For Kylee Bullock, becoming a teacher started with a chance to step into the classroom and discover where she belonged. Now a first-year student at Ball State University, Kylee is turning that early experience into a future in elementary and special education, with a goal of helping every child receive the support and opportunities they deserve. As a recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, she is building the foundation for a career that will make a difference in students’ lives.

Kylee is the next student featured in the Teachers College series highlighting Ball State recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education awards the scholarship to high-achieving students who plan to pursue careers in education. Recipients can receive up to $10,000 each year for four academic years.

Finding Her Calling Through Teaching Experiences

Kylee, a graduate of New Palestine High School in New Palestine, Indiana, began exploring education before graduating from high school. Two experiences helped her discover that teaching was more than a career she might enjoy. It was something she wanted to pursue.

Through Ball State’s Flight Path to Teaching Adventure, a free summer workshop for high school students interested in education, she experienced campus life and gained firsthand classroom experience. The program gives participants opportunities to develop leadership skills and serve as apprentice teachers during a local summer learning experience.

She also participated in a cadet teaching program for a year, further developing her interest in working with students.

Those experiences helped her see the possibilities of a future in education and gave her a head start on preparing for the profession.

A Commitment to Every Student

Kylee plans to study both elementary education and special education at Ball State, preparing for a career supporting children at different stages of their learning journeys.

“I would love to teach elementary age or special education so I can help kids who need help because every kid deserves to get an education, get the help they need, an amazing mentor in their lives, and a teacher who will fight to give them the education they deserve,” she said.

For Kylee, teaching means more than delivering lessons. It means building relationships, providing support, and standing up for students so they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

A Scholarship That Makes a Difference

Receiving the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has been a significant milestone as Kylee begins her college career.

“Receiving the scholarship has been the biggest honor and it means the world to me. I’m very grateful to have my college paid for so I can pursue my dreams of becoming a teacher and going to an amazing school,” Kylee said.

For Kylee, the opportunity is an investment in both her education and the future classroom she hopes to lead.

Building Independence at Ball State

Now halfway through her first semester at Ball State, Kylee is beginning to turn the excitement she felt before move-in into the everyday experiences of college life. When she first considered what she looked forward to most, making new friends and settling into campus life topped her list.

As she works toward her degree, she also has goals that extend beyond the classroom. Academically, she wants to gain the knowledge and skills to become an effective teacher. Personally, she hopes to grow financially and become more independent.

Outside of her studies, Kylee enjoys working, shopping, and grabbing fun drinks with friends. She also occasionally volunteers in her church nursery, giving her additional opportunities to spend time with young children.

And for those looking to learn something unexpected about the future educator, she has a unique fun fact: she is double-jointed in her hips.

The Journey Is Just Beginning

Kylee has already taken meaningful steps toward her future in education, from exploring teaching in high school to beginning her college journey at Ball State. Now, as she settles into her first year, she has the opportunity to build on those experiences, discover new approaches to learning, and develop the skills she will carry into her own classroom.

With several years of college ahead, Kylee’s story is still unfolding. Her experiences at Ball State will help shape the educator she becomes and the impact she hopes to make in Indiana schools.