My Life, My Teaching: It starts with education at Illinois State

Alumni: Jon Robert Bales

Graduation Year:

Ph.D. '97

Occupation:

Superintendent, DeForest School District, DeForest, Wisconsin

Major/Minor:

Educational Administration and Foundations

It Starts With Education

Educators have a responsibility to students, parents, and community. "If you are going to be in the business, go the extra mile. Always go the extra mile," says Dr. Jon Bales.

Was there a particular faculty member or class that helped shape your thinking on the role of educators?

Bales says that Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Baker "probably influenced my life more than any other teacher that I have ever had." Baker, Bales recalls, taught him that you have a responsibility to learn how to sift through ideas and make sure that the ones that you choose are "right" for children and families.

How has your education and experiences at Illinois State shaped your career choices?

Bales was part of one of the first doctoral cohort programs [in the EAF Department] in the late 1990's. "I can honestly say that it was one of the greatest experiences in my life," reflects Bales.