College of Education

GCU News Bureau A special edition of the Journal of Instructional Research features several articles from Grand Canyon University faculty. JIR features theoretical and empirically-based research articles, critical reflection pieces, case studies and classroom innovations relevant to best practices in post-secondary instruction (including teaching, learning and assessment). The articles listed below are available here: “Defining Effective Online Pedagogy,” John Steele, Rick Holbeck, Jean Mendernach Ten Strategic Points: A Framework for Doctoral Dissertations Students to Conceptualize their Research Design in a Doctoral Residency Program,” Cynthia Bainbridge, Christie McClendon, June Maul “The Goldilocks Paradox: The Need for Instructor Presence but Not Too Much in an Online Discussion Forum,” Elizabeth Larson, Jacob Aroz, Eric Nordin “Virtual Professional Communities: Integrative Faculty Support to Foster Effective Teaching,” Katie Sprute, Crystal McCabe, Lynn Basko, Paul Danuser “Exploring Quiz-Style PowerPoint Games as an Innovative e-Learning and Teaching Pedagogy,” Nikki Squire “Reflective Practice through Mentorship: A Program Reflection,” Emily Pottinger, Rebekah Dyer and Jena Akard “Using OBS to Create Video Lectures for Online Counseling Students,” Daniel A. Kauffman “Active Classrooms: Great for Academic Performance, but can They Improve Student Health? A Critical Literature Review,” Mike Swoboda The Intersection of Theory and Practice in Teacher Preparation Courses,” Brandon Juarez “Alternative Mentoring for Psychology Students,” […]

Photos by Ralph Freso and Elizabeth Tinajero GCU News Bureau The 2 p.m. ceremony Friday in Winter Commencement at Grand Canyon University featured graduates of the College of Education, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Technology and the College of Theology.  

Lopes Teach Up Week runs through Wednesday and is focused on helping students secure teaching positions and advocating for teaching and education professions. The Provost Speaker Series event on Monday, “Teacher Advocacy and Self-Care,” included a panel discussion on advocating for yourself.

Colangelo College of Business students aren’t the only ones who need to learn how to handle personal finances, of course, so Money Week was expanded this year to College of Education classrooms. Dr. Suzanne Zentner, Assistant Superintendent of Strategy and Business Development for Gilbert Public Schools, is sharing her district’s holistic approach to its employees.

University development manager Sarah Wade is a GCU graduate and is working on her doctorate. Her daughter went to GCU and now teaches at a Southern California high school that has several other GCU connections. “I feel like I can’t go anywhere without somebody knowing somebody who is on campus at GCU,” Wade said.

Saturday was a day of celebration as Grand Canyon University’s Alpha Chi chapter inducted 1,212 new members into the prestigious honors society. Only students within the top 10% of their graduating class in each of their individual colleges are eligible. “GCU does attract a lot of exceptional learners,” Honors College Associate Dean Breanna Naegeli said.

Jillian Hartman, an Assistant Professor in the College of Education, has considerable experience in mentoring new teachers and is passionate about new technology that makes her more effective in her job. Away from work, she and her husband are plenty busy with their three young children, who look absolutely adorable in this photo with Thunder. Her past includes an interesting competition that requires a lot of skill to master.

Lynette Stant became the first Native American woman to be named Arizona Teacher of the Year Thursday at Arizona Educational Foundation ceremonies in Phoenix. Stant earned her Master’s of Arts in Teaching at GCU in 2006. She stressed being a role model for Native America children and bringing equitable education to rural parts of the state. GCU alums dominated the top 10 in the contest. Three of the five semifinalists are also GCU alums.

The Association of Christian Schools International’s first international job fair at GCU brought representatives from 28 countries to campus Tuesday. “We have a variety of job fairs and career fairs, but mostly they’re local and national. This is opening up the door in a large way to the number of professions in that international sphere,” said Dr. Tacy Ashby, Senior Vice President of K12 Educational Development. “The College of Education is really excited about this because it affords incredible ministry opportunities while allowing their students the opportunity to serve in Christian schools abroad.”

Photos by Elizabeth Tinajero GCU News Bureau The final ceremony of Fall Commencement, at 7 p.m. Friday, featured master’s graduates from the College of Education. For a full replay of the ceremony, click here.   Related content: GCU Today: GCU reaches 1,000 signed doctoral dissertations   GCU Today: My LopeLife: Passion for education drives teachers GCU Today: My LopeLife: Nurses know all about hanging tough GCU Today: My LopeLife: Tales of doctoral, nursing challenges GCU Today: Slideshow: Fall Commencement, Friday afternoon ceremony GCU Today: Slideshow: Fall Commencement, Friday morning ceremony GCU Today: My LopeLife: Stories from Thursday evening session GCU Today: Slideshow: Fall Commencement, Thursday evening ceremony GCU Today: Jamaican graduate hopes degree will impact others GCU Today: Kirk Cameron delivers powerful message to grads GCU Today: My LopeLife: They had to be all business to succeed GCU Today: Slideshow: Fall Commencement, Thursday afternoon ceremony GCU Today: Slideshow: Fall Commencement, Thursday morning ceremony GCU Today: My LopeLife: Humanities grads share their joy