About Us
In 1976, Indiana Education Service Centers (ESCs) were authorized by legislative action to provide joint services for Indiana K-12 schools. With definitive geographical boundaries in nine (9) regions, covering all 92 counties, local school corporations may voluntarily cooperate and share programs and services which they cannot individually provide, but collectively may implement (Indiana Code 20-1-11.3).
The Southern Indiana Education Center (Region 1 ESC) pre-dates this legislative action and was created prior to 1974. We are proud of the work we do and strive to provide forward-thinking, reliable, and common-sense support and training for Indiana schools.
We are here to support and empower our local education communities. Please feel free to reach out to us by either clicking the link below to email or calling us at 812.482.6641.
Judy Bueckert Executive Director
Judy Bueckert has spent most of her life as an educator in the roles of special education teacher, middle level teacher and elementary principal. Learning, at any level, is a passion. In 2008, she accepted the role of Director of Professional Learning at Southern IN Education Center and in 2012 became Executive Director. She really has the best job in the world! Her number one goal is to foster strength and certainty in all levels of education that WE CAN BE GREAT! This means supporting leaders and the growth of leadership in the SIEC region, promoting the development of teacher efficacy and encouraging educators to take the chance and be brave enough to listen to student voices. First ask, then listen…closely.
Amy Gonnerman Director of Special Projects
Amy has a M.Ed in Elementary Education from Indiana State University. She was a 2nd grade teacher prior to her employment at the SIEC where she has worked for many, many years in various roles. Details are her strength so she currently works with grant facilitation and budgets, the SW Indiana Food Co-Op, Starlab, workshop planning assistance, and other office specifics.
Sharon Gunselman Executive Secretary
Sharon has worked at the SIEC for 34 years. She works with Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable, assists with workshop facilitation, and other various office duties. She attended Vincennes University Jasper Campus and majored in Business Management.
DeAnne Taggart Solutions Specialist
DeAnne served the southwestern Indiana region from 2014-2020 as the SIEC Director of Professional Learning and is now back in a remote, part-time capacity. She currently serves the Southern Indiana Education Center as a professional learning planner and facilitator while she embarks on the long, but rewarding, journey of earning her Ph.D. in Educational Studies at Ball State University. She is excited for the opportunity to once again work alongside school districts across the state of Indiana.