PennWest Edinboro senior Gavin Mitsdarfer is earning national recognition for their leadership, advocacy, and passion for education. Mitsdarfer, a secondary education major with dual concentrations in English and special education and a minor in literature and culture, appeared on the Fall 2025 cover of NEA Today for Aspiring Educators in the feature story, “Why We Teach.”

“I did not know that I was going to be on the cover until it got posted,” Mitsdarfer said. “It was such an amazing surprise to have the honor to not only have been selected to share my story but also to have been featured on the cover!”

A dedicated advocate for equity and access in education, Mitsdarfer has worked extensively on statewide and national initiatives to support aspiring educators. Their advocacy has included efforts in Harrisburg for the Student Teacher Support Program, a PHEAA stipend initiative providing $10,000 to student teachers across Pennsylvania.

Mitsdarfer currently serves as one of nine appointed members of the National Education Association Advisory Committee of Aspiring Educators, lead director of the NEA Aspiring Educators Caucus, and as the director of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association State Political Action Committee for Education.

At the heart of Mitsdarfer’s work is a commitment to inclusivity.

“Getting my English certification helps me teach language arts to students in special education, and my special education certification helps me better understand how to differentiate and teach all of my students, regardless of disability,” Mitsdarfer said.

Through their advocacy, Mitsdarfer is helping shape the next generation of educators—and inspiring others to stand up for the profession they love.

“Teachers are the number one advocates for their students,” they said. “Being an advocate for myself, I know the steps to advocate for my students.”

Mitsdarfer credits PennWest Edinboro for helping make their success possible.

“My program has allowed me the flexibility to learn through online and Zoom classes, travel the state and country to build my skills as an educator, attend conferences through the teachers union, and given me the ability to be the leader I am today.”