Attallah College of Educational Studies is thrilled to be a pillar in the teaching community. Did you know that Attallah College’s teacher education program is the longest, continuously operating academic program at Chapman University? For more than 160 years, Chapman has prepared teachers to serve their local communities.

We connected with our alumna Kendra (Cornell) LeFevre, who was just named Teacher of the Year at Truman Benedict Elementary in the Capistrano Unified School District. 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.

Kendra (Cornell) LeFevre

Kendra (Cornell) LeFevre, IES ’14, MA SPED ’16 

How did Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies help prepare you for your teaching career?

Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies prepared me for my teaching career by providing helpful connections and hands-on experiences. I particularly loved Dr. Curwen’s class. I learned a great deal about teaching reading and gained valuable experience working with students one-on-one.

MA SPED Cohort

What is your relationship to your Attallah College cohort?

One of my favorite aspects of studying at Chapman for my MA and teaching credential was how close I became with my cohort during the process. I still keep in touch with many of them. It’s amazing to see all of the success they have achieved in their teaching careers!

What advice would you share with our students graduating this spring?

My advice to all future teachers about to graduate is to prioritize student relationships above any test scores. Some students may look forward to coming to school more than they look forward to going home at the end of the day. You may be their biggest role model. They will remember how you made them feel in your classroom more than your lessons on addition and subtraction. Make sure to take time at the beginning of the school year to build rapport and get to know all of your students’ interests.