Author Details

Julie Blair serves as director of academic programs and assistant professor in the College of Education at Grand Canyon University. With 27 years in education, including 15 years with GCU, she provides strategic leadership for the development and continuous improvement of educator preparation programs, helping ensure alignment with state and national standards and the evolving needs of schools and communities.

Blair's professional experience spans K–12 and higher education. She began her career as a special education and general education teacher and served as a head cheer coach for 12 years. At GCU, Blair has served as a faculty member, curriculum developer, and academic program leader, collaborating with internal teams, educational agencies and external partners to strengthen the preparation, support and retention of effective teachers and educational leaders.

Blair also serves on the State Steering Committee and Leadership Team for the Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR) and represents GCU within the Arizona School Administrators Higher Education Division, APEL President. Her professional interests include strengthening educator and leadership pipelines, advancing innovative pathways to certification and improving outcomes for all learners through collaboration, policy and evidence-based practices.