Kimberly Brooks, BS ‘96 and MS ‘03

Interview with Kimberly Brooks

Introduction: To my Fellow Hoosiers--Greetings from Fort Wayne, Indiana! I am an alumna of both the School of Education in Bloomington and Fort Wayne. I began my career as a substitute teacher before finding my passion teaching fourth grade for 12 years. While earning my master’s degree in school administration, I realized my calling was to influence education beyond the classroom.

Today, as Director of Federal Programs, I oversee multiple Title grants, High Ability programs, and pandemic relief funding for more than 90 schools serving over 30,000 students. I credit my dedicated team and shared mission for ensuring resources reach students who need them most, “They deserve it”

SoE: Who was your most memorable teacher, and what made them memorable?

Kimberly: My high school Latin teacher, Mrs. Mack, stands out as the most memorable. My teacher’s
contagious enthusiasm for Roman and Greek culture inspired me to remain enrolled in Latin for four years. Mrs. Mack’s ability to make students feel welcomed, cared for, and valued shaped how I approached my own teaching career.

SoE: How did your experience at the School of Education shape who you are today?

Kimberly: My undergraduate years taught me the foundation of being a teacher--how to teach reading and math, create lesson plans, and most importantly, that it’s always about the kids. In my current
administrative role, I rarely see students. However, when challenges arise, I draw on those experiences to re-center my efforts on improving opportunities for children.

SoE: What professional accomplishments have you been most proud of and why?

Kimberly: I am grateful to have served on the Governor’s Early Learning Advisory Committee for the past three
years, leading the growth of our district’s preschool program from serving under 500 to more than 800 students each year in a nationally accredited and state-licensed program and mentoring new and future grants managers all while ensuring resources reach over 30,000 students through federal programs.

SoE: What can you share with educators, counselors or fellow alumni?

Kimberly: We are who our students need us to be. After nearly 30 years in education, I believe this more than ever—especially post-pandemic. For many children, school is their safe haven and source of security. Our greatest responsibility is to create and nurture that environment so they can grow, thrive, and succeed.

Nichole Flowers, BS '13, 3rd Grade Teacher

Nichole Flowers is a dedicated third grade teacher in Anderson Community Schools. Her journey in the School of Education prepared her to work effectively with diverse student populations. Her personal grit has enabled her to shape young minds for the past 14 years and use her platform to help students obtain necessary school supplies.

Nichole shares her love of learning throughout her classroom, and she empowers her students to try hard things and do their best every day. In fact, third graders at Anderson Community School earned an 82% proficiency rate for IREAD!

A love of reading is evident in Flowers’ classroom as well as in her personal life - Nichole Flowers is an author! Nichole recently wrote an inspirational book titled "I Am: Positive Declaration for the Soul". The book encourages readers to change their lives through positive declarations, devotion, and faith-centered personal growth.

Nichole's work inside and outside of the classroom shows a deep commitment to inspiring and empowering both young students and adult learners to embrace positivity and personal growth.

Learn more about Nichole Flowers

Kara Fernung, B.S. '23, Early Childhood Education
Teacher, Wayne Township Schools

Interview with Kara Fernung

Introduction: Hi there! My name is Kara Fernung and I am an alumni of the SoE. I am currently a second grade teacher in Wayne Township. This is my first year as a full time classroom teacher. But not my first time working with students/kids. I'm excited for you to see/learn more about me and my experience at the School Of Education.

SoE:Who was your most memorable teacher, and what made them memorable?

Kara: My most memorable teacher during my years are the school of education would be my STEM and Science In Early Grades professor. He never made you feel incapable of reaching a goal you had for yourself. He was always accommodating for things that may of happened outside of school. His class was always early but I never dreaded getting up for his class because I always knew it would be enjoyable.

SoE:How did your experience at the IU School of Education Indianapolis shape who you are today?

Kara: They helped me understand different concepts within the teaching field. They also gave me a group of girls who I was able to get to know and go through this program with. Some I am still in contact with. And it feels good to know that this experience was shared with some amazing people.

SoE:What professional accomplishments have you been most proud of and why?

Kara: Being offered a teaching job at the school I wanted to begin my teaching journey before student teaching was over. It showed me how capable I was of getting to where I wanted to be no matter what people threw at me or said.

SoE:What can you share with educators, counselors or fellow alumni?

Kara: For my fellow alumni who are going into the teaching realm and are nervous about taking over their first classroom, it is scary and nerve wrecking. Don't let the nerves consume you - You'll figure it out, we all do. If you are doing early grades (1st - 4th), these kids are so forgiving, just own your mistakes and be able to laugh at yourself. Be the teacher for them that you needed when you were their age.

Patricia Payne receives the Transformational Alumni Award

The Indiana University School of Education has honored Dr. Patricia Payne, Director of the Office of Racial Equity and Inclusion for Indianapolis Public Schools, with the prestigious Transformational Alumni Award for her career in education. This career award highlights highlights Dr. Payne’s lasting commitment to educational equity and social justice, recognizing her as a national leader and advocate who represents the values of excellence.

Lillian Barkes receives the Transformational Alumni Award

The Indiana University School of Education has honored Lillian Barkes, CEO of Listen to our Future, with the prestigious Transformational Alumni Award for her service in education. This service award highlights Lillian's work as an educator and her leadership as the co-founder and CEO of Listen to Our Future - an afterschool program that meets students where they are to empower them academically and socially.

Tia Taylor, Master of Science in Education, 2020
Principal, The PATH School

Interview with Tia Taylor

Introduction: My name is Tia Taylor, I am the Principal of The PATH School. PATH (Purpose, Achievement, Talent, Heart) is a K-8 school on the west side of Indianapolis.

I had the great opportunity to work on the school team, while attending classes at night to earn my second master's degree from the School of Education. Simultaneously working and learning at the School of Education was the best learning I’ve ever experienced. I have now served at the PATH School for 6 years.

SoE:Who was your most memorable teacher, and what made them memorable?

Tia: Dr. Hardy was one of my favorite instructors. His unwavering dedication and profound wisdom profoundly impacted me. Dr. Hardy's real-world expertise and steadfast commitment to our educational journey greatly influenced my personal and intellectual growth.

SoE:How did your experience at the IU School of Education Indianapolis shape who you are today?

Tia: Reflecting on my time there, I realize it has deeply influenced my journey as an educator and my role as a principal. The rigorous curriculum, supportive faculty, and hands-on experiences provided me with invaluable insights and skills that continue to guide me in my career today.

SoE:What professional accomplishments have you been most proud of and why?

Tia: I am most proud of the collaborative effort involved in creating a school from scratch, including contributing to the writing of the charter. Moreover, leading this institution as the building leader has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. These achievements represent not only personal milestones but also the culmination of dedicated teamwork and commitment to educational excellence.

SoE:What can you share with educators, counselors or fellow alumni?

Tia: Every effort you put in, every challenge you overcome, and every student you inspire makes a profound difference in shaping the future. Stay resilient, stay dedicated, and keep striving for excellence. You have the power to make a lasting impact.

Dr. Shannon McCullough, PhD ’16, MSED ’08
Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs
Associate Faculty, Art Therapy

Interview with Dr. Shannon McCullough

The success of students is at the heart of the School of Education! We have dedicated alumni, staff and faculty who give their time, talent and treasure to empower students.

Dr. Shannon McCullough is one of those dedicated people. The way she supports students at IU Indianapolis by her generous donations is unmatched!

Dr. Shannon McCullough is an alumna of the School of Education. Dr. McCullough successfully completed her Ph.D. with fellow scholars. The group of 8 Black women became known as the Great 8. McCullough is a founder and donor of the Great 8 Scholarship.

Dr. Shannon McCullough currently serves as an Associate faculty member, and Assistant Dean of Admissions & Student Affairs in the Herron School of Art + Design.

Alumna Tiffany Kyser shares memories of her early education teacher, how the School of Education impacted her, and encouragement for fellow alumni.

Interview with Dr. Tiffany Kyser

SoE: Who was your most memorable instructor, and what made them memorable?
 
Tiffany: Ms. Gilman. My 5th and 6th grade teacher who did the following to honor me, my lived experience, and my assets:

1. Considered what was relevant and effective for me and my classmates by sharing responsibility for how the physical environment looked, what would be taught, and how learning will occur and be accessed.

2. Positioned herself as a facilitator of learning rather than the only or primary source of knowledge in the classroom. 

3. I and others were centered to explore the social problems that were relevant to our lives and engage in opportunities to take civic action.

4. Surfaced the non perceivable contributions of members of marginalized groups through literature, current events, classroom visitors, and overall curricular and instructional decisions. 

5. Facilitated joy, storytelling, celebration, and mistakes or transgressions as developmentally appropriate and opportunity to learn (not to pathologize).

SoE: How did your experience at the IU School of Education Indianapolis shape who you are today?

Tiffany: Continued to cultivate a sense of community, encourage civic engagement, affirmed postures of education, gender, ability, racial, economic, environmental, and social justice. 

SoE: What professional accomplishments have you been most proud of and why?

Tiffany: Receiving a Distinguished Level rating on my classroom observation evaluation my first-year teaching middle school language arts.

SoE: What can you share with educators, counselors or fellow alumni? 
 
Tiffany: The Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center (MAP) is one of four regional Equity Assistance Centers, funded by the United States Department of Education under Title IV of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The MAP Center provides technical assistance and training, upon request, in the areas of race, sex, national origin, and religion to public school districts and other responsible governmental agencies to promote equitable educational opportunities and work in the areas of civil rights, equity, and school reform. The Center serves 13 State Educational Agencies, 7,025 Public School Districts, and 11,249,050 Public School Students.

If you are interested in learning more or submitting a request for assistance to leverage free, high quality technical assistance, view our website here: Great Lakes Equity Center Website

SoE: Is there anything else you would like to share with educators?
 
Tiffany: We, as educators, find ourselves and our school communities in a moment of collective and compounding pain due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, economic recession, race-based violence against BIPOC and religious minoritized communities, and extreme weather catastrophes (Silver et al., 2021). For those closest to issue of oppression, this further exacerbates one's labor to push back. However, I want to center our collective joy in community with one another as sustenance, as fortification. Let's take care of ourselves and take care of our communities. Some resources that may be of interest: 
 
1. Resources for Addressing Violence Against BIPOC, Children, & Other Targeted Communities
 
2. The 20-Minute Talk: Anti-Racism Vodcast Series 
 
3. That's All Folx Podcast

Alumna Jill Underly shares memories of being a high school social studies teacher, the flexibility in course offerings at SoE, and offers advice on how to work in public education and public service.

Interview with Dr. Jill Underly

Introduction: Hello, fellow alumni. I left Indiana in 2005 to pursue my doctorate at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and have made Wisconsin my home since. Recently, I was elected to represent Wisconsin as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a non-partisan constitutional officer with a 4 year term. I will be eligible for reelection in 2025. It is an honor and privilege to serve in this role and be the lead advocate for public education and public school children and educators in this state.

SoE:Who was your most memorable instructor, and what made them memorable?
 
Jill: Bob Osgood was my favorite teacher and I happily reconnected with him (unexpectedly) when I began my work at the WI Department of Public Instruction and he was in charge of teacher preparation at St. Norbert's College in Green Bay. He was always so easy to talk to and understood the struggles that someone who had to juggle a lot of life issues could have while completing a graduate degree. He was a wonderful support.

SoE: How did your experience at the IU School of Education Indianapolis shape who you are today?

Jill: I was working full time as a high school social studies teacher when I decided to pursue my master's degree at IU Indianapolis. The flexibility in course offerings as well as the ability to take courses at night, or in the summer during the day, kept me motivated to complete my degree. Many of the individuals and professors, with their own life experience, helped me see public education as one of the main drivers to economic and personal success, and that philosophy is what helps me look at issues that people bring to my attention as completely solvable. Government is supposed to make our lives better, and that's the underpinning of why I know public education is critical for the success of our democracy.

SoE: What professional accomplishments have you been most proud of and why?

Jill: In 2012 I received my doctorate and that opened so many doors for me not just in public education but in public service. The accomplishment that I am most proud of is my statewide election in 2021 to become Wisconsin's state superintendent of public instruction.

SoE: What can you share with educators, counselors or fellow alumni? 

Jill: Always believe in yourself and don't forget to take care of yourself. I know it sounds cliché but it is the truth. Working in public service, or working in public education and being a parent or a spouse, takes a lot of energy and it can be emotionally very taxing. Don't forget to care for yourself - find time to reduce stress, make getting a good night's sleep a priority, exercise, eat well, it make all the difference. If you can't take care of yourself first, you are not at your best self to care for others.

Alumna Raven Henry shares her strength, drive, and determination from driving the school bus, to teaching in the same elementary school she attended as a child.

Interview with Raven Henry

Introduction: Alumni and class of 2023, WE DID IT! We persevered through one of the hardest times in this country let alone our own lives and we never gave up! That speaks volume about us. I wish you all the best in any of your endeavors and go be great in all you do! I was a school bus driver for 11 years when I enrolled in the Teacher Education Program. I worked full-time and was a full-time student. I am now teaching in my childhood elementary school as a 4th grade teacher!

SoE:Who was your most memorable instructor, and what made them memorable?

Raven: Ronald Cunningham & Cassandra Williams [in the School of Education Teacher Education Program] they equally pushed me to be the best student and in turn Educator I can be. They equally believed in my abilities and have me best tools to walk away with. Thank you both sincerely.

SoE:How did your experience at the IU School of Education Indianapolis shape who you are today?

Raven: SoE taught me a strength that I did not know I was holding inside. I was a full time student and employee and I learned how to fight for myself and needs, which I will be teach my students to do as well. That is my greatest take away from the SoE.

SoE:What professional accomplishments have you been most proud of and why?

Raven: I was a school bus driver for 11 years. I became a full-time student while being a full time employee. It taught me perseverance and determination. I earned my degree while doing both. I learned, whatever we put our minds to we can see it through.

SoE:What can you share with educators, counselors or fellow alumni?

Raven: It is never too late to follow your dreams!!! Keep Going and be great, compassionate, kind, genuine, and intentional in all you do. I wish you all the best in any of your endeavors and go be great in all you do!