CEHD Alumni and Partners Celebrate Educators at Teacher Appreciation Day Panel and Networking Event
May 8, 2026
By Kiersten Caputy
The George Mason University College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), in partnership with George Mason University Career Services, the CEHD Alumni Chapter, the Black Alumni Chapter, and the Latino Alumni Chapter, welcomed alumni and friends to Merten Hall on May 5 for a special Teacher Appreciation Day Panel and Networking Event, celebrating educators and the profound difference they make every day.
The evening brought together members of the George Mason community for meaningful conversation, professional connection, and reflection on the evolving landscape of education. Guests heard from distinguished alumni panelists working across K–12 education who shared their professional journeys, lessons learned, and perspectives on leadership, service, and the opportunities and challenges facing educators today.
CEHD Dean Ingrid Guerra-López opened the event by welcoming attendees and recognizing the extraordinary contributions of educators across classrooms, schools, and communities. She expressed deep gratitude for both current and future educators who choose mission-driven careers, emphasizing CEHD’s commitment to preparing future-ready educators and leaders who are dedicated to meaningful societal impact and solving real-world challenges.
The panel was moderated by Philip Wilkerson, MEd ’12, president of the CEHD Alumni Chapter and employer engagement consultant with George Mason University Career Services. Wilkerson guided a dynamic discussion centered on purpose-driven leadership and the many pathways within the field of education.
Featured Alumni Panelists
Alicia Brown, MEd ’23, student support services coordinator at Bishop McNamara High School, spoke about the importance of meeting students where they are and supporting the whole child. “Each person learns differently, and that supports the overall well-being of the classroom,” she shared. Brown emphasized the power of encouragement, noting, “I want my students to realize there are no limits to what they can learn and what they can do.” She encouraged future educators to stay grounded in patience and purpose: “Have patience with the process. Success is seeing students thrive based on academic needs, but also through personal and relational strides.”
Thomas “TA” Ammazzalorso, MS ’04, MEd ’10, social studies teacher at Largo High School (PGCPS), reflected on how technology is shaping modern classrooms and the importance of leveraging it thoughtfully. He highlighted the role of innovation, sharing, “I have been so excited to leverage AI to help develop deeply personalized content to reach each student.” He also spoke to the joy of teaching, noting, “I love seeing when my students can draw connections across the curriculum and can then make applications to their own lives.”
Tia Pierce, BA ’19, lead ESOL teacher at Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School (FCPS), emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments. “It is important to create a space of comfort where students feel comfortable volunteering, taking risks, and trying new things,” she shared. Offering practical advice to new teachers, she added, “Have a routine and set of procedures each day so students know what to expect and the lesson can flow more freely.”
Luke Pierce, BS ’19, music technology teacher at West Potomac High School (FCPS), spoke about the role of creativity, collaboration, and authenticity in education. “I value collaboration over competition and use music as a form of communication,” he shared. Reflecting on the teacher-student relationship, he noted, “Students learn just as much, if not more, from what you do rather than what you say.” He also highlighted the reciprocal nature of teaching: “I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me. Being a teacher has made me a better human being.” His advice to future educators focused on connection: “Find ways to relate to your students and build authentic relationships with them.”
Cedric Price, BA ’21, MEd ’22, fifth grade teacher and lead at Dogwood Elementary School, spoke about the importance of developing the whole student. “Behavioral growth and life skills like peer interactions and conflict resolution support learning far beyond the classroom,” he shared. He encouraged new teachers to lean on their community: “Lean on your colleagues and learn, explore, and observe what they are doing in their classrooms in order to grow your confidence and get more comfortable in those initial weeks and months in the classroom.”
Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized the importance of resilience, mentorship, and relationship-building, while also addressing how educators continue adapting to changing student needs, new technologies, and the evolving demands of the profession. Together, their perspectives reinforced a shared commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them reach their full potential.
Following the program, attendees remained for networking and conversation, connecting with fellow Patriots, CEHD leadership, and alumni leaders who continue to advance education in classrooms, counseling offices, and leadership roles across the region and beyond.
The event served as a powerful reminder that George Mason graduates are making an impact every day, and that the CEHD community remains deeply committed to preparing educators who lead, serve, and transform lives.
This story supports the Future Ready Teachers Initiative and our priority of reclaiming the narrative around teaching as a profession.