»Graduate Teacher Education - Student & Alumni Highlights
Chapman University I Attallah College of Educational Studies
Each summer, Chapman University admits one cohort into its Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Arts in Special Education programs. With a highly selective admissions process, students build strong connections as they advance through the program together.
Graduates go on to make meaningful contributions as educators across Southern California. Our alumni are currently employed in a wide range of school districts, including Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Corona-Norco, Riverside, Long Beach, and Los Angeles Unified.
Discover how our students and alumni are making an impact in classrooms, on campus, and beyond through their stories and testimonials.
Outstanding Rookie of the Year
Hannah Mangold, MAT ’24, has been named the 2026 Outstanding Rookie of the Year Teacher by the California Council for the Social Studies (CCSS). The award recognizes K-12 educators in their first five years of teaching who demonstrate exceptional promise and impact in social studies education.
Read the blog post.National Board Certification
Lexi (Kurugian) Samuelian, B.A. ’17, M.A. ’18, earned National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist, joining a select group of educators nationwide. At Chapman University, she completed both her bachelor’s degree and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction through Attallah College’s Integrated Degree options.
Read the blog post.From Chapman Alumna to Teacher of the Year
Kendra LeFevre, IES '14, MA SPED '16, was named Teacher of the Year at Truman Benedict Elementary in the Capistrano Unified School. She shares her experience studying to be a teacher at Chapman and offers advice for our soon-to-be graduates who will be future teachers.
Read the blog post.