Stephanie Ballard knows that all students are capable of meeting rigorous educational standards and goals. That knowledge drives her work as a special educator at Mickelson Middle School in Brookings, South Dakota, where she has taught since 2016. Special education requires a lot of progress reports, and that’s right in Ballard’s wheelhouse: she’s a special education math teacher who loves data. Ballard manages cases for sixth- through eighth-grade students with disabilities. She works with school professionals to evaluate students and determine whether they are eligible for special education; then she develops and implements their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Ballard teaches specialized classes for students with disabilities who are underperforming in mathematics. She also co-teaches inclusion math classes with general education teachers, providing accommodations and modifications to help all students be successful. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ballard has taught students with disabilities who are remote learners through online platforms. Ballard earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary inclusive education and special education, with specializations in specific learning disabilities and emotional/behavioral disorders, from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2014. Throughout her eight years in education, Ballard has served on school, district and educational association committees. She enjoys professional development and leadership opportunities and mentoring new special education teachers in her district. She was named the Camelot Intermediate School (Brookings) Teacher of the Year in 2016. In 2021, she was named District, Region and ultimately State Teacher of the Year.