Student Success Blog

Tag: Education

Fields Road Elementary School 2025-26 Rising Star Award

Jenna Lewaren is a graduate student in George Mason University’s Mathematics Specialist Leadership Program. While working toward her degree, Jenna also teaches at Fields Road Elementary School, where she recently received their Rising Star Award for 2025-2026. Keep reading to learn more about her experience and for advice she has for prospective and current students.

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Meet Henrico Virtual Academy’s Teacher of the Year

Claire Hsieh celebrating her Teacher of the Year award with colleagues

Claire Hsieh is a graduate student in George Mason University’s Mathematics Specialist Leadership Program. While working toward her degree online, Claire also teaches math at Henrico Virtual Academy, where she was recently named their Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026. Keep reading to learn more about her experience and for advice she has for prospective and current students.

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

Students viewing each other's "Wonder Projects"

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a pre-service teacher at George Mason University?

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Erin Kowalevicz is REACHing students across the globe

Erin Kowalevicz working directly with elementary school students in Uganda
Erin Kowalevicz headshot

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.

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

Yasmin Sahal in sixth grade math class

It’s not every day that a student walking through campus stumbles upon a blast from the past—but that’s exactly what happened to Yasmin Sahal, a George Mason University transfer student in the Elementary Education Program.

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