Calvin School of Graduate & Continuing Studies

How do you switch from practicing law to teaching in just one year? Calvin's Master of Arts in Teaching made that possible for Dave Veltman.

While working as an attorney, the principal at Dave's children's school suggested he might enjoy substitute teaching. Through saying "yes" to substitute teaching, Dave discovered that he loved teaching. He felt called to change careers and began seeking programs to become a certified teacher.

Calvin's yearlong MAT program was a perfect fit. "It being only one year was a big attraction. With a family longer, than that would have been a challenge. Calvin also has a great reputation for their education program. I knew I would be well prepared in a Christian environment," shared Veltman.

This fall, Dave will start his new career as a teacher at Tri-Unity Christian School, where he will teach World History, U.S. History, Government, and AP Government.

"I feel like I am as ready as I can be starting a new career," he said. "I'm excited to really get to know the students and see where they start and where they end up over the course of a year."

He said, "I am glad that I decided to go back and do the MAT program. You never know when your calling will change or what that new calling will be. I think the MAT program prepared me to be used by God at Tri-Unity and that I will be able to serve there to the best of my ability."

Congratulations, Dave! We're excited to see the impact you'll make as an educator.

"Earning my MEd opened up leadership opportunities at my school," Calvin alumna Yuliany Lie shared. "It gave me the qualifications and confidence to step into curriculum coordination and associate principal roles, expanding my impact beyond the classroom."

After 18 years of teaching elementary students at Sekolah Pelita Harapan Lippo Village (SPH) in Indonesia, Yuliany felt called to continue her learning. She enrolled in Calvin's Educational Leadership program to deepen her understanding of educational theory and practice and better support both students and fellow teachers.

The investment paid off. Today, Yuliany serves as both a Primary Years Program (PYP) Curriculum Coordinator and Associate Principal of the Junior School.

She credits Calvin's MEd program for equipping her with practical skills in leadership, curriculum design, and reflective practice—tools she uses daily in her work. She especially appreciated how faith was integrated throughout the program, encouraging her to reflect on her calling as an educator and servant leader.

As an educator from Indonesia, Yuliany also valued the opportunity to visit the U.S. as part of her program. "The Calvin community was welcoming, and I gained a broader perspective on global education," she said.

“Calvin’s partnership with SPH—a network of Christian international schools in Indonesia—has been life-giving for both their teachers and our faculty,” shared Dr. Al Boerema, Calvin’s MEd program director. “We value the international exchange of ideas and culture that arises from their teachers in Calvin’s MEd program.”

We're grateful for graduates like Yuliany who are leading schools, serving students, and reflecting God's love in communities around the world.

(Pictures are of Yuliany with a 6th grade students during a PYP Exhibition, with her former principal, and two from her visit to Calvin.)

Recent Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) grad Anna Porritt is celebrating a major milestone: landing her first full-time teaching position as a physical education teacher at Mason Public High School.

"Receiving the job offer was such an exciting moment," Anna shared. "I felt relief, gratitude, and excitement all at once. The MAT program involved a lot of hard work, long days, and stepping outside of my comfort zone, so getting that phone call felt like a full-circle moment."

For Anna, the opportunity is about much more than teaching sports and fitness. "What excites me most is building relationships with students and creating a positive environment where they feel seen, supported, and successful," she said. "I love that I get to help students build confidence, develop healthy habits, and find ways to enjoy being active."

With an undergraduate degree in Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science, Anna always felt drawn to teaching. The MAT program offered a seamless, year-long opportunity to make that possible.

Anna credits Calvin's MAT program with preparing her for the realities of the classroom through a combination of rigorous coursework and hands-on experience.

"The coursework challenged me to think deeply about teaching and learning, while my field placements and student teaching allowed me to put those ideas into practice," she said. "By the end of the program, I felt prepared not only to teach content but also to build relationships, manage a classroom, and respond to the many unexpected moments that come with teaching."

She also points to the support she received from professors, mentor teachers, and classmates throughout the program. "My professors pushed me to become a reflective educator, my mentor teachers welcomed me into their classrooms, and my cohort supported each other every step of the way."

For those considering a career change or coming from a non-education background, Anna offers simple advice: "If teaching is something you feel called to do, don't be afraid to take the leap. The MAT program challenged me, supported me, and provided meaningful experiences that prepared me for the classroom. I'm incredibly grateful that I took that step."

Congratulations, Anna! We're excited to see the impact you'll make in the lives of your students!

Congratulations to Calvin University Speech Pathology & Audiology for achieving recognition as a top master's program in the U.S.! Our program was lauded for the integration of five clinical practicums, nearly 100% Praxis pass rates, faith-based framework, and availability in both residential and distance formats. Well done!

Best Master's in Speech-Language Pathology Programs 2026 Compare the best CAA-accredited Master's in Speech-Language Pathology programs. See rankings, admissions, costs, salaries, and online options for 2026.

For Hafsa Zarrar, returning to school wasn’t simply a career decision. It was a calling rediscovered.

Before moving to the United States 16 years ago, Hafsa worked as a speech-language pathologist in Pakistan. But after immigrating with her husband and infant daughter, she stepped away from the profession to focus on raising her family.

While she paused her professional career, Hafsa’s passion for speech-language pathology never disappeared. Years later, after facing serious health challenges—including losing her voice following thyroid surgery—Hafsa experienced firsthand the life-changing impact of speech-language pathologists.

“That experience gave me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to lose your voice—and to help someone find it again. I know firsthand how communication difficulties affect every part of life. That is why I intentionally chose speech-language pathology again. I wanted to give back, serve others, and become for someone else what those therapists were for me.”

As she explored graduate programs, Calvin immediately stood out. As a Muslim, she was looking for a place where she would feel welcomed, respected, and able to openly share her perspectives. “Calvin became that place for me,” she said. “I found a welcoming environment where I could share my thoughts openly, learn from others, and feel included.”

Hafsa first entered Calvin through the certificate in speech and hearing foundations program before starting the master’s program. Along the way, she found encouragement from faculty, mentors, and classmates who helped make returning to school after many years feel possible.

“That experience gave me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to lose your voice—and to help someone find it again. I know firsthand how communication difficulties affect every part of life. That is why I intentionally chose speech-language pathology again. I wanted to give back, serve others, and become for someone else what those therapists were for me.”

Now completing her second semester in Calvin's Speech and Hearing Clinic, Hafsa hopes to specialize in early intervention and serve diverse families with culturally responsive care.

“My goal is not only to practice speech-language pathology,” she said, “but to make others feel seen, heard, and supported.”

Stories like Hafsa’s remind us that calling can unfold in unexpected ways—through perseverance, faith, healing, and the courage to begin again.

As we look to next academic year, we're excited to welcome three new graduate program directors to the team:

➡️ Al Boerema, Master of Education

➡️ Rachel Hammond, Master of Business Administration

➡️ Kathi Groenendyk, Master of Arts in Media and Strategic Communication

Welcome!

Thank you to all who made the Master's Hooding Ceremony a special celebration this weekend, and especially to Meredith Segur for organizing it!

Here are a few of our favorite pictures from the event. Go to CalvinGrad.com to search for your images from the hooding ceremony and commencement!

Congratulations on a job well done to all the graduates! ❤️💛

Today we celebrated the hard work, resilience, and purpose of Calvin’s graduate students at the Master’s Hooding Ceremony. Congratulations, grads—we can’t wait to see where you go next. 💛🎓❤️

Coming to the Hooding Ceremony and/or Commencement tomorrow? Pick up your cap, gown, and hood today until 4:00 in Hoogenboom 290.