GVSU Education Programs

📚 We’re still celebrating National Book Lovers Day! There’s something special about the resources that help turn a love of books and learning into meaningful experiences in the classroom. The Curriculum Materials Library, located inside the Steelcase Library on GVSU’s City Campus, is a space where current and future educators can explore, discover, and find inspiration for their teaching. With a wide collection of K–12 teaching resources, educational tools, and equipment available for checkout, the library offers opportunities to take ideas from the shelf and bring them to life in the classroom. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next lesson or exploring new ways to engage your students, the Curriculum Materials Library is here to help you find the resources to make it happen. 📖✨

This spring, Dr. Catherine L. Meyer-Looze, professor and unit head of the Educational Leadership and Counseling department, stepped into a powerful leadership experience through Speak with Courage an immersive public speaking course designed to help women leaders communicate with confidence, authenticity and purpose. The program was led by Dana Black, a TEDx Chicago coach and actress who guided participants through the process of becoming more impactful and intentional storytellers.

The program brought together 11 women from the Grand Traverse community for a series of in-person sessions held every other week from April through June. Throughout the experience, participants explored the art of storytelling, strengthened their stage presence and learned how sharing personal experiences can create connection, inspiration and impact. 💬✨

The journey culminated on June 30 at the City Opera House in Traverse City, where each participant delivered a six- to eight-minute speech to a live audience sharing stories that reflected their experiences, values and leadership journeys. 🎭👏

For Dr. Meyer-Looze, the experience was about more than becoming a stronger public speaker. It was about finding the courage to share a story she had carried for years and using that story to inspire others.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Meyer-Looze, for embracing the power of authentic leadership and reminding us that some of the most impactful lessons begin with the courage to tell our stories.

For more information: https://www.gvsu.edu/education/module-news-view.htm?storyId=D8A5288B-CD7E-B561-CB47BA28F9025B8D&siteModuleId=AFDE9DB5-BBE4-464A-06FD2F13AD4B02C3

🍎✨ The countdown is officially on! If you're planning to complete your Teacher Apprenticeship or Teacher Internship during Winter 2027, now is the time to get your application ready. Applications are due September 1st, and we encourage you to submit everything before the deadline. This gives you time to meet with your Placement Specialist to review your application. 📚👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 Scan the QR code to apply today, and don't wait until the last minute we're excited to support you every step of the way! 🍏💙

🎉 Proud moment for our team! 🍎📚

On June 16, 2026, GVSU education leaders Amy Schelling and Adrianna Donahue, alongside Mary Kay Murphy of the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative, took the stage at the NASDTEC Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana 🎤🍎

Their session, "Pathways to Teaching: Establishing Partnerships that Recruit and Retain the Educator Workforce," highlighted how innovative regional partnerships are helping recruit, prepare, and retain the next generation of educators creating sustainable solutions to address teacher shortages in West Michigan and beyond. 🌟🤝✨

We're proud to see GVSU leading the conversation on strengthening the educator workforce and inspiring others across the country to do the same! 💙🖤

For more information: https://www.gvsu.edu/education/module-news-view.htm?storyId=3A768FD4-D8D7-98A7-D45B7C4AE27A2FD1&siteModuleId=AFDE9DB5-BBE4-464A-06FD2F13AD4B02C3

✨ Looking to take the next step in your career or simply have questions about your professional journey? Join us for our Alumni Webinar: Ask an Advisor featuring Dayna Phillips and Stephanie Jensen on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. 💼🌟 This virtual Q&A session is designed specifically for alumni seeking general career support and guidance. Whether you're looking for advice on resumes, job searching, interviewing, career transitions, or simply want to gain valuable career insight, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with experienced advisors and get your questions answered. We look forward to seeing you online! 😊🎉
RSVP for this event: https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/cms-form-edit.htm?formId=F8E33152-BFC4-0A96-672CC168211D319D

☀️Summer Concert Series at Cook Carillon Tower

Join us for a beautiful evening of live music on Tuesday, July 28, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. at Cook Carillon Tower on GVSU's Allendale Campus for the Summer Concert Series! 🎵 Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, relax on Kirkhof Lawn, and enjoy an inspiring outdoor performance featuring the incredible 12-ton, 48-bell Cook Carillon Tower, the largest and most unique instrument on campus! 💙✨

Whether you're an alumnus, community member, faculty, staff, or student, everyone is welcome to experience an evening of incredible music in the heart of campus☀️🎼. Gather your family and friends, relax under the summer sky, and and experience the beautiful sounds of one of Grand Valley's most iconic landmarks. 💚🎶. We can't wait to see you there! 💙🎼

✨ As we wind down another week and welcome the weekend, take a moment to appreciate how far you've come. Every step, every lesson, and every challenge has that has helped shape your journey. 🌿

Wishing you all a peaceful Friday afternoon and a relaxing, blessed weekend ahead. Stay grateful, stay inspired, and keep moving forward. 🙏💙 Happy Friday! 🌸✨

✨ Kick off your evening with great food, family fun, and fellow Lakers! 💙⚓
🌅🎬 Join us on Wednesday, July 22 at 5:30 PM before the GVSU Summer Movie Night at Lubbers Stadium for a fun evening of community and summer celebration! Stop by The Deck at Lubbers Stadium to enjoy delicious BBQ 🍖, refreshing beverages 🥤, yard games 🎯, crafts for the kids 🎨, and the chance to connect with fellow Lakers 💙. It's the perfect way to kick off movie night with family and friends before the show begins. We hope to see you there for an evening of great food, fun, and Laker spirit! ⚓✨
Reserve your spot: gvsu.edu/s/3I9

We would like to give a congratulatory shout-out to CECI alumni Josh Owens! Owens has been appointed as the Charter Township of Texas superintendent. Texas Township is located in Kalamazoo County, west of Portage, MI.

Owens graduated from GVSU in 2018 with his Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.). He also previously served as an administrative analyst for the City of Grand Rapids.

Owens brings several years of high-level public and private sector experience to his new role as superintendent. Outside of his work in Grand Rapids, Owens served as the deputy supervisor of Oshtemo Charter Township, and as the director of operations for Phoenix Construction Management & Services.

Huge congratulations Josh – we’re wishing you the best as you take the next step in your career!

🎓 Looking for an on-campus job? We've got you covered! Join us tomorrow, July 15 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm to learn how to navigate work-study, apply with confidence, and ace your interview. 🍕 Free food, 🎁 raffle prizes, and valuable tips await, don't miss out!