Lopes Teach Up
Continue to make an impact on the world, inspiring future generations and elevating the field of education. Teaching is more than just a profession — it's a calling driven by purpose and passion to transform lives, despite its inevitable challenges.
Be an advocate for Grand Canyon University’s College of Education by helping to shift the current conversation surrounding the hardships of teaching to refocus on how education is a career of servant leadership. It's an opportunity to empower, enrich and elevate students in impactful and enduring ways.
Let's join as one in the spirit of education. Together, let's encourage and assist each other in fulfilling our higher purpose to champion teaching and learning, potentially contributing to better futures.
Discover how our dedicated students are making a difference and elevating the teaching profession through innovative approaches and impactful initiatives.
Becoming an educator had always been a goal of mine. When we first came to America, I only knew how to speak Spanish, and my kindergarten teacher really took an interest in me and in helping me learn English. She would come to my house and read books to me in the evening, and that had such an impact on me. Because of her I was able to learn English and feel comfortable learning with American children. It made me want to become a teacher so that I could have that kind of impact on my students, too.
Stephanie Olivia-Castellanos
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Class of 2023
GCU’s College of Education Alumni and Their Accomplishments
The College of Education at GCU has a vibrant alumni community that is dedicated to making a difference in the world. These individuals, accomplished in their own right, are making contributions to the education field through various avenues. Explore a range of resources that can offer connections and insights into their impactful work.
One way to stay connected is through the College of Education’s website, which provides detailed information on our alumni network. Here, you can access profiles of alumni who are working on changing the world with their innovative approaches to education. In addition, the website features news articles and blog posts highlighting the achievements of these individuals.
No matter how you choose to connect, GCU’s College of Education alumni community can be a source of inspiration and motivation for anyone interested in making a difference in the world of education.
Teaching in Purple Blog
Stay informed about the latest happenings in the field of education and explore thought-provoking monthly themes on the College of Education's blog, Teaching in Purple. Diverse perspectives from students, staff, faculty and guest contributors provide a rich array of insights into the dynamic world of education.
Top of the Class Podcast
The Top of the Class podcast was developed by educators for educators. Whether you’re an undergraduate student studying to become a teacher, a paraprofessional, a classroom teacher, a master’s student or an administrator, all are welcome to listen in. Join the College of Education deans and other professionals in the field where they will discuss hot topics in education with a new episode each month.
Join Us on Instagram
We invite our students to explore and connect with the College of Education’s Instagram. It’s a great way to stay informed about news, events and opportunities that can enhance your educational experience.
College of Education Educator Accolades
GCU and the College of Education strive to keep you connected to all that is happening at GCU. Stay well-informed of notable awards and recognition that our faculty, students and college have been awarded.
As of February 2024, over 100 GCU alumni have been recognized in the field of education, including as Superintendent, Administrator or Teacher of the Year award recipients.
Robert “Robbie” Ferguson graduated from GCU’s College of Education with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology in 2016. Since then, Ferguson has been an engineering, aerospace and computer science teacher at Westminister High School. Concurrently, he teaches courses via Front Range Community College, University of Colorado Springs (Project Lead the Way courses) and Spartan College.
Tedra Cook graduated from the College of Education at GCU with a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in 2014. She earned the 2017 Educator of the Year from Carson City school district as a seventh-grade teacher.
Crystal Lock graduated from the College of Education at GCU with a Master of Arts in Teaching in 2009. She was honored as 2012 Teacher of the Year at Finley Elementary School in Finley, Tennessee as a fourth-grade teacher.
Beverly Slaton, who graduated from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Psychology in 2012, was honored with the 2020 ECHS Teacher of the Year award for her role as a healthcare science teacher. Slaton brings over 30 years of experience teaching both college and high school students, along with a nursing career spanning more than 34 years. Additionally, she has served as a Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor at Southern Regional Technical College (ABAC Blakely Site) for 13 years. Slaton says, “The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing my students reach higher levels of learning and accomplishing their goals.”1
Christine March earned her Master of Education in Educational Administration from the College of Education at GCU in 2015. In 2016, she was honored as Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Educational Foundation for her outstanding work in Advanced Placement English at Scottsdale’s Chaparral High School. With 23 years of experience teaching English at Chaparral High, Marsh describes her teaching approach as interactive and discussion-based.
Ashlee Shiver graduated from the College of Education at GCU with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2013. Recognized as the 2017-18 Mitchell County Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Shiver is dedicated to providing her students with opportunities for learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. She emphasizes exploration and varied learning methods to ensure her students have a well-rounded education.
Kimberly Belcher completed her Master of Education in Educational Administration from the College of Education at GCU in 2008. In recognition of her exceptional teaching, she was awarded the 2022 Teacher of the Year by Redwater Middle School.
Lynette Stant, who earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from the College of Education at GCU in 2006, was recognized as the 2020 Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) for her exceptional work as a third-grade teacher at Slat River Elementary. Drawing from her background growing up on the Navajo reservation and being a first-generation college student, Stant is deeply committed to providing equitable learning opportunities that respect and honor Native American culture.2 She aims to empower her students to overcome historical educational challenges and build a future filled with academic success.2
Laura Steele graduated from GCU’s College of Education with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading in 2010. She earned the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching from the White House in Washington, D.C. for teaching kindergarten students.
Wendy Murphy earned her master’s degree in special education from the College of Education at GCU in 2007. She brings over 19 years of teaching experience to her role. Her dedication and expertise were recognized in 2021 when she received the New Teacher of the Year award while teaching Coordinated Career Academic Education (CCAE) courses at Colquitt County High School.
Melida Reeves graduated from the College of Education at GCU with a Master of Education in Educational Administration in 2008. She was named the 2012-13 District Teacher of the Year by Anderson School District Four. After working in law enforcement, including as a school resource officer, Reeves developed a passion for education, inspiring her career transition to teaching. She furthered her education and gained experience teaching first and third grades, transitioning to roles as an instructional coach and assistant principal. Reeves now serves as the principal of La France Elementary in Pendleton, part of Anderson School District Four.
Please submit any educator awards you've received to help us recognize and celebrate your impactful contributions. Examples may include school-teacher of the year, district teacher of the year, state principal of the year, etc. If you have multiple awards to share, kindly submit a separate entry for each.
Life of a First-Year Teacher - Rebecca Wayne
As a teacher, there’s a lot to learn in your first year on the job — from how you’ll start each day with your students to what strategies you’ll need to keep them engaged. Watch along as we join first year teacher and GCU College of Education graduate, Rebecca Wayne, as she navigates her first year of teaching.
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If you’re like Rebecca and know that you’ve been called to teach, visit gcu.edu today to earn your degree in the field of education.
If you’re like Rebecca and know that you’ve been called to teach, visit gcu.edu today to earn your degree in the field of education.
The College of Education Lopes Legacy Wall is a dedicated space to showcase our inspiring journeys as educators. We encourage students and alumni of all modalities to share their stories and become a guiding light for current and future educators. Your legacy matters.
Join us in leaving a lasting mark on the world of education!
If there’s someone you think deserves to be on the wall, please email [email protected].
College of Education alumnus Jorge Romero, who teaches at William C. Jack Elementary school in the Glendale Elementary School District, is featured on COE’s Lopes Legacy Wall. (Photo by Ralph Freso)
1 Early County News. (2020, Jan. 14). Teachers of the Year. Retrieved on April 8, 2024.
2 Arizona Educational Foundational. (2019, Oct. 24). Lynette Stant Named 2020 AEF Arizona Teacher of the Year. Retrieved on April 8, 2024.