Education: Educational Leadership and Special Education (ELSE)

Department Office
Stevenson Hall 1078
(707) 664-3115
fax: (707) 664-2483
web.sonoma.edu/education/else/

Department Chair
Jennifer Mahdavi

For faculty information, please see Faculty or the Educational Leadership faculty web page.

Department Overview

The Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education exists to provide state-of-the-art professional preparation for educators in the fields of educational administration and special education. The core values of the department center upon a dedication to educational excellence as a pivotal contributor to social progress. Indices of this notion of excellence include a view of schools as a crucible for an effective democracy, societal inclusivity, respect for differences in students, and an unflinching concentration on educational efficacy.

The faculty is comprised of teachers, administrators, scholars, researchers, and program developers who possess wide and varied experience. The faculty, having won wide recognition and numerous educational awards and honors, are dedicated to preparing educators with the knowledge, skills, and ethical commitment to improve society through powerful and effective schools.

The credential and M.A. programs, described below, offer a full complement of courses and fieldwork for students to achieve a Preliminary and Clear Education Specialist in Special Education and the Preliminary Administrative Services Credentials. Masters of Arts degrees are also offered in conjunction with these programs. Both traditional and intern programs exist. Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon, evenings, on Saturdays, and some are partially delivered online, in order to accommodate practicing educators.

Students in the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education may expect to encounter programs that present cutting-edge information and skills, delivered by an expert, committed faculty, and scheduled for maximum access. Moreover, students can expect to be afforded respect, dignity, and professionally courteous treatment and be asked to provide similar regard to faculty and to one another.

Note: Since some specific program requirements change periodically, both via mandates of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and University-based modifications, prospective students are advised to consult the School of Education’s Credential Office for updates on program details and policy statements and to visit the education website.

The Education Specialist (special education) credentials are offered in the area of mild/moderate and moderate/severe disabilities and authorize the holder to provide services in K-22 inclusion programs, resource specialist program classes (RSP), special day classes (SDC), or other related fields, including work with adults with disabilities. At the completion of the educational specialist credential programs, candidates will have met the requirements to teach students who have autism or are English learners. The Clear credential may be earned at SSU in place of a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) program.

The Credential Preliminary Administrative Service prepares graduates for positions of leadership in P-12 educational institutions. M.A. in education programs are designed with both full-time and part-time students in mind. Some master’s degree programs may be taken concurrently with advanced credential programs. Note: Program requirements change periodically, and current information may not be available in this catalog. For more detailed information on credentials and other education programs, please see the University’s special bulletins and the School of Education’s current program brochures and policy statements or visit the education website.

Programs

Concentration

Credential