The Servant as Teacher: LWC Alumni Spotlight on Michelle Ball

LWC alum and 4th grade teacher Michelle Ball proudly stands by a chart maintained by her students as part of the "Paper Clips Can Make a Difference" program.

Just over 18 years ago, Michelle Ball decided a career change was in order.   A business major in college, she pursued a second career in education, receiving her teaching degree.   Currently a 4^th grade teacher at Pierceton Elementary School in Pierceton, the Leadership Whitley County alum couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.   Several years ago, Michelle was encouraged by friend and LWC alum Mick Long to apply for the seventh class of Leadership Whitley County.  

“Mick really recommended the program and I thought highly of him,” said Michelle, speaking from her colorful classroom full of learning opportunities.   The challenge for her was to balance a day out of the classroom each month in order to attend the regular LWC sessions.  The Whitko School Corporation agreed to provide support in the form of a substitute for her classroom so Michelle could participate in the program.  

Michelle became an integral part of LWC’s seventh year, consistently providing valuable input and serving as an active part of the class structure.  She and her husband Pat even took full advantage of the pirate theme at the class celebration and dressed as sea-faring folks.   The real value of Michelle’s participation in Leadership Whitley County came after her graduation, when she was able to apply her learned servant leadership skills in the classroom with her students and at faculty trainings with fellow staff members.

Shortly after the LWC graduation, Michelle was given the opportunity to present a topic at her school staff retreat.   Michelle remembers at the time they had a new principal and she wasn’t sure how the focus of personal mission would be received.    She dedicated herself to the task, assembling notebooks for each staff member, challenging them to “find their treasure at Pierceton Elementary School.”   The feedback from her presentation was very positive, and she has utilized concepts learned from her time in the LWC program at subsequent staff meetings.

 In addition to sharing her servant leader skills with staff, Michelle stresses these experiences with her students as well.

“I so try to instill in students “it’s not about you” kind of thinking,” she said.  “It’s important to me to show them that.”

Michelle noted her biggest take-away from the LWC program was the whole servant leadership concept, especially the personal mission session.

 “I really believe I have done things now that are because of that…reaching goals, being more focused, being purposeful,” she said.   Michelle added the program influenced her decision to pursue a Lilly grant in the spring of 2010, which she received.  The $9,000 grant allowed her to spend the summer traveling overseas for seven weeks following the life of Anne Frank.  A very powerful experience for the elementary teacher, she now makes presentations to groups about her trip.  She also incorporates her journey in to classroom curriculum.

“The main way is through a 6-week after school enrichment program for 4^th and 5^th graders,” said Michelle.   She also pointed out a successful classroom project entitled “Paper Clips Can Make a Difference.”  Inspired by a display at Huntington North High School, Michelle challenges her students to collect paper clips in honor of the victims of Auschwitz.   They partnered with students at Huntington North and have even garnered paper clips from celebrities.   As of last spring, 15,688 paper clips had been collected.  Students are tasked with all aspects of the project, including contacts for donations and accurate record keeping.

The 2008 Leadership Whitley County alum isn’t slowing down in reaching her goals.   Michelle recently applied for her license to teach high ability students, noting her pursuit of this goal go back to her personal mission.

“Leadership Whitley County is definitely a program that can rejuvenate and light a spark within you.  I was inspired by what other people in our group did such as Terry Eberly and Judy (Bell) Mundy.  I was motivated.”

The 11^th class of Leadership Whitley County kicks off on September 13, 2011.  For more information on Leadership Whitley County, visit their website at www.leadershipwc.org, become a fan on Facebook, or contact Kelley Sheiss, Program Director, at 799-4045 or info@leadershipwc.org.

Tags: alumni, LWC, Michelle Ball