Teaching Initiative Award

Mindy Ely, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor in Illinois State University's Special Education Department, Low Vision and Blindness programs and the Principal Investigator for the LIMITLESS grant.
Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 2018.

My motivation to become a college professor comes from …

I went back for my Ph.D. after working in the field for almost 20 years. I was motivated because of the need I saw for national leadership. I felt a university position was an ideal means to improve services for children who are blind or visually impaired as it allows a platform to address personnel preparation, policy development, and research.

The resource or person that has been the most important influence in my teaching career is … (and why)

Maribeth Lartz. She has mentored me in course development, program/curriculum development, and teaching. She has come alongside me in all these activities to lead by example. She provides constant encouragement.

The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is… (and why)

Student engagement. I love it when students become excited about the content being learned and/or its application to their future career. Sometimes I see this engagement in class discussions or in written assignments. I also see their excitement in the instructor feedback forms that they fill out each semester. But it is most meaningful when it comes in the form of an unsolicited written note or email after the semester has ended. When students show their excitement for learning, I know I am doing my job.

I want to continue to improve my teaching in the following ways …

I'm always looking for new ways to connect with students on a deeper level.

If you asked my students what makes me an effective teacher, I would hope that they would say … and/but I think that they would actually say …

I would hope students would say that my knowledge of the subject, preparation, and clarity are what make me an effective teacher.

Photo of Mindy Ely

“We must train teachers who can deeply connect with the children they will teach because these teachers will have the opportunity to impact the lives of hundred of children and families throughout their career.”