Department of Special Education

SJSU Spartan Sprint campaign graphic featuring an adult and child using assistive technology. Text reads: “Equip Future Teachers with Assistive Tech,” with a $7,000 goal, $10,000 stretch goal, and October 31 deadline.

Support the Assistive Technology Lab

Every student deserves a way to communicate, participate, and show what they know.

Through SJSU’s October Rally “Spartan Sprint” campaign, the Department of Special Education is raising funds to equip future special educators with hands-on experience using assistive technology. The $7,000 goal will establish a reusable lab with AAC devices and apps, tablets, switches, alternative-access tools, adapted writing supports, and literacy and training materials. A $10,000 stretch goal will expand the lab with additional communication systems, access methods, and advanced training resources. Your support can help future special educators enter classrooms ready to remove barriers, honor every student’s voice, and create more inclusive learning environments.

Learn more and consider making a gift by October 31

Faculty Everett Smith teaching EDSE 14

Department of Special Education

Become a transformative leader in Special Education, and lifelong learner who responds to racism, ableism, bigotry, and prejudice in schools and communities. Learn to center anti-racist and anti-ableist policies and practices in your teaching to disrupt systemic racism that has historically prevented full inclusion and equity for students with disabilities including BIPOC students and those with intersectional identities. Through your program of study develop culturally sustaining pedagogies and the principles of UDL, while partnering with your local districts to push for the success of students with disabilities in inclusive settings.

Announcements

LCOE Teacher Admissions Support: Drop-in Hours: Tuesday | 11am-12pm (In-Person/SH 219), 12-1pm (Zoom)

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Special Education Funding Options

Project MOSAIC

Grant funding provides tuition support for students in the MA + Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs Credential Program. Accepting applications for Summer 27 cohort.

Project EXCELL

US Dept of Ed, Office of Special Education Programs provides tuition support for students in the MA + Mild Moderate Support Needs Credential + Early Childhood Added Authorization program. Accepting Applications for Spring 27 Cohort.

Teacher Residency Program

Grant funding provides $34,000 stipend for students in our accelerated one-year residency program. Complete any of our Ed Specialist credentials and MA in one year. Accepting applications for the Summer 2027 Cohort.

Golden State Teacher Grant

State funding provides up to $20,000 for candidates in special education credential programs. Interns not eligible for Golden State Teacher Grant.

Apply Now

Scholarships

Apply for Lurie College scholarships via the Spartan Scholarship Application portal. The deadline is May 1. To learn more, please visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office

Coursework and Roadmap

Student Teaching

Forms

Completion

Vision

SJSU education specialists are transformative educators who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to creatively and holistically meet the intersectional identities (dis/ability, race, gender, linguistic, and ethnic identities) of all learners, and who work as change agents to create equitable and inclusive environments in schools and communities in order to reimagine accessible schooling.

Mission

We prepare candidates to be transformative leaders in the field, and lifelong learners who respond to racism, ableism, bigotry, and prejudice in their schools and communities. To this end, we center anti-racist and anti-ableist policies and practices in our teaching, research, and service to disrupt systemic racism that has historically prevented full inclusion and equity for students with disabilities including our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students, staff, and faculty. We engage culturally sustaining pedagogies and the principles of UDL in our coursework and fieldwork, partnering with our local districts to push for the success of students with disabilities in inclusive settings.