GCU News Bureau
The pins are a symbol and an important reminder.
As each soon-to-be graduate of the College of Education pushed them into their shirts last week at the Spring 2022 Student Teaching Celebration, they heard the pledge to learn, lead and serve as new teachers.
Grand Canyon University faculty, leaders, alumni and advisory board members cheered the student teachers who plan to become full-time educators after graduation.
“This special celebration was an absolutely beautiful and heartfelt event,” said Dr. Alicia Kozimor, COE's faculty chair. “The opening prayer from Professor Jena Akard was also a special moment as she shared with students that just as God knows every hair on their heads, He knew before they were even born that teaching would be their calling and that they would change lives through their practice.”
Nancy Parra-Quinlan, 2022 Arizona Teacher of the Year, told students that colleagues in the field are excited to have more GCU’s graduates join the classrooms and communities to change the world.
Samantha Ness, a local teacher and GCU graduate, reminded students not to forget the support COE gives new graduates as they enter classrooms.
The pinning ceremony is a revived practice as a reminder of what students promise as COE graduates and new teachers. They pledge was given to:
- Be fully prepared every day.
- Inspire all students to achieve their greatest potential.
- Support unique learning needs.
- Model integrity and professional ethics.
- Be a lifelong learner.
- Learn, lead and serve.
