Four Grand Canyon University College of Education leaders presented recently at a national conference, the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation’s Quality Assurance Symposium in Irving, Texas. AAQEP is the college's accrediting agency.
The presentations were:
'Planting Seeds, Building Futures:
The Power of "Grow Your Own" Apprenticeships in Education'
By Dr. Lindy Gaudiano and Dr. Jeremy Hayden
Gaudiano and Hayden shared information about the Registered Apprenticeship partnership between GCU and the Phoenix Union High School District. The partnership is one of the first of its kind in Arizona. Designed to grow and sustain the educator workforce, the program offers aspiring 6-12 secondary and K-12 special education teachers a paid pathway into the profession. They shared how the program's design, early implementation and vision drives it. It is centered on equity, sustainability and local talent development, in addition to navigating state and federal apprenticeship systems.
'The Power of the PDSA Cycle:
Continuous Program Improvement Through Collaboration and Data'
By Erica Stolte, Dr. Alicia Kozimor
The session showcased the college's use of the Plan, Do, Study Act (PDSA) Improvement Model, data analysis and faculty collaboration to drive improvement. It also focused on how biannual assessment summits, centralized curriculum and faculty-led collaborative communities lead to data-driven revisions that improve candidate outcomes and program quality.
'Empowering Excellence:
Strengthening Connectedness and Professional Growth Among Adjunct Faculty'
Dr. Alicia Kozimor
Adjunct faculty are central to educator preparation yet often lack the connection and support systems of full-time faculty, Kozimor told the group. Her session outlined a comprehensive, multimodal strategy for fostering professional growth, institutional belonging and instructional excellence among adjunct instructors. Intentional structures –monthly meetings, leadership roundtables, virtual communities and a dedicated conference – contribute to faculty and student success and program improvement.
