Ball State University’s Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (T-RAP) is more than a head start—it’s a life-shaping experience that’s helping undergraduates like Mackenna Johnson and Heidi Burke transform passion into purpose, one classroom at a time.

For these two Elementary Education majors, both rising sophomores in the Class of 2028, the apprenticeship program has offered something far beyond traditional coursework: a chance to learn by doing.

Finding Purpose Through Practice

Mackenna Johnson knew from her first online course that Ball State felt like home. “Dixie Denton was my professor for EDEL 100, and her love for Ball State sparked the same love inside of me,” she said. That spark only grew as Mackenna dove into her apprenticeship placement at Longfellow Elementary, where she worked daily with first-grade students in the MP3 program. “I was with my students every day and got to know who they were as people and learners,” she said. “These connections helped me help my students achieve success.”

Similarly, Heidi Burke felt affirmed in her decision to pursue teaching through early hands-on experiences. “I’ve always loved working with kids,” she shared. “My senior year, I was a cadet teacher, and seeing students succeed with my help made me really happy.” Her favorite part of the apprenticeship? Weekly classroom visits that allowed her to work with a consistent small group of students, forming meaningful relationships and making a measurable impact.

From High School to Higher Ed—Prepared and Confident

Both Mackenna and Heidi credit T-RAP with giving them a powerful advantage as they transitioned from high school to college.

“I feel as though I am prepared for the challenges of the classroom and confident in my adaptability skills because of the hands-on experience,” Mackenna explained. Her background working at the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and Oak Trace Elementary helped her enter Ball State classrooms with valuable insights and real-world context.

For Heidi, the program provided a helpful head start. “When I am in class learning about different teaching methods, most of the time I already have hands-on experience from my apprenticeship,” she said. She’s also found joy and growth working at an Early Childhood Center through the program—something she calls “one of my favorite things to do every week.”

More Than a Program—A Community

Outside the classroom, both students have found community and balance through campus life. Mackenna is actively involved in Alpha Omicron Pi as a Recruitment Coordinator, Ball State Cru, and enjoys hiking, pickleball, and even a visit to Twisters for a sweet treat. Heidi joined the women’s rugby club and the Navigators ministry group, calling both “amazing experiences” that connected her with new friends and enriched her time on campus. She also enjoys scrapbooking and drawing as ways to unwind and reflect.

Looking Ahead

Both future educators have their sights set on giving back to Indiana schools. Mackenna plans to begin her career in the classroom before moving into administration, while Heidi hopes to return to her hometown of Westfield to teach kindergarten in the same district that helped shape her.

Why T-RAP Matters

Their stories showcase how Ball State’s Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program provides more than early exposure to the field—it builds confidence, competence, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s forming bonds with students, mastering classroom techniques, or finding a supportive campus community, T-RAP sets the stage for long-term success in education.

As Mackenna summed it up: “Being able to be a small part of a student’s story is truly a gift.”