Jim Mostofo is one of Grand Canyon University’s dedicated and passionate College of Education faculty members who focuses on preparing future high school teachers.

Jim was inspired to pursue teaching after connecting with a few of his own middle school and high school teachers and coaches. In particular, his middle school basketball coach and high school math teacher had a significant impact on him in his younger years and they later became both mentors and friends.

Katy Long is a College of Education faculty member here at Grand Canyon University. She has wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a little girl; when she was younger, she would line up her stuffed animals and dolls as if they were her students and would “teach” them.

The College of Education at Grand Canyon University provides a unique community in which students come together to work hard and strive for success in their field. Brandon Juarez is one of many outstanding faculty in this college, providing his students with tools and resources to achieve their goals. We asked Juarez a few questions about his experience teaching at GCU, how the community has shaped him and how he hopes it shapes his students:

Grand Canyon University’s College of Education is partnering with the of Soroptimist International Canyon Corridor chapter to host a book drive! Anyone can stop by to drop off new and used books to support the Franklin Police and Fire High School. This book drive will provide the gift of reading.

Dr. Kimberly LaPrade is the dean of the College of Education. She earned her PhD in educational leadership from Capella University in 2008 and is a proud Grand Canyon University alumni who received her MEd in secondary education and BA in English/sociology in 2000 and 1990, respectively. Dr. LaPrade’s research efforts focus on topics related to teacher leadership and aspects of teacher preparation, performance and assessment.

By Kellianne Holland
Early Childhood Education Major, College of Education

When I made the decision to apply to Grand Canyon University, I was questioning what my purpose was. I was looking to find my passion and what I was meant to do in life. I wanted to go to a college that offered the resources I needed as a college student with a learning disability, so I could succeed in the same ways that other students were succeeding.

That’s when it hit me. I wanted to become a teacher! I wanted to start my journey as an early childhood educator. So, I enrolled at Grand Canyon University and I’m now on my way to fulfilling my purpose! Here are the reasons why I chose GCU for my early childhood education degree: