EXPERTISE
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math (STEAM)
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
College and Career Readiness (CCR)
Workforce Development
P-20
STAFF PROFILE
Monique Burey-Ballard, a first-generation graduate of Albion College, MI, studied English and Psychology. A Chicagoland native, her first job was a primary school secretary. After a move to Brooklyn, New York, she discovered her own talent as a professional trainer in the entertainment industry. She began to develop recording artists, founded her own company – Simply Music! – and worked as an entrepreneur. A life-long learner, she chose to gain a deeper understanding of Education and Management and studied Adult Education (Roosevelt University, IL) and Business Administration (Governors State University, IL). As a graduate student, she continued her academic career through higher education assistantships for both research and teaching.
Recalling her mother's advocacy of volunteerism in schools, when Monique became a single parent, she served in her children's classrooms. Inspired by the faculty, staff, and students, she taught as a Substitute Teacher and worked in early learning, elementary, and special education classrooms. When she ‘discovered’ middle school, she became smitten with leading classroom instruction; then, she bravely ‘tested the waters’ in secondary education. With a mindset of believing that education is an effective equalizer, she states that, “Students may leverage their knowledge to better themselves, their descendants, and our communities.” Monique spent over twenty years in education working with grades Pre-K through university. Her research interests include Workforce Development; P-20 work; College and Career Readiness; and Career and Technical Education.
Monique's commitment to the profession fostered her obtaining her teaching license with additional endorsements at various Chicagoland schools. She has facilitated learning for over 3000 students via STEAM, Business Education, Computer Science, Consumer Education, and Cooperative Education courses. As a past chapter president of Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society and former Vice President of Communications for Delta Gamma (Zeta), recently, Monique Burey-Ballard was published in National Business Education Association (NBEA)’s journal and was also awarded as a Best Practice Educator with a team of STEAM Practitioners.
In her spare time, she learns; designs curriculum on remote/e-learning programs; writes songs; advocates for both Rape and Domestic Violence Survivors; and spends time with her children – Ethan and Delilah – and their cat, Egypt. Monique Burey-Ballard models being both a teacher and arts entrepreneur by consistently seeking opportunities to sharpen her crafts. She is available for networking through email and encourages future educators to "Trust that although our path is hard, it is worth it."
UNDERGRADUATE
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.: Albion College, MI) - English
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.: Albion College, MI) - Psychology
GRADUATE
MASTERS OF ARTS (M.A.: Roosevelt University, IL) - Training and Development [Adult Education]
MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (M.B.A.: Governors State University, IL)
CERTIFICATIONS
Online Teaching; Instructional Design; Performance Consulting; and Cooperative Education
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION ENDORSEMENTS
Administrative Support and Information Processing; Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping; Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies; Computer Programming; Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician; Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design; Work-place Coordination and Administration; State of Illinois Qualified Teacher Evaluator
RESEARCH INTERESTS