Ronda Kalaji, Author at Chapman Blogs

Ronda Kalaji

Attallah College Alum Named Irvine Unified Teacher of Promise

May 28, 2026 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

Andrea Barrientos, MA in SPED ’22, an education specialist at Sierra Vista Middle School in Irvine, has been named a Teacher of Promise by the Irvine Unified School District. The honor is given annually to first-or second-year instructors who demonstrate outstanding skills, professional curiosity, and an enthusiasm for teaching. Ms. Barrientos was recognized for establishing co-ownership of IEP documents with students and co-developing a Reading

Changes to State Eligibility Requirements to Teach Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in California Teacher education candidates will need to meet new requirements." class="thumbnail" />

Changes to State Eligibility Requirements to Teach Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in California Teacher education candidates will need to meet new requirements.

December 19, 2025 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience in California. In addition to holding a Multiple Subject Credential, after August 1, 2025, all TK teachers must also meet one of the following requirements: Have completed at least 24 credits in early childhood education, child development, or both, from an accredited institution of higher education; or

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From Community College to Chapman: Natalie Almendarez Mcafee ’26 Carries Forward a Passion for Teaching

May 7, 2026 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

When Natalie Almendarez Mcafee BA’26 reflects on the educators who shaped her life, one thing becomes clear: she wants to be that person for someone else. Mcafee is among the inaugural students to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies from Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University, a milestone she describes as nothing short of an

Thompson Policy Institute on Disability Expands Inclusive Principal Leadership Work with New Three-Year Grant

May 6, 2026 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute on Disability (TPI) at the Attallah College of Educational Studies has been awarded an $848,859, three-year grant to expand its inclusive principal leadership work nationally. The project is led by Meghan Cosier, professor and executive director of the Thompson Policy Institute on Disability, and Audri Sandoval Gomez, director of the Thompson Policy

From Exploration to Impact: Rowan Eiselman Helps Launch a New Chapter at Attallah College

April 29, 2026 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

When Rowan Eiselman, BA ’26, arrived at Chapman University unsure of which major to choose, she wasn’t sure exactly where her path would lead. She knew her interests centered on community and adult education, and once she learned about Attallah College’s new Community Educational Studies (CES) major, Eiselman became one of the inaugural students who will graduate this spring. This fall,

Building Pathways: Attallah College Cultivates the Next Generation of Educators Through Community Partnerships From inaugural undergraduate cohorts to integrated graduate pathways, Attallah College of Educational Studies is deepening its commitment to local schools and first-generation students." class="thumbnail" />

Building Pathways: Attallah College Cultivates the Next Generation of Educators Through Community Partnerships From inaugural undergraduate cohorts to integrated graduate pathways, Attallah College of Educational Studies is deepening its commitment to local schools and first-generation students.

April 6, 2026 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

Chapman University’s Attallah College is strengthening its roots in the surrounding community, welcoming local high school students to campus, celebrating milestone undergraduate cohorts, and continuing to offer accelerated routes into the teaching profession. Attallah College has been actively cultivating relationships with local school districts, inviting prospective first-generation college students to experience Chapman firsthand and envision

2026-27 Attallah College Faculty Promotions

March 26, 2026 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

The office of the provost shared its annual update of faculty tenure and promotions, and we are thrilled to acknowledge the Attallah College faculty members included in this announcement. These faculty members have been reviewed by their peers and administrators, and promotions are effective Aug. 1, 2026. Please join us in offering warm congratulations to

Attallah College Alum Named 2026 Outstanding Rookie of the Year Teacher by California Council for the Social Studies

March 17, 2026 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

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. Hannah currently teaches 6th-grade Ancient History and beginning dance for grades 6-7 at Gladstone Middle School in the Azusa

Attallah College Undergraduate Rusty Henry Selected for 2026 ICCAP Cohort Liberal Studies major will represent Chapman University in Sacramento, advocating for nontraditional college students" class="thumbnail" />

Attallah College Undergraduate Rusty Henry Selected for 2026 ICCAP Cohort Liberal Studies major will represent Chapman University in Sacramento, advocating for nontraditional college students

March 10, 2026 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

Undergraduate student Rusty Henry, a Liberal Studies major in Chapman University’s Attallah College, has been selected to represent the university in the 2026 Independent California Colleges Advocate Program (ICCAP) cohort. Through the six-month program, Henry will complete a professional internship component and participate in ICCAP’s Day in the Capitol in Sacramento. As a Liberal Studies major preparing to become an educator, Henry sees a direct connection between

Dean’s Dozen Wraps Up 2024-25 With Impact and Insight

July 1, 2025 by Ronda Kalaji | Attallah College of Educational Studies

Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies closed out the 2024–25 academic year by celebrating the achievements that shaped it. Among the highlights was Dean’s Dozen, a select group of students recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to educational equity. The Dean’s Dozen is a selective council of 12 student leaders, drawn from

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