By Ball State University Communications—
MUNCIE, IN— Ball State University’s Teachers College, in collaboration with Ball State Online, has partnered with Muncie Community Schools (MCS) to expand the district’s leadership pipeline by supporting current educators who aspire to become school leaders.
Through the new Leadership Pipeline program, eligible MCS employees who enroll in Ball State’s fully online Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Educational Administration and Supervision—a 36-credit hour degree—will receive a 50 percent tuition reduction for all 36 credits, representing a savings of approximately $11,000 over the course of the program. The initiative reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to building strong, sustainable educational leadership from within the Muncie community.
The program will kick off with an orientation and meet and greet from 5–6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, at the Northside Middle School Cafeteria.
“I am grateful to our colleagues at Muncie Community Schools for their continued partnership,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “This initiative exemplifies our University’s strategic commitments to graduate education and to community impact. We are proud to support the professional aspirations of MCS educators—and in doing so, we are also investing in the long-term success of the children and families in our community.”
In addition to Ball State’s tuition support, MCS is offering a package of incentives to participating educators who complete the program and remain employed with the district:
- A $1,500 retention bonus at the start of the third school year following program completion
- An additional $3,000 retention bonus at the start of the fifth school year following program completion
- Up to five paid release days per school year for professional development and mentorship activities
- Opportunities to lead summer programs and co-teach with Ball State faculty as adjunct instructors
- Ongoing in-house mentorship and support
- Hospitality for in-person instructional sessions
“By investing in the growth of our current teachers, we’re creating a sustainable leadership pipeline that will benefit students for years to come,” said Dr. Chuck Reynolds, director of public education and CEO of Muncie Community Schools. “When MCS teachers become MCS administrators, they bring deeper knowledge and long-term relationships that are very beneficial to the future success of our schools. This is an exciting component of our shared mission with Ball State, and a benefit we hope many of our people will appreciate.”
This initiative builds on a longstanding partnership between Ball State University and Muncie Community Schools. In 2018, Ball State assumed responsibility for the stewardship of the district—an unprecedented collaboration designed to support student achievement, empower educators, and promote long-term stability. Since then, the University has worked closely with MCS leaders to align resources, expand academic opportunities, and foster innovation across the district.
The new Leadership Pipeline program is a natural extension of that work, providing MCS educators with accessible, high-quality graduate training while further deepening the collaboration between the district and Ball State’s nationally respected Teachers College.
Offered fully online through Ball State Online, the MAE in Educational Administration and Supervision can be completed in as little as 18–20 months, with courses available in 8- or 16-week formats taught by doctoral-level faculty. A hallmark of the program is a two-semester principal internship in both elementary and secondary settings, equipping participants with practical, real-world leadership experience that they can apply immediately in their schools.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University.
