Anthony Perez is a highly accomplished College of Education alumnus who is gaining attention in the education community because of his accomplishments in his classrooms. Education in Arizona is currently struggling, and Perez sees this as an opportunity to serve and help the community grow.

Brent Phillips is a truly humble and passionate future educator, earning his degree in secondary education through Grand Canyon’s College of Education. Brent has a unique story as a U.S. veteran, and he has used his life and experiences to make a positive impact in the community. Specifically, with his love of astronomy, Brent is using his own self-funded astronomy outreach called VEGA to inspire and teach veterans and students of all ages.

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.

Lisa Bernier is one of GCU’s finest. This is her fifth year as a full-time faculty member in the College of Education, where she teaches ESL and special education courses for undergraduate students. Lisa has always had a heart for teaching; since her childhood, lining up her stuffed animals and teaching them with leftover worksheets, it has been her passion and desire to be an educator. In fact, Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree at Grand Canyon University in the 1980s in elementary education and has never looked back. She has been a teacher for 32 years now and has loved the opportunity to equip and encourage the next generation of educators here at her alma mater!

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: