Holly Sundal (CSUSB History BA ‘08) has been named Riverside Unified School District’s Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2026-27. Reflecting on this recognition and her time studying at CSUSB, Ms. Sundal noted, “My time at CSUSB fundamentally shaped the educator and advocate I am today. While pursuing my dual bachelor’s degrees in History and Public and Oral History, followed by my Master of Arts in Special Education, I discovered a powerful truth: history is not just about studying the past; it is about amplifying marginalized voices.” 

In considering how her studies have shaped her approach to education and intellectual inquiry, Ms Sundal continued, “My fondest memories are rooted in the rigorous archives and rich discussions in Dr. Pytell’s lectures at CSUSB, where I learned the value of research and deep community storytelling. Dr. Yaghoubian challenged me to stretch my consciousness about the role of the media in our society, and the lessons I learned left a tremendous impression on my worldview and the impact I hope to have.” 

The CSUSB History Department offers students opportunities to expand their studies into extracurricular activities like the History Club and the Phi Alpha Theta honors society, as well as the student journal, History in the Making. Some of these long-standing institutions would not have been possible without the initiative and creativity of alumni like Ms. Sundal, who noted, “During my undergraduate years, I was a member of Phi Alpha Theta and part of the founding team of students for CSUSB’s student journal of history, History in the Making, which I’m thrilled to see has continued! Finally, I was among the first cohorts for the Public & Oral History track at CSUSB, and I credit this framework for making me realize that history is meant to be interactive and accessible to all.”

In her work as an Education Specialist and Riverside Unified School District’s Middle School Teacher of the Year, Ms. Sundal does not only teach core subjects, but also teaches her students how to be civic innovators. She notes, “The primary research and narrative skills I mastered at CSUSB directly inspired me to pioneer Special Education participation in RUSD’s Middle School Civic Engagement Project, empowering neurodiverse learners to research local human rights issues and advocate for their communities. Their work has been showcased annually in April at the Riverside Convention Center, and one of my student groups was awarded a $400 scholarship for their Public Service Announcement, ‘Anti-bullying on Basis of Disability.’”

This experience informs Ms Sundal’s advice to students: “To current students in the CSUSB History Department: do not view your degree as a narrow path. A background in history is a masterclass in advocacy, empathy, and systemic analysis. Look for non-traditional rooms where your skills are desperately needed, including specialized academic settings.”

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Sundal is also a leader in collective action for change, putting her principles into practice. She noted, “I am incredibly proud to have served as the Special Education Director for the Riverside City Teachers Association (RCTA). I was asked to speak on a California Teachers Association panel of experts at the 2024 Special Education Conference, where we tackled topics ranging from organizing to specific working conditions in Special Education fields.”

In addition to her recognition as Riverside Unified’s Middle School Teacher of the Year, Ms. Sundal has also taken on leadership roles in representing educators for justice in the workplace: “In 2025, I was awarded a chapter leader award by CTA’s San Gorgonio Service Center Council for my work organizing in my association. RCTA achieved a landmark negotiation agreement with RUSD this spring, after years of organizing, and I’m so proud to have led the working group that tackled pay equity, planning time increases, and caseload reductions for the dedicated professionals who serve Riverside’s diverse learners.”

“My historical training became the bedrock of my career,” noted Sundal. She draws a clear line from the skills she learned as a student at CSUSB to her organizational leadership as well as her classroom success: “My journey from a CSUSB student to a union leader and district Teacher of the Year is proof that when you learn how to handle historical context, you gain the exact tools needed to challenge past practices and fight for transformative systemic change.”

The CSUSB History Department celebrates Ms. Sundal’s outstanding achievements. Like so many of our alumni, she makes the department and university shine brighter with her professional achievements, and the History Department is grateful and proud to see her exemplify such dedication and excellence in her ongoing work. 

"Go Coyotes!"