Features

CEHD alumna Jihane Mrad, Graduate Certificate in Education Policy ’23, helps bring Fairfax County’s first public Montessori program to life.

Anyone who is a diehard sports fan has undoubtedly experienced the anxiety and drama of watching their favorite team in the closing moments of a nail-biter game where the outcome is about to be decided by one final play. The coach uses the team’s last time-out to make strategic adjustments and player substitutions. The game is on the line as the referee calls for play to resume.

For some people, early childhood memories of school included the image of a classroom with the teacher standing in front of a large chalkboard that faced a row of desks. On it the teacher would write down lessons and assignments that students needed to learn. While chalkboards can still be found in some American classrooms, advancements in technology over the years have given rise to digital devices like smartboards.

Many teenagers enjoy participating in outdoor recreation, visiting parks, and traveling to far- away places to experience new sights and sounds. And now some Virginia high schools are trying to channel those interests by showing students how the activities they like to do for leisure can be transformed into a professional career they are passionate about.

Pride of ownership—it means the sense of personal satisfaction and responsibility you receive from taking care of the possessions you own or the work that you do. It signifies a level of deep commitment as demonstrated by the care with which an individual treats their valued possessions or their tireless efforts in ensuring that the work they perform meets the highest of standards.

George Mason University alumna Leslie Muñoz is bringing joy, empathy, and high expectations to her first-grade students in Loudoun County. With two CEHD degrees and a passion for representation in education, she’s making a lasting impact from the very start of her career.

Rooted in their CEHD experiences, these George Mason grads are bringing innovation, fun, and a strong sense of service to their hometown beach with the launch of Green Wave Watersports—offering eFoil lessons and unforgettable water experiences, while building a brand that reflects their passion and purpose.

The optimal time to establish and practice good habits that will contribute to a person’s well-being throughout their life is during the formative years that start in childhood and continue into adolescence and their teen years. At each of these life stages, a person will encounter different challenges requiring them to make certain choices which could have a profound effect on their overall happiness and general welfare.

With a heart for service and a love for the outdoors, this CEHD alumnus has carved out a life of purpose in the mountains of Anchorage—where community, connection, and a commitment to youth define his path forward.

Imagine a situation where a student is asked to draft a paper on a topic for which they have little or no knowledge. Without a plan or strategy prepared in advance on how best to approach this task, a student might hastily gather whatever information they can readily find on the topic that would allow them to complete the assignment.