A panel of five experts left an impression on the more than 100 students and staff who attended The Virtuous Educator: Building Capacity to Teach and Lead conference recently at Grand Canyon University.
“The Virtuous Educator panel reminded me that teaching is about far more than delivering lessons,” said student Cameron Henry, “it’s about shaping lives through integrity, compassion and faith.”
Hosted by College of Education’s Dr. Nydia Palomino and Nathan Hollis II, industry professionals shared their worldview and practices for leading with integrity and compassion in education.
Panelists included: the Rev. Dr. Alicia Simpson, senior pastor of Refuge Temple of Prayer; Dr. Neritza Diaz-Cruz, Phoenix Union teacher; Lisa Norwood, CEO and founder of iLead Education Services; Kylie Elizabeth, owner, founder and lead consultant for Virtuoso Education Consultant Services; and Kylah Seabrooks, owner of K. Seabrooks Educational Consulting.
“The panel gave us real actionable ways we can help our aspiring teachers become more mindful of their words and actions, both inside and outside the classroom,” said COE Dean Dr. Meredith Critchfield.
“I was especially moved by the biblical reflections woven into the conversation. The stories of Esther, Joseph, Job, and, of course, Jesus’ ultimate story, offered us examples of integrity and compassion in action.”
COE students took much from the discussion, as well.
“I am going to be a first-generation graduate, and there have been so many times where it has been so hard and tiring for me to keep going,” Ruby Valadez said. “But I know that God has a purpose for me. The panel showed me that no matter my past or the hard times, with God by my side I am strong enough to keep going.”
Said Evelyn Skattum: “One thing that really stuck out to me was how they all mentioned compassion and really emphasized the importance of that in education with your students, the families, co-workers and yourself.”
The Canyon Center for Character Development also took part in panel discussions while promoting the COE values of love, respect, integrity, compassion and service
“They express the most compelling virtues that effective educators should possess,” said Hollis.
