Senior Year: 4th grade at West View Elementary and tutoring a 2nd grader at Selma Elementary
  • K–5 STEM Observation: Wes-Del Elementary, including speaking at their career day
  • Spring 2026: Student teaching at Ramstein Elementary School in Germany

Each placement has strengthened her skills and affirmed her love for teaching, especially at the elementary level. After graduation, Jamie hopes to teach 1st grade near the Merrillville, Indiana area.

Life Beyond the Classroom

When she’s not teaching, studying, or dancing with Rhythms, Jamie enjoys simple joys: “I love to go to the movies and out to eat with friends.”

These moments help her recharge and stay grounded amid her busy schedule.

Looking Ahead

As graduation approaches in 2026, Jamie stands poised to bring her creativity, compassion, and leadership into her future classroom. Whether she is dancing on stage, supporting her peers, or preparing lessons for young learners, Jamie embodies what it means to lead with joy and purpose.

Her path is one built through dedication, opportunity, and the desire to make a difference, and wherever she teaches next, her students will be lucky to have her.