Student teacher teaching children

We oversee Ball State’s Clinical Practice Network (CPN)—a dynamic collaboration of partner and professional development schools dedicated to preparing exceptional educators. Through this network, teacher candidates connect theory to practice by engaging in high-quality clinical experiences guided by skilled and supportive Ball State faculty and local teacher educators.

The success of the CPN is built on a foundation of strong partnerships between Ball State faculty and P–12 educators, emphasizing shared leadership in professional development, school-based research, and continuous improvement of teacher preparation.

Professional Development Resources and Opportunities

Additional Resources

To support our educational partners, we provide information, resources, and connections to help plan and implement meaningful professional development experiences. Our office collaborates with departments across campus and various organizations to offer workshops, training sessions, and customized learning opportunities on a wide range of topics.

Schools in Our Network

Guided by our OTES-CP Policy, the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) and the National Associate of School-University Partnerships (NASUP), Ball State’s Professional Development Schools (PDS) are collaborative partnerships between our professional education programs and P–12 schools. These partnerships support both the professional development of practicing teachers and the preparation of future educators.

PDS sites hold a special place within our Clinical Practice Network, working closely with a dedicated faculty liaison who:

  • Collaborates on field experiences within the school.

  • Provides site-specific professional development opportunities.

  • Leads school-based research projects aligned with school improvement goals.

PDS Partnership Highlights

  • PDS partnerships are designed to foster mutually beneficial relationships between higher education and public schools.

  • Each school is assigned a Ball State faculty liaison who participates in district or school professional development with a literacy focus.

  • Liaisons extend professional development into classrooms by working directly with master teachers, mentor teachers, and instructional staff.

  • PDS liaisons are active members of the school’s leadership team, supporting continuous growth and collaboration.

Mentor classroom teachers who host early field candidates, student teachers, or teacher residents must be trained in the Science of Reading. Ball State will confirm this training with P–12 principals as part of the approval process for each field experience placement.

Schools and Liaisons

Muncie Community Schools

Mt. Vernon School Corporation (Liaison: Amy Leitze)

Partner schools play a vital role within Ball State’s Clinical Practice Network (CPN). As schools become formally affiliated with the university and our teacher education programs, we establish agreements that outline shared goals and provide a clear framework for collaboration. These partnerships ensure that our work remains mutually beneficial, supporting both the development of teacher candidates and the professional growth of clinical educators.

Partner School Collaboration Highlights

  • Partner school collaborations foster mutually beneficial relationships between higher education and P–12 education.

  • Partner school sites co-construct the clinical preparation of teacher candidates and share responsibility for the preparation process.

  • Partner schools are overseen by OTES-CP and have opportunities to engage in CPN-wide professional development, CPN Advisory Meetings, and the continuous improvement of teacher preparation programming.

Mentor classroom teachers who collaborate on the placement of early field candidates, student teachers, or teacher residents must be trained in the Science of Reading. Ball State will verify this training with P–12 principals as part of the approval process for each field experience placement.

Partner Schools and Partner Organizations