The countdown to Ball State Homecoming 2024 is on! Now is a perfect time to highlight the most recent Teachers College Alumni Award winners. Each of these three TC alums were honored for their hard work, dedication, and impact they’ve made in their community.

Young Alumni Award Winner – Monica Bass

Monica Bass graduated from Ball State in May of 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education. She was quickly hired at Brownsburg East Middle School and jumped right in. She taught both science and social studies, coached girls basketball, and helped run her school’s student government program. She also spent two years as the advisor of the Best Buddies program, which fosters one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

In July 2023, Ms. Bass made the difficult decision to switch schools. She began teaching 7th grade science classes at Clark-Pleasant Middle School to be closer to home. She quickly fell in love with the community, and was hired as the girls basketball coach. Not one to sit idle, Ms. Bass also worked to start a new amateur running club geared towards students who are not interested in the competitiveness of the track team but still enjoy running.

Outside of work, she volunteers at Beyond I Can, assisting adults with disabilities to complete jobs such as painting, creating cards, and cooking among other tasks. She also volunteers as a camp counselor for 3rd and 5th grade girls helping to maintain schedules and create crafts. Her dedication to her students and the community is apparent, making this recognition well deserved.

Outstanding Alumni Award Winner – Chuck Reynolds

Chuck Reynolds is four times a graduate of Ball State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1998, a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision in 2005, an EdD in school superintendency in 2013, and finally a PhD in educational administration in 2017.

Over the years he has held numerous roles in East Central Indiana schools, including substitute teacher (while still earning his bachelor’s degree), student teacher, band director, middle school assistant principal, high school associate principal, middle school principal, assistant superintendent, and associate superintendent. On July 1, he took on his most recent role, that of Muncie Community Schools director of public education and CEO.

Dr. Reynolds is an accomplished musician, and his love of music and music education is evident to anyone who knows him. He was an Indiana State Fair Band Day Co-Coordinator for three years and has been the Indiana High School Color Guard Association Scholarship Chairman since 2000, helping award over $130,000 to students across the state. He served as the president of the Central Indiana Track Show Association for 15 years, an Indiana State School Music Association contest manager for 22 years, a member of the Indiana State School Music Association board of directors for 14 years.

His past honors include being awarded the Key to the City in 2004 for his impact on students and the Muncie community. He was named a Muncie Difference Maker by the Muncie Star Press in 2012. He was recognized with a Muncie Citizenship Award in 2013, 2019, and 2021 by the Muncie City Council for his service as a leader and as a difference maker in the community.  And he was awarded with the Outstanding Administrator Award by the Indiana Music Educators Association in 2020 for being an advocate and champion for music education in the state of Indiana.

Dr. Reynolds has continually served the Muncie community and surrounding area with his leadership. His strategic planning and instruction have contributed to the district’s stabilized enrollment, new initiatives such as college and career advisory periods at Central High School, and Big Idea Nights. He is an exemplar of what it means to be an Outstanding Teachers College Alum.

Career Achievement Award Winner – Sally Skowronski

Sally Skowronski graduated from Ball State in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, which she credits for equipping her with a solid understanding of pedagogy and curriculum development. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, K-12 Administrator Licensure from Indiana Wesleyan University.

She is a dedicated educator with a passion for fostering academic excellence and character development in students. With over 20 years of experience in the field of education, Mrs. Skowronski has made a significant impact at every level, from classroom teaching to instructional coaching, and currently as the Principal of Nativity of Our Savior School, a PreK-8 Catholic school in Portage, Indiana since 2015.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to empowering both students and educators alike. As an instructional coach, she provided invaluable support and mentorship to fellow teachers, enhancing instructional practices and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Her 11 years of experience in the elementary classroom provided a strong foundation for understanding the diverse needs of students and implementing effective teaching strategies.

In her role as an administrator, Mrs. Skowronski has served as a mentor for new principals. She has been on several committees for the Indiana Department of Education, including most recently, on the review committee for Indiana Learns.

She continually strives to create a school environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and student-centered learning, she continues to make a profound impact on the lives of students, families, and educators within the Nativity school community.

 

How to Nominate a Teachers College Alum for an Award

The following Teachers College Alumni awards are considered each year. If you know an outstanding Ball State University Teachers College alum, you will find the nomination form on the TC Alumni and Friends website.

  • Young Alumni Award – Presented to a recent alum, age 40 or under, in recognition of outstanding early career achievement.
  • Outstanding Alumni Award – Presented to an alum in recognition of their significant contributions to their field or other area of society.
  • Career Achievement Award – Presented to an alum in recognition of outstanding contributions that bring national acclaim and recognition to the Teachers College.
  • Distinguished Service Award – Presented to a non-alum in recognition of their outstanding service and support for the Teachers College.
  • Lifetime Award – Recognizes an alum devoted to Teachers College. This extremely special award may not necessarily be awarded every year but only when a unique opportunity presents itself.
  • Patron Award – Given to a benefactor who provides significant financial support to the college.