College of Education and Human Development

CEHD Students, Faculty, and Staff Host a Campus Visit for Fifth Graders from City of Fairfax School

Students in the School of Education within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) recently showed fifth graders from Daniels Run Elementary School in the City of Fairfax, Virginia what a typical day is like for college students at George Mason University. This happened as part of a fun-filled visit to campus made by the Fairfax City elementary students on the morning of April 29, 2025. During the event, CEHD students shared with the Daniels Run elementary students their life-long dreams and passions about becoming a teacher and discussed what they loved best about George Mason’s education program and campus life. In doing so, CEHD students planted a seed that may one day inspire the young students from Daniels Run Elementary School to become the future educators of tomorrow. Judging by the smiles and laughter of the children throughout their campus visit, the event provided these elementary school students with a positive impression of George Mason and an understanding of how they too could study to become a teacher.

The fifth graders from Daniels Run Elementary School traveled to campus bringing with them hand-made goody bags which they gave to CEHD students to wish them well on upcoming finals. The children expressed their appreciation for being invited to visit the campus and could hardly contain their excitement in conversing with the CEHD students who assisted in staffing the event. CEHD students and staff guided the children on a tour of the campus after which everyone headed over to Finley Quad to enjoy some pizza and to talk a little bit about themselves. City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine S. Read, who herself is an alum of George Mason, offered some remarks in which she thanked members of the CEHD community for their hospitality and willingness to engage with the Daniels Run elementary students. She expressed her gratitude for the many ways in which George Mason has increased educational opportunities for students in City of Fairfax Schools. The favorable comments of Read and other individuals involved with the event are an acknowledgement of the vital role that CEHD plays in the Northern Virginia area in serving as a college of the community and for the community in preparing the next generation of educators and students.

Elaborating on the partnership between CEHD and the City of Fairfax Schools, Dean Guerra-López stated, “Our collaboration with the City of Fairfax Schools reflects CEHD’s deep commitment to community engagement and to cultivating the next generation of educators. Events like this introduce young learners to the transformative power of teaching and show them that a future in education is not only possible—but also meaningful. For our students, it’s a chance to connect their coursework with real-world purpose through highly contextualized, hands-on learning. These kinds of experiences deepen their understanding, build confidence, and reinforce the responsibility and joy that come with shaping young minds. We’re proud to contribute to a more responsive and inspired educator pipeline—starting right here in our own community.”

Jeff Platenberg, Superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools, commented on the benefits of the recent collaboration with CEHD emphasizing, “This special visit is a great example of how we continue to deepen the strong partnership between the City of Fairfax and George Mason University. Our fifth graders are not only sharing kindness and encouragement with George Mason students during finals week—they’re also getting an inspiring early look at college life. It’s a meaningful experience that helps them envision their own futures and imagine the possibilities ahead as future George Mason Patriots.”

Many of the CEHD students who were on hand to welcome the fifth graders from Daniels Run Elementary School shared how much they enjoyed the event. Each of them talked about how the event provided them with a chance to learn about the school activities that the elementary students were most interested in and provided a real-world glimpse of what it will be like to work with young children as a teacher. Rowen O’Rourke, a student in George Mason’s Elementary Education Program, stated, “I loved talking to the fifth-grade students! They asked a lot of great questions about college and what it takes to become a teacher. Talking to the grade of kids I want to teach and getting a sugar boost motivated me during finals. I hope the students enjoyed seeing the diverse population at George Mason and learned a few things about college life.”

As the visit came to a close, CEHD students, faculty, and staff were left with the satisfaction of seeing the joy reflected in the happy faces of the fifth graders from Daniels Run Elementary School. CEHD community members know they played a small but consequential role in igniting an interest in learning in these children that will only grow stronger over time.