This fall, Chloee Ruckman will begin her journey at Ball State University as an Early Childhood Education major with a minor in Social Work. A graduate of Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Chloee is preparing for a career focused on helping young children develop confidence, discover a love of learning, and reach their full potential.

Chloee is the next student featured in a 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. Recipients use this support as they prepare to make a difference in classrooms across Indiana and beyond.

Discovering a Passion for Early Childhood Education

Chloee Ruckman poses in a dog mask and glasses, giving a peace sign with both hands. She wears a muted slate-blue sweatshirt over a white T-shirt and a long beaded necklace with a small potted-plant charm. A student stands beside her, posing with one hand against a carpeted wall. The student has long, curly brown hair and wears a robin’s-egg-blue sweatsuit; her face is blurred because she is a minor. Part of a red block toy is visible in the background, suggesting the photo was taken in a classroom.Chloee’s decision to pursue early childhood education grew from an experience that gave her the opportunity to see the impact a teacher can have on young children firsthand. While interning at Avalon Preschool, Chloee discovered how rewarding it was to help children learn and grow.

“Helping children learn and watching them grow each day showed me how rewarding teaching is.”

That experience confirmed that working with young learners was the path she wanted to pursue.

After graduation, Chloee hopes to work with preschool-aged children, helping them develop important skills while creating an environment where they feel comfortable exploring and learning.

“I want to create a classroom where every child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn.”

Finding the Right Fit at Ball State

Chloee Ruckman poses with a friend in front of a red Ball State backdrop featuring a repeating pattern of “Ball State” in black text with white shadows and the white Beneficence logo. Chloee holds a sign that reads “I ❤️ Ball State!” while her friend holds a black sign with “CHIRP! CHIRP!” stacked in white text. Both wear red sweatshirts and blue jeans and have long blonde hair. Chloee wears round glasses, while her friend wears red heart-shaped glasses with “Ball” on one lens and “State” on the other.When Chloee visited Ball State, she was drawn to the University’s strong teacher preparation program and the welcoming atmosphere she experienced on campus. Those first impressions helped her envision herself becoming part of the Cardinal community.

As she prepares to begin her first semester, Chloee is especially excited about the people she will meet and the relationships she will build. She also looks forward to meeting the professors who will help shape her future as an educator.

“I’m looking forward to learning from experienced professors and taking the first steps toward my career.”

For Chloee, college represents more than earning a degree. She hopes to grow both academically and personally, building the knowledge, confidence, and experience she will need to become the educator she wants to be.

Preparing to Make a Difference

Chloee Ruckman poses with 10 young children in a classroom, all of whose faces are blurred because they are minors. She stands behind the children, smiling and wearing a Stitch costume. The children are arranged in two rows, with some seated at a table and others standing behind them. Posters featuring photos of groups of children hang on the wall in the background.Chloee’s goals extend beyond earning her degree. During her time at Ball State, she hopes to gain valuable experience, develop her skills, and become the kind of educator who can make a positive difference in the lives of her students.

“I want to earn my degree, gain valuable experience, and become a confident educator.”

Her minor in social work will provide another perspective as she prepares to work with young children and support their development.

A Commitment to Service

Chloee has spent her high school years developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through a variety of activities and service opportunities.

She participated in Student Council, worked as a Prop Master with her school’s theater program, and was involved in the Greenhouse Club. She also volunteered in her church nursery and food pantry, experiences that allowed her to serve and support her community.

These experiences have helped prepare Chloee for a career centered on caring for and supporting others.

Pursuing a Dream

For Chloee, receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship will make it easier to focus on her education and preparation for a career in early childhood education. The scholarship will ease the financial burden of college, allowing her to devote more of her energy to gaining the knowledge, experience, and skills she will need in the classroom.

Chloee sees the scholarship as an investment in her future and in the students she hopes to teach. With its support, she can pursue her goal of becoming an educator who makes a positive difference in the lives of young learners.

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of school, Chloee enjoys reading, listening to music, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. She also values opportunities to meet new people, learn new things, and step outside her comfort zone.

And Chloee has a fun fact that might surprise people: when she was 13, she had nine pets at one time.

As she begins her Ball State journey, Chloee is bringing with her a strong desire to learn, grow, and make a difference.

“I am a hardworking, caring, and determined person who is always willing to learn and grow.”

As one of the many Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship recipients preparing to study at Ball State, Chloee is joining a community of future educators committed to making a difference. Teachers College is proud to celebrate students like Chloee who are ready to create classrooms where young learners feel safe, supported, and excited to discover the world around them.