Listen in as Ashlie and Gilbert talk with Dr. Heather Vezner about the blessings and challenges she has encountered in her leadership role as Dean of the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine. Dr. Vezner shares many sage words of advice, including about giving yourself grace as you grow into a role, the tremendous leadership strength in being true to yourself, and the value of mentorship. About Dr. Vezner Dr. Heather Vezner first began her teaching career in 1993 as an early childhood teacher. She has now served as an educator for 30 years. Her experiences include being an early childhood and elementary education teacher, early childhood program administrator, and parent educator for a grant-funded early education program. She first came to Concordia University Irvine in 2009 as the Field Experience Coordinator and CalTPA Assistant Coordinator. She has also served as Director of Student Teaching, Director of Preliminary Teacher Credential Programs, Assistant Dean, and currently serves as Dean of the School of Education. Her areas of research and expertise include early childhood education, literacy development, mentoring, teacher preparation, and leadership development. She gives thanks to God for the opportunity to serve and support students in their calling to become educational leaders who make a positive impact in our school communities.

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The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine offers fully accredited online graduate degrees and professional certificates in three content areas: Organizational Leadership, Executive Coaching and Consulting, and Counseling. Experience transformational education that operates at the crossroads of competence, character, and connection through the Townsend Institute’s life-changing counseling and leadership programs. To find out more, visit our website at ⁠⁠www.cui.edu/townsend⁠⁠.

Enjoying the podcast? We want your input! Please email us at ⁠⁠tipodcast@cui.edu⁠⁠ for any feedback or ideas you have on topics or guests you would like to learn from!

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Episode music is "Psalm 1 (That Man)" featuring Tommy Walker, Ben Lange, & Kip Fox, produced by ⁠The Songwriter Initiative⁠ of The Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine.