Education

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN – As of September 2024, there were more than 300 posted open positions for special education teachers in Indiana. To help meet this need, Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County is one of a few Ivy Tech locations that offers a Special Education program. This program serves as a foundation for accessible and inclusive learning environments through its students. The 60-credit hour, four-semester program is designed to equip aspiring educators with the skills and knowledge they need to transform the lives of students with differing abilities. Future educators complete the program and transfer to a four-year partner…

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— DALEVILLE, IN—Daleville Junior/Senior High School senior Zoe Shihemi is passionate about advocating for children and others who cannot do so themselves. As an eighth grader in Pendleton, she became a member of the Best Buddies Club, which pairs students with special needs classmates. Though she moved to Daleville her sophomore year and the program wasn’t available, she remains connected to her buddy from Pendleton.  “I’m still…

All students, visitors to pass through weapon detection system By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Beginning Friday, February 14, all Muncie Central students will start entering the high school through a new, discreet weapon detection system. This system, purchased with funds provided by the City of Muncie, enhances current security measures, providing another layer of safety for everyone inside. Any visitors to the school will also be required to pass through the new system. “We are all aware of unfortunate situations that have occurred in schools around the country, and we want to do everything we can to prevent something like that…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE,IN — The student design teams at Ball State University’s Studio 165+ have received two 2024 American Graphic Design Awards from Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) magazine. These honors recognize the students’ exceptional creativity and collaboration on the 2024-25 season posters for Ball State’s Department of Theatre and Dance and the 2024 Annual Student Show for Ball State’s School of Art. Both projects will be prominently featured in GDUSA’s upcoming Design Annual print edition and are currently showcased on the magazine’s website. “These awards highlight the collaborative nature of our college and the extraordinary work of…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—At the American Association of University Women Muncie Branch and League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County’s annual joint meeting Saturday on the “State of Education in Indiana,” at least 63 attendees learned that Indiana House and Senate members have introduced a record 112 education bills – 67 in the House and 45 in the Senate. The majority of bills are about K-12 education with about 15% to 20% of those bills dealing with issues in higher education. All of the bills currently are under consideration. Some have made it out of committee, which means they…

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN — In 2018, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) and Ball State University embarked on a groundbreaking partnership, creating a national model for collaboration between a public university and a public school system. This innovative alliance began amidst significant challenges, as MCS faced financial crisis and declining enrollment. Since then, the district has made remarkable strides in reimagining its future with the support of Ball State, the local community, and dedicated funders like Ball Brothers Foundation. Hear from Chuck Reynolds, the recently appointed Director of Public Education and CEO of MCS about the district’s transformation, ongoing efforts,…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Two representatives of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education will be the guest speakers for a joint meeting of the Muncie Branch of the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and wrap up no later than noon on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Motivate Our Minds Learning Center, 2023 E. Highland Ave., Muncie. The topic of the discussion is “The State of Public Education in the 2025 Indiana Legislative Session.” One bill to be discussed…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University’s Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center has announced the schedule of events for its annual Unity Week, which kicks off on Monday, Jan. 20, the official observance of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. “Unity Week is a call to spark meaningful conversations and connections that bridge differences and build community,” said Gabrielle Lloyd, director of the Multicultural Center. “This year’s theme, ‘Ignite to Unite,’ emphasizes the importance of civic discourse and shared understanding, offering students, faculty, staff, and community members opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage…

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State football coach Mike Uremovich has announced the enrollment of 25 new student-athletes who have arrived on campus and begun taking classes in the Spring 2025 semester. The first class of student-athletes to arrive under Uremovich’s watch includes 15 transfers, five mid-year freshman enrollees who signed with the Cardinals in December, and five grayshirt student-athletes who delayed their enrollment after signing with Ball State a year ago. The impressive list of transfers features a pair of all-conference selections from last season. Thirteen of the 15 transfers have spent time at a host…