It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week

Attallah College is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with current students who will start as teachers this fall!

Did you know that Attallah College of Educational Studies’ teacher education program is the longest, continuously operating academic program at Chapman University? For more than 160 years, Chapman University has prepared teachers to serve their local communities. We are thrilled to celebrate our current students, who will be outstanding future teachers!

Kari McMiller, MACI ‘24

What have you learned or gained from your Attallah College MA in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) program that will be particularly valuable as you prepare to begin teaching this fall?

Attallah College and the MACI program have taught me how to differentiate instruction so that I am able to cater to all learners in the classroom. I have also learned how to be an engaging educator who focuses on helping students grow inside and outside the classroom!

Is there a specific community or district you are hoping to join? Why do you want to teach in that particular location?

I will be teaching second grade starting fall of 2024 near the Sacramento area! I am originally from Northern California and wanted to teach at a Title I school near my home city with a diverse student population.

Gabriela Mourani, MACI ‘24

What have you learned or gained from your Attallah College MA in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) program that will be particularly valuable as you prepare to begin teaching this fall?

I have gained being part of a special community of educators who are passionate about making a difference in the field of education and shaping the minds of children. I have been able to form relationships with my peers and faculty in this program, and I know I can always count on them to support me.   

Is there a specific community or district you are hoping to join? Why do you want to teach in that particular location?

I hope to teach in the Newport Mesa School District. I completed my student teaching in this district and really enjoyed my experiences there. While I feel confident in my ability to teach in any grade at the elementary school level, I would be very excited to teach TK or kindergarten.

Allison Provenzano, MAT ’24

What have you learned or gained from your Attallah College MA in Teaching (MAT) program that will be particularly valuable as you prepare to begin teaching this fall?

From my Attallah College Program, I have gained invaluable insights into teaching differentiated instruction techniques to help each student learn the best way they can. Additionally, this program has taught me the value of establishing a safe classroom community where each student can feel excited to learn. 

Is there a specific community or district you are hoping to join? Why do you want to teach in that particular location?

I will be teaching history at the middle school level and moving to teach in Kansas City. I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience to this area. Moving out of state, the faculty from Attallah College have always been there to help me prepare and have given me the confidence to know I can do it.

Delora Wang, SPED ‘24

What have you learned or gained from your Attallah College MA in Special Education (SPED) program that will be particularly valuable as you prepare to begin teaching this fall?

I really benefited from the diverse backgrounds of the professors I had. Hearing about what worked and what didn’t work in their classrooms helped me feel more prepared for the possible situations I could encounter in my first year. 

Is there a specific community or district you are hoping to join? Why do you want to teach in that particular location?

I don’t have a district preference since each district will have something unique to offer. However, I prefer to work with high school or Adult Transition Program (ATP) students because there are more opportunities for me to teach functional life skills and more opportunities for the inclusion of special education students in general education settings.