Each year, the Ball State University Foundation recognizes outstanding students through the Top 100 Student Awards, honoring undergraduates who embody Beneficence through leadership, service, and academic excellence at Ball State University.

In this series, we’re highlighting Teachers College and secondary education students selected for this recognition, future educators who are already making an impact in classrooms, on campus, and in their communities.

Next in the series is Jamie Johnson-Harris, a senior majoring in Elementary Education, whose passion for teaching is rooted in representation, connection, and helping young students grow.

Inspired to Teach and to Represent

Jamie first discovered her passion for education during high school through a child development course that gave her hands-on experience working with preschool students.

“I realized that I loved teaching young students and seeing them learn and grow.”

That experience helped shape her future goals, but so did something even bigger: the importance of representation in education.

“There is also an underrepresentation of African American woman that are teachers and I want to be that role-model I didn’t have growing up.”

Top 100 Student Jamie Johnson-Harris standing posed agains a wall holding up two certificates, smiling at the camera. Both certificates were awarded in April of 2025 from the Ryan Family Scholars. One is for Perfect Attendance, and one is the Academic Excellence Award. Why Ball State? Finding Support from Day One

When Jamie visited Ball State, she immediately felt welcomed and supported by the Teachers College community.

“There was no other school I felt better supported their future teachers.”

Conversations with faculty, including Dr. Katie Crews, director of recruitment at Teachers College, helped solidify her decision, especially after learning about the early classroom experiences available to education students.

Jamie was also selected as a recipient of the Ryan Family Navigators Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship for education majors.

“I am forever grateful Ball State selected me as a Ryan Scholar.”

Jamie Johnson-Harris standing in front of a railing on a cobble stone street. Behind her is what looks like a castle sitting in a river or moat. It is a sunny day, though Jamie has a coat on, and she is posed, smiling at the camera.An Unforgettable Experience Abroad

One of Jamie’s favorite experiences at Ball State has taken her far beyond Indiana.

“My favorite experience has been student teaching in Germany this semester.”

Through her international student teaching experience, Jamie has not only strengthened her teaching skills but also immersed herself in new cultures and experiences.

“I’ve not only explored different places, but also learned about diverse cultures, strengthened my teaching skills, and built connections with students and colleagues abroad.”

Top 100 Student Jamie Johnson-Harris sitting in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The building is a glass pyramid and lit up with lights. It is night time so the building is lit up bright behind her. From traveling across Europe to teaching in an international setting, the experience has left a lasting impact.

“It has been an unforgettable experience that I will never forget.”

Getting Involved Across Campus

Nine college-age women stand in two rows posing and smiling to the camera. They are all in black dresses or black dress clothes. They each have their arms linked behind the person or people beside them. They are standing in front of the Beneficence statue on Ball State campus. Jamie has stayed active in a variety of campus organizations throughout her time at Ball State, including:

  • Rhythms Dance Troupe
  • Educators for Social Justice
  • Cardinal Teacher Corps
  • Alpha Lambda Delta

These experiences have helped her connect with fellow students, grow as a leader, and strengthen her passion for education.

Looking Ahead to Her Own Classroom

After graduation, Jamie plans to teach in a kindergarten through second grade classroom in the Chicago area.

What excites her most is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives from the very beginning of their educational journeys.

“The thought of meeting my very first group of students excites me because I can begin shaping their learning journey and creating a positive impact on them and their daily lives.”

Jamie Johnson-Harris on a clear sunny day, though she is wearing a winter coat. She is smiling at the camera standing on a cobblestone street in front of what looks like a very old European town. Advice for Future Teachers

Jamie encourages incoming Teachers College students to take advantage of every opportunity to work with children and get involved on campus.

“My advice would be to get involved with working with kids as much as possible.”

From summer camps to student organizations, she believes those experiences help build valuable skills and connections.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things and make connections. There are so many spaces here to support you!”

Woman is standing on stage holding one foot above her head doing the splits while standing up. There are several other women sitting around her in a pose. They are obviously all dancing and the photo caught them in motion, because you can see hair of the dancer that is standing flung out mid-motion. They are all wearing the same black and white checkered pants, white sneakers, and red, black, and white race car jackets with black tank tops under the jackets. Finding Joy Through Creativity and Movement

Outside the classroom, Jamie enjoys activities that help her recharge and express herself creatively.

“Some activities that help me unwind are dancing, getting facials, and listening to music.”

Dance has been a major part of her life for many years. Over the years, she trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary dance styles.

Top 100 Student Jamie Johnson-Harris is standing smiling and posed at a railing that overlooks what appears to be a range of mountains covered in snow. A Future Built on Connection and Impact

With a passion for teaching, a commitment to representation, and experiences that span both local classrooms and international learning environments, Jamie is preparing to make a lasting impact as an educator.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting more inspiring future educators in our Top 100 Student Spotlight series.