For Illinois State University alum Sharon Ponder-Ballard ’86, education has always been about opening doors. Inspired by a mother who believed that "reading was freedom," Ponder-Ballard has dedicated her career to ensuring every student has access to books, opportunity, and the support they need to thrive.

A Golden Apple Award winner and the most recent recipient of the Illinois State Alumni Association's Maitland Commitment to Education Award, Ponder-Ballard has spent decades serving students in Chicago Public Schools and beyond. From building classroom libraries when school librarians were lost to budget cuts, to bringing thousands of books to schools recovering from Hurricane Katrina, to developing innovative curriculum that connects literacy, restorative justice, and environmental awareness, her work demonstrates what happens when compassion and purpose come together in the classroom.

On this episode of Redbird Buzz, Ponder-Ballard reflects on the lessons she learned at Illinois State, how empathy plays a role in building classroom libraries, and why she continues to advocate for educational equity every day. It's an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of reading, the importance of meeting students where they are, and how one passionate teacher can create opportunities that last a lifetime.