Mission Statement
The foundation of the department’s educational program is built upon knowledge derived from a sound theoretical base and rigorous research. We believe a quality program includes opportunities for reflection, problem solving and collaboration, and the application of knowledge and skills in settings that demonstrate effective practices. Working in partnership with schools and communities, a quality program provides ongoing support, mentoring and guidance to its students, while promoting innovative approaches for individuals with exceptional needs in the communities it serves.
About the Department
The Department of Special Education at California State University, Northridge offers credential and master’s degree programs for professionals who work with infants, toddlers, children and youth with special needs and their families. Programs are designed to prepare special educators to understand the diverse characteristics and backgrounds of students with special needs, to adapt curriculum and instruction, and to make sound educational judgments.
The master’s degree programs build upon the competencies developed in the Special Education Credential programs, preparing students for positions of leadership, advocacy and scholarship in schools, the community and within the overall profession of Special Education. Education Specialist Credential programs provide specialized coursework and field experiences for individuals interested in serving students with special needs. The department offers a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential and a Clear Education Specialist Credential in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities.
The Department of Special Education offers four preliminary credential pathways:
- Traditional Program, a post-B.A. preservice professional program
- Intern Program, a post-B.A. two–year program designed for on-the-job teachers who are eligible for an intern credential and are hired by a local education agency (LEA); e.g., a school district
- Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Preparation Program, a post-B.A. full-time two-semester program, offered collaboratively with the Los Angeles Unified School District (in Mild/Moderate Disabilities program only)
- Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), an undergraduate program with candidates beginning as freshmen or entering the two–year option as transfer students, earning their credential and bachelor’s degree concurrently (in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe programs only)
Academic Advisement
Advisors are available to assist students with questions about the department’s programs by email as assigned below. Please allow 48-72 business hours for a reply. They may also be contacted by office phone (if available), though on-campus office hours and availability may vary.
Prospective students who are unsure of the programs available, what specialization to choose or how to apply to the programs or campus may contact pre-admissions advisors Ivor Weiner: ivor.weiner@csun.edu, (818) 677-2598, and Kathy Peckham-Hardin: kathy.phardin@csun.edu, (818) 677-4002.
Prospective interns who need paperwork signed to begin their intern credential program or to start work may contact Intern Coordinator Tamarah Ashton: tamarah.ashton@csun.edu, (818) 677-4869.
Students or prospective students interested in the Early Childhood Preliminary or CLEAR Credential Program may contact Michele Haney: michele.haney@csun.edu, (818) 677-3874.
Students or prospective students interested in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Preliminary Credential Program, CLEAR Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Rachel Friedman Narr: rachel.narr@csun.edu, (818) 677-4007.
Students or prospective students interested in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Intern Credential Program, CLEAR Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Ellen Schneiderman: ellen.schneiderman@csun.edu, (818) 677-2649.
Students or prospective students interested in the Mild/Moderate Intern Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Tamarah Ashton: tamarah.ashton@csun.edu, (818) 677-4869.
Students or prospective students interested in the Mild/Moderate Preliminary Credential Program may contact any of the following:
- Vanessa Goodwin, vanessa.goodwin@csun.edu, (818) 677-7888
- Virginia Kennedy, virginia.kennedy@csun.edu, (818) 677-2532
- Beth Lasky, beth.lasky@csun.edu, (818) 677-2725
- Sally Spencer, sally.spencer@csun.edu, (818) 677-6789
- Ivor Weiner, ivor.weiner@csun.edu, (818) 677-2598
Students or prospective students interested in the Mild/Moderate CLEAR Credential Program may contact CLEAR Coordinator Virginia Kennedy: virginia.kennedy@csun.edu, (818) 677-2532.
Students or prospective students interested in the Resource Specialist Added Authorization may contact Virginia Kennedy: virginia.kennedy@csun.edu, (818) 677-2532.
Students or prospective students interested in the Moderate/Severe Specialization Preliminary Credential Program may contact Amy Hanreddy: amy.hanreddy@csun.edu, (818) 677-2522.
Students or prospective students interested in the Moderate/Severe Preliminary Credential Program, CLEAR Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Kathy Peckham-Hardin: kathy.phardin@csun.edu, (818) 677-4002.
Students or prospective students interested in the ACT Accelerated Credential Program may contact Nancy Burstein: nancy.burstein@csun.edu, (818) 677-2552.
Students or prospective students interested in the ITEP Integrated Teacher Education Program may contact Sue Sears: sue.sears@csun.edu.
Accreditation
All programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Educators (NCATE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). All credential programs are also accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Contact
Chair: Kathy Peckham-Hardin
Education (ED) 1204
(818) 677-2596
www.csun.edu/eisner-education/special-education