For nearly 14 years, Jon Dee has helped shape the experiences of thousands of future educators at Ball State University’s Teachers College. As Executive Director of the Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice (OTES-CP), Dee oversees the systems, partnerships, and experiences that help teacher candidates transition from college students to confident professionals ready to lead classrooms across Indiana and beyond.

In recognition of his leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on students and schools, Dee was recently named the recipient of the Teachers College 2026 Outstanding Professional Staff Award.

While the recognition is meaningful, Dee is quick to point out that the work has always been about something larger than himself.

“Recognition like this reflects work I care deeply about, supporting future educators and building a culture where students and staff feel supported and valued.”

A man smiles at the camera while taking a selfie indoors. He is wearing a blue suit jacket over a blue-and-white plaid shirt that is unbuttoned at the top, revealing a white undershirt. A pair of sunglasses hangs from the open collar of his shirt. He has short brown hair and a trimmed mustache and beard with some gray mixed in. He is holding a plaque that reads, “Ball State University Teachers College 2025–2026 Outstanding Professional Staff Award Presented to Jon Dee in recognition of demonstrated achievement.” Behind him is a slightly blurred photo wall featuring an image of the same man speaking at a podium.A Career Rooted in Education and Connection

Before joining Ball State, Dee served as both an instructor and Director of Teacher Education at Hanover College. Prior to that, he spent years teaching high school social studies courses ranging from U.S. History to Television Production while coaching athletics and volunteering in the fine arts.

Those experiences continue to influence how he approaches leadership today.

“What I loved most about teaching was that no two days were ever the same. There is something incredibly rewarding about helping students think critically, gain confidence, and discover their voice.”

His classrooms were filled with current events discussions, guest speakers, and opportunities for students to connect learning to the world around them, an approach that still defines his work in educator preparation.

Dee’s path to Indiana was not necessarily expected. “I also never imagined I would end up in Indiana,” he shared, “but 22 years later, my children have grown up here, and I’m proud to call myself a Hoosier.”

Two men stand behind a table covered with a red tablecloth featuring the Ball State University Teachers College logo. The table displays information packets, stacks of business cards, stickers, baskets of candy, and a red balloon attached to a stick. Beside the table is a large standing banner for the Ball State University Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice. The banner lists field experiences, licensing, student teaching, and clinical practice, and includes several photos of Ball State students, staff, and Charlie Cardinal interacting with children and students. Both men are wearing Ball State Teachers College shirts and jeans and are smiling at the camera.The Operational Bridge Between Higher Education and Classrooms

Today, Dee leads an office that serves as a critical connection point between Ball State and P–12 schools throughout the region. OTES-CP oversees student teaching, field experiences, licensure, school partnerships, and clinical placements for thousands of students each year. The work requires equal parts strategy, organization, and adaptability.

“Some days feel highly strategic, while others feel a little like air traffic control.”

Despite the complexity, Dee says the purpose behind the work keeps it meaningful.

“Every decision we make eventually impacts classrooms and students somewhere down the line. That perspective keeps the work meaningful.”

A man stands on the left side of the photo speaking with four Ball State students gathered beside him inside Worthen Arena. He is wearing jeans and a red T-shirt that reads “Ball State University Teachers College.” Sunglasses rest on top of his head, and a walkie-talkie clipped to his jeans is connected by a wire to an earbud in his ear. The group of students includes three young women and one young man. The women are each carrying red tote bags, while the young man has a backpack and is holding a piece of paper. They are standing on the lower level near the closed ticket office. Glass doors behind them lead outside, where sunlight can be seen coming through.Supporting Future Educators Through Growth and Confidence

One of the most rewarding aspects of Dee’s work is watching teacher candidates grow into professionals.

“You see students enter college nervous about standing in front of a classroom, and then a few years later they’re leading lessons, managing classrooms, and speaking like professionals.”

He understands firsthand how intimidating that transition can feel. Dee still vividly remembers his own first day as a student teacher.

“Famously, during my student teaching experience, my backpack accidentally hit the fire alarm mechanism on the first day. It definitely made for a memorable introduction that cold winter morning in January.”

Moments like that have helped shape the empathy and support he brings to students navigating their own journeys into education.

A father takes a selfie of his family while standing on a forest trail covered in orange fall leaves. He is wearing a gray sweatshirt, sunglasses, and a baseball cap with an “N” logo. Behind him stands the mother in a blue windbreaker alongside their three children. The oldest child, a boy with short curly blonde hair, wears a red sweatshirt and stands near his mother. In front of them is the youngest daughter in a gray jacket and purple pants. Closer to the camera is the middle child, a girl wearing a black-and-white plaid fleece jacket. The family is surrounded by trees with green and yellow leaves on a sunny autumn day, and everyone is smiling at the camera. The father and son also appear to be wearing backpacks or climbing gear.Building a Culture of Collaboration and Support

When asked what accomplishment he is most proud of, Dee points not to a single initiative, but to the culture intentionally built within OTES-CP.

The office includes 10 full-time staff members and up to 26 adjunct faculty members depending on the semester. Together, they have created an environment centered on professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and student success.

“I firmly believe organizational culture shapes everything from employee engagement, operational effectiveness, and ultimately student experiences.”

That culture has helped the office successfully navigate major accreditation reviews, expand district partnerships, and support one of the largest educator preparation programs in Indiana.

A man and woman take a selfie together while standing on a rock overlooking a tree-covered valley on a sunny day. Both are wearing sunglasses and red shirts, and the man’s shirt features the Ball State University Teachers College logo. He is also wearing a baseball cap and holding a hiking stick. The woman has her arm around the man’s shoulder, and both are smiling at the camera. Behind them is a bright blue sky with no clouds visible.Innovative Initiatives Supporting Teacher Candidates

Under Dee’s leadership, OTES-CP has launched initiatives designed to better prepare students for the transition into the workforce.

Programs like the Student Teaching Fair and Ready to Launch help teacher candidates strengthen interview skills, build professional confidence, and connect with school districts earlier in the hiring process.

“We wanted to create experiences that made that transition feel more practical, supportive, intentional, and special.”

The results have been significant. Students leave feeling more confident and connected, while school districts gain earlier access to future educators entering the talent pipeline.

“You can actually see the mindset shift happen.”

Leading Through Challenge and Change

Some of the most defining moments of Dee’s career came during times of uncertainty.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, OTES-CP had to rapidly adapt clinical experiences, licensure processes, and school partnerships while ensuring teacher candidates could continue progressing toward graduation and licensure.

“Our profession needed to remain present in schools despite unprecedented challenges.”

The experience reinforced the importance of communication, adaptability, relationships, and strong organizational culture.

“What stood out most,” Dee reflected, “was the resilience of our teacher candidates and schools, who continued showing up for learners and for one another despite the uncertainty surrounding them.”

A Leadership Philosophy Centered on Relationships

Currently in the ninth semester of his doctoral program, Dee says his coursework and mentors have helped shape his leadership philosophy in meaningful ways. He believes strong leadership requires accountability, professionalism, organization, and collaboration, but also empathy and intentionality.

“I believe challenges can either make someone more guarded or more intentional,” he said, “and I’ve tried to let them make me more intentional in how I lead and support others.”

That people-centered approach extends to the partnerships OTES-CP builds with schools and districts across Indiana.

“Education is a profession built on human relationships, so approach it like a human.”

Advice for Future Educators

For students preparing to enter the profession, Dee emphasizes growth, reflection, and connection.

“First, give yourself permission to grow. No teacher walks into year one having everything figured out.”

He also encourages future educators to remember the power of relationships and the lasting influence teachers can have on students’ lives.

“Students may forget individual lessons, but they rarely forget how a teacher made them feel.”

And sometimes, the smallest gestures matter most.

“If one invites you to their band or choir concert, go! Introduce yourself to their parents, make a connection.”

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Dee enjoys fishing, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors with his family. He is also a self-described fan of “old school 1990s video games” and never turns down a tennis or ping pong challenge.

People are often surprised to learn that he worked in his family’s plumbing business for years, even while teaching, and that he has crossed paths with a number of well-known public figures over the years, including Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Dave Matthews, and President Barack Obama early in his political career.

Still, despite the many experiences and accomplishments throughout his career, Dee remains grounded in what motivates him most.

“At the end of the day, the work matters, and there are real students and schools depending on us to get it right.”

For Ball State Teachers College, that commitment continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of future educators and the students they will one day serve.