Category: Student highlight

A look into the Elementary Education Program: teaching science through “Wonder Journals”

Post author By Anna Ondieki
Post date July 29, 2025

Tags CEHD, Education, Elementary Education, George Mason University, Science

Addressing the push to “get published!”

Post author By Alejandra Salazar-Salame
Post date July 2, 2025

The push to “get published” at the doctoral level is ever-present.

Students are strongly encouraged to get their name out there at least once during their PhD coursework but going about this can feel intimidating. The competition to get published in a big-name journal can feel discouraging, especially when there is a fee for submitting manuscripts for review. It can feel overwhelming to have to consider the fact that your manuscript will be peer-reviewed by others in your field, some of whom you may have met (or will meet) at conferences, and some who you may very well have referenced in your work before. Keep reading to discover how I pushed through these feelings of intimidation and embarked on my own journey of getting published for the first time.

Tags CEHD, Doctoral, George Mason, Graduate, PhD, Published

Erin Kowalevicz is REACHing students across the globe

Post author By Anna Ondieki
Post date June 10, 2025

Erin Kowalevicz, an elementary school teacher for Arlington Public Schools and a part-time George Mason student pursuing her master’s degree in the Education Leadership Program, spent her spring break collaborating with fellow educators through a study tour with REACH for Uganda.

During this experience, she worked directly with students and local teachers and led professional development workshops focused on collaborative learning, supporting students with special needs, and project-based instruction. Continue reading for insights into Erin’s experience.

Tags CEHD, Education, Education Leadership, George Mason University, Graduate, REACH for Uganda, Spring 2025

2025 CEHD Outstanding Student Award Winners

Post author By Anna Ondieki
Post date May 16, 2025

Each spring, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner at the CEHD Degree Celebration. Graduating students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

Tags CEHD, GMU, Graduation, Mason, Program Award Winner, SOED, SOK, Spring 2025, SRTM

Full-circle moment: Yasmin Sahal’s journey to becoming an elementary educator

Post author By Anna Ondieki
Post date April 8, 2025

Tags CEHD, Education, Elementary Education, GMU, Teaching, Undergraduate