This fall, Anna Brewer will begin her journey at Ball State University as an Elementary Education major and a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. A graduate of Jay County Jr. Sr. High School in Redkey, Indiana, Anna is looking forward to preparing for a career that will allow her to make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners.

Anna is the second student featured in a new Teachers College series highlighting Ball State recipients of the prestigious Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the scholarship provides up to $10,000 annually to high-achieving future educators. This year, more recipients chose Ball State than any other university in Indiana, reflecting the University’s continued leadership in preparing future educators.

Anna Brewer stands in front of a parked pickup truck, smiling as she holds a small trophy with both hands. She wears jeans, a burgundy hooded sweatshirt, glasses, and has long brown hair. The trophy has a black base topped with a gold-colored figure. Behind her is a large, mostly empty parking lot with one other pickup truck parked nearby.Discovering a Passion for Teaching

Anna’s interest in education grew through hands-on experiences that confirmed she had found her calling.

“Around my sophomore year of high school, I got to teach at church, and I realized I loved it.”

She credits both those experiences and the encouragement of her former teachers with helping her pursue a career in education.

“I’m close with lots of my past teachers, specifically my middle school teachers. I’ve gotten lots of advice and encouragement from them. I also cadet taught in a kindergarten class, and I really enjoyed that.”

Choosing Ball State

When it came time to choose a college, Ball State stood out for both its location and its reputation for preparing exceptional educators.

“It was so close to home, and I heard lots of good things about their teaching program.”

As she prepares to begin her first semester, Anna is eager to take the next step toward her dream career.

“I am most excited about getting in the classroom and getting to work with kids. It’s to the point where things are getting real, and I actually get to dive into my dream career! I am also excited about meeting new people and all the connections I will make!”

Helping Young Learners Bloom

Anna hopes to teach students in kindergarten through second grade, an age she finds especially inspiring.

“Maybe around the K-2 age. That is such a bright stage, and they grow so much. It will be rewarding to see how they bloom.”

During her time at Ball State, she hopes to grow not only as a student but also as a future educator and as a person.

“I hope that during college, I can grow as a person, a student, and as a future educator. It will be a completely different experience from high school, and I hope that I can make the best of it.”

Anna Brewer squats in a grassy area while posing with a large white turkey. She wraps both arms around the turkey in an almost hugging gesture. Anna has long brown hair pulled back in a low ponytail, wears glasses, and is dressed in jeans and a mauve T-shirt. Grass fills both the foreground and background of the photo.A Heart for Service

Anna has been actively involved in her school and community throughout high school. She participated in FFA, where she enjoyed poultry judging, and was a member of the National Honor Society for three years. She also spent nine years in 4-H, showing poultry and eggs.

Perhaps most meaningful to Anna has been teaching Sunday school at her church, the experience that first inspired her to become an educator.

Pursuing a Dream

Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has helped make Anna’s dream of becoming a teacher possible.

“It is a huge blessing, and it eliminated the burden we had on how we would pay for my degree! I am so grateful that I received it, and I was so excited when I was notified!”

Anna Brewer stands in a 4-H barn at the Jay County Fairgrounds, holding a black rooster in one arm and a blue first-place 4-H ribbon in the other hand. She wears jeans, a red blouse, and glasses, and has long brown hair. Rows of animal cages extend behind her, with a few people standing near other cages in the background.Beyond the Classroom

Outside of school, Anna enjoys spending time outdoors, shopping, studying the Bible, and spending time with friends. She also enjoys one hobby that reflects her agricultural roots.

“I love spending time outside in the sun, hanging out with friends, shopping, and hanging out with my chickens!”

She also has a unique talent that surprises many people.

“One fun fact about me is that I can play the harmonica.”

As she prepares to begin her Ball State experience, Anna is excited for everything the future holds.

“I like meeting new people and learning new things. I am excited to start my BSU experience!”

As one of the many Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship recipients who chose Ball State, Anna is joining a community committed to preparing exceptional educators for Indiana and beyond. Teachers College is proud to celebrate students like Anna who are ready to inspire, encourage, and help the next generation of learners grow.