November 10-11, 2026
What is the Teach-In?
The GVSU Teach-In: Lifelong Learning toward Educational Equity and Action is a campus-wide, student-centered learning experience dedicated to advancing educational equity across the university. Bringing together students, faculty, and staff, the Teach-In creates opportunities to explore how educational equity shapes teaching, learning, research, and practice across disciplines, including technology, healthcare, engineering, business, the arts, and beyond.
14th Annual GVSU Teach-In
Join us for the 14th year of the GVSU Teach-In!
November 10-11
The Teach-In is a 2-day learning experience.
In the Valley, City & Virtual
Visit the Valley Campus on November 10, and City Campus on November 11.
Questions
Please contact [email protected].
Featured Keynote
Teaching to Transgress: Using the Ecological Validation Model to Promote Student Learning, Development, and Success
Tuesday, November 10, 10-11:15 a.m., Grand River Room, 2250 Kirkhof Center, Valley Campus
Join Dr. Rosie Perez for a keynote that invites faculty, staff, and students to reflect on how campus cultures, practices, and structures shape student experiences of belonging, engagement, and achievement. Participants will explore the key features of ecological validation, identify assets and barriers that influence its development at GVSU, and consider their role in building and sustaining a campus culture that recognizes, affirms, and supports the strengths, experiences, and potential of all students.
Presentation by Dr. Rosie Perez, keynote speaker
Featured Sessions
The Stories That Shape Us: Poetry, Power, and the Practice of Rewriting Narratives
Tuesday, November 10, 1-2:15 p.m., Pere Marquette, 2204 Kirkhof Center, Valley Campus
This interactive, poetry-centered session explores storytelling as a tool for critical reflection, racial justice, and personal and collective transformation. Through original poetry, guided writing, and facilitated discussion, participants will examine how dominant narratives shape perceptions and learn how storytelling can challenge harmful assumptions and foster more just ways of seeing and relating to one another. No prior poetry experience is needed.
Presentation by Mezcla Studios, Founders Gleason Edwards and Vane Fortaleza
Mujeres de arena (Sand Women) and Canción Sin Miedo (Fearless Song)
Tuesday, November 10, 7-8:15 p.m., Pere Marquette, 2204 Kirkhof Center, Valley Campus
Experience an educational performance that uses theater, music, and storytelling to explore the experiences of women affected by gender-based violence and disappearances in Mexico while connecting these stories to broader issues around the world. Presented in Spanish with real-time English translation, the program encourages reflection on human rights, equality, and justice, while demonstrating how art can raise awareness, inspire empathy, and spark meaningful dialogue.
Educational performance, produced by Compañía de Teatro Hispano de Michigan
More about the Teach-In
A defining characteristic of the GVSU Teach-In is its commitment to shared learning across roles, identities, disciplines, and lived experiences. We encourage presentations that pair students with faculty and staff, reflecting the belief that advancing educational equity requires the knowledge, perspectives, and experiences of the entire university community. Knowledge is not held exclusively by any one group; rather, it is strengthened through dialogue, reflection, practice, and application.
This collaborative approach reinforces the GVSU Teach-In as a space where:
- Educational equity is a shared responsibility across the university.
- Learning is reciprocal and informed by multiple perspectives and lived experiences.
- Multiple forms of knowledge are valued in identifying and reducing barriers to equity.
- Participants are invited not only to deepen their understanding but also to translate learning into actions.
Learn more about the history of the GVSU Teach-In.
