Ball State Wins National Award for Teacher Tech Training

Future teachers at Ball State University are learning to master classroom technology in ways that are earning national praise. The university's Teachers College just won the 2026 Distinguished Educator Preparation Program Award from ISTE+ASCD, a major national education organization.

The award recognizes programs that go beyond just introducing future teachers to new gadgets. Ball State's approach teaches aspiring educators to think critically about when, why, and how technology can actually improve student learning.

Faculty members work together in learning communities where they explore emerging technologies and discuss responsible ways to integrate them into coursework. This collaborative model ensures every professor across the college shares the same strong foundation for preparing tech-savvy teachers.

Dr. Katrina Bulkley, dean of Ball State Teachers College, says the recognition reflects years of intentional work. "We are grateful for this recognition because it reflects the work of our faculty to help our candidates become thoughtful, critical, and ethical users of emerging technologies in their future classrooms," she said.

The college developed this approach as part of Ball State's broader strategic plan, which emphasizes purposeful technology use and the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching. Student teachers learn not just how digital tools can support lesson planning and differentiation, but also how to evaluate resources for accuracy, privacy concerns, and bias.

Dr. Susan Tancock, associate dean and professor of elementary education, emphasizes that effective tech integration requires more than surface-level training. "Preparing future teachers to use technology well requires faculty and candidates to think carefully about when, why, and how technology can support learning," she explained.

The Ripple Effect

Ball State is Indiana's largest educator preparation provider and has been nationally accredited since 1954. The college's graduates will carry these thoughtful technology practices into classrooms across the state and beyond, potentially impacting thousands of students.

The recognition adds to an impressive year for Ball State's education programs. In June, the university's elementary education, early childhood education, and special education programs earned top ratings in two Science of Reading reviews, including the highest overall rating of "Strong" from Teacher Prep Inspection.

These combined honors signal that Ball State is preparing teachers who can blend research-backed reading instruction with smart technology use. That combination could transform learning experiences for the next generation of students who will spend their entire education in increasingly digital classrooms.

The award was presented at the ISTE Live 25 and ASCD Annual Conference in Orlando, where Ball State professors shared their innovative approaches with educators from across the country.