Alumni educators return to GVSU to help students prepare for their teaching careers

March 31, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 14)
Article by Mara Spears

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More than 170 pre-service students from the College of Education and Community Innovation met with alumni area school superintendents, principals and human resources staff March 18 at a networking event hosted by the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP). 

A signature event for CEP since 2003, the event included dinner and networking. Participants then moved into small groups for resume and cover letter reviews with school personnel from as far away as Newaygo and Battle Creek.

“The administrators get to network with potential employees and contribute to their alma mater, continuing their service to the profession,” Clay Pelon, director of CEP, said. “For over 23 years, the Education Alumni Network has provided this experience to our graduating seniors. From faculty and staff to our alumni volunteers, it is always an event we look forward to offering.”

Emily Miller, Education Alumni Network chair and Allendale Public Schools art teacher, organized the room into small group roundtables to discuss interview practices and provide direct feedback on resumes and cover letters. Alumni administrators served as panelists and offered candid insight into the hiring process for teachers in urban, suburban and rural school districts. 

Campus partners with CEP for this event included Alumni Relations, Office of Certification and Accreditation, and the CECI Dean’s Office. 

— Mara Spears is the Groundswell program specialist for the Center for Educational Partnerships.

 

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