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Education Specialist Teaching Credentials
About Our Programs
An Education Specialist is a credentialed special education teacher who is authorized to conduct educational assessments related to access to and progress within the core curriculum and provide educational support to students with disabilities in their area of specialization. Our special education programs are committed to age-appropriate, strengths-based, integrated educational programs for students with disabilities. Special education means support services, not placement in special education classrooms. Our courses are offered in the spirit and practice of inclusive education with a strong emphasis for providing high quality and rigorous special education services in the general education environment. Candidates develop skills in discovering ways for students to participate meaningfully and to be successful without being removed from their peers with or without disabilities.
Why Education Specialist Teachers matter
Teachers who specialize in supporting and providing educational services to children and youth with disabilities are powerful change agents in their lives. They build meaningful relationships with their students, gain a deeper understanding of who they are so that they can then partner with the students, their families, and their school teams to build a plan of supports and services that tap into students’ unique ways of learning and communicating. In the field of special education, we often celebrate those little successes that make a huge difference, like when a student independently uses their communication device for the first time, or attends the school dance with their friends, or learns a new strategy for reading. We see our job as breaking down barriers in their environment and instruction to increase students’ success and joy. When we are equity-minded, student-centered, and evidence-based then our students and their families feel a sense of belonging, feel empowered, and become as independent as possible.
Become an Education Specialist Teacher
Intern Opportunities
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
Fully Online Program
About DHH
The DHH credential authorizes you to provide educational services to children and youth who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing from birth to 22 years old. Students learn to work collaboratively with families, educational teams, the Deaf community, and related service providers to support the diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational needs of DHH students. The program emphasizes the importance of incorporating both American Sign Language (ASL) and English pedagogy to ensure comprehensive language development in Deaf children. The DHH program offers fully online courses complemented by in-person fieldwork.
Career Options
With a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Credential, you can pursue a range of employment opportunities. These include roles such as a Teacher of the Deaf for students aged 0-22, a Teacher for DHH infant programs, and an Itinerant Teacher for the Deaf. Additionally, you can work as an Early Intervention Specialist, Education Consultant, or Curriculum Development Specialist. This credential opens doors to impactful careers focused on supporting and educating individuals with hearing differences.
Pathway Options
This program is offered as a 1-year pathway, summer + two semesters, for DHH candidates. Candidates’ complete fieldwork during the day at a school site under the support of an assigned mentor and university supervisor while taking lecture-based courses in the evenings and Fridays during the day each semester. The benefits of the 1-year pathway are candidates are ready to teach after one year, the ability to focus just on developing their skills as a teacher without the stress of working, and an additional smaller community in some courses each semester with 1-year candidates.
Our teacher preparation programs offer preliminary education specialist credentials with the option of continuing with your Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (MAT). Students complete their credential then can opt to continue for one more year to complete their MAT-specific coursework while working in the field. Some students either continue with the MAT in the summer following graduating with their credential or return later to complete it within 7 years from admission into the program.
Sample Schedule
Fact Sheet
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Fully Online Program
About ECSE
The ECSE credential authorizes you to provide educational services to young children with all types of disabilities in birth to TK and kindergarten. Students learn to partner with and coach families raising infants & toddlers with disabilities in their homes and work with a team supporting young children with disabilities in preschool, TK, and kindergarten programs. The ECSE program is an online program with evening courses taken in zoom and in-person fieldwork with your local school district/programs.
Career Options
An Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Credential opens a variety of job opportunities, including roles as an early intervention provider, and teachers in infant/toddler centers, preschools, transitional kindergarten (TK), and kindergarten settings specifically for children with special needs.
Pathway Options
1-year Resident Pathway (SMTR Scholarship) - Online
The 1-year Resident pathway, summer + 2 semesters, with the SMTR program offers up to $38,600 in compensation that includes up to $20,500 in stipend funds over the course of the program, up to $100 reimbursement for testing/credential fees, tuition covered for courses offered at Sacramento State for the duration of the program, and upon graduation, a guaranteed job in one of our partner school districts. Over the course of the 1-year program, Residents complete the credential program coursework in the evenings and Fridays each semester while also working closely with their assigned SMTR Mentor during sustained and rigorous fieldwork in an SMTR partner school district site, from the first day of school for their mentor until the last day of school with their students. Residents also attend Friday afternoon SMTR-specific seminars that cultivate their relationships and engage in experiences that make teaching and inclusive practices explicit. Note that membership in the SMTR program requires that Residents NOT serve as paraprofessional, teacher of record on a STSP, PIP, or Intern credential at any point during the program (however, Residents may work on non-fieldwork days). Additionally, upon acceptance of the scholarship and completion of the program, Residents commit to work for at least 4 years out of the next 8 years in the partner districts and have the option to continue with their MASET. See the SMTR website for more information. ** Applicants will need to attend an in-person interview to be considered for this pathway.
1-year Pathway - Online
The 1-year pathway, summer + two semesters (without the SMTR scholarship), is for candidates interested in earning their preliminary teaching credential in a more intense year with high number of courses and fieldwork days each semester. Candidates complete fieldwork during the day at a school site under the support of an assigned mentor and university supervisor while taking lecture-based courses in the evenings and Fridays during the day each semester. Candidates cannot work on fieldwork days or Fridays with class meetings. The benefits of the 1-year pathway are candidates are ready to teach after one year, the ability to focus just on developing their skills as a teacher without the stress of working, and an additional smaller community in some courses each semester with 1-year candidates.
2-year Pathway - Online
The 2-year pathway, fall start, is for those candidates who are interested in taking less courses at a time with all courses offered in the evening. Similar to other pathways, candidates earn their preliminary teaching credential with some courses counting for the MAT-SPED. Candidates complete fieldwork during the day at a school site under the support of a mentor and university supervisor while taking lecture-based courses in the evening each semester. Candidates may choose to not work and be placed by the Field Coordinator or may have their place of employment approved by the Field Coordinator as they are working or plan to work as a paraprofessional or emergency permit teacher in the credential aligned with the education specialist program. The benefits of the 2-year pathway are taking less coursework at a time, potentially earning a salary with benefits as a paraprofessional or emergency permit teacher, and the option to apply to be an intern in the second year of the program. (if you need to be hired as an intern in your first semester, you can request approval and begin in the summer with 2 courses). Following completion of the credential, candidates may opt to continue for one more year to finish the MASET. See our website for more information: www.csus.edu/education/sped.
Early Childhood Special Education - Added Authorization
For current credentialed Education Specialists or those enrolled in our Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) or Extensive Supports Needs (ESN) programs, the ECSE-AA offers a one-year pathway to adding on the authorization to teach young children with disabilities birth to preschool. This is an online program.
Sample Schedule
Fact Sheet
Extensive Support Needs (ESN)
Fully Online Program
About ESN (formally Moderate to Severe)
The ESN credential authorizes you to provide educational services to children and youth with significant support needs ages 5 to 22 years old. Students learn to work with a school team to provide support and services to students with a variety of developmental disabilities who have significant support needs.
The ESN (Mod/Severe) credential program is an online program with evening courses taken in Zoom and in-person fieldwork within your local school district/programs.
Career Options
With an Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential, you can pursue various employment opportunities, including roles such as a K-12 Specialist, Transition Specialist for ages 18-22, Private School Teacher, Education Consultant, and Evaluator.
Pathway Options
1-year Resident Pathway (SMTR Scholarship) - Online
The 1-year Resident pathway, summer + 2 semesters, with the SMTR program offers up to $38,600 in compensation that includes up to $20,500 in stipend funds over the course of the program, up to $100 reimbursement for testing/credential fees, tuition covered for courses offered at Sacramento State for the duration of the program, and upon graduation, a guaranteed job in one of our partner school districts. Over the course of the 1-year program, Residents complete the credential program coursework in the evenings and Fridays each semester while also working closely with their assigned SMTR Mentor during sustained and rigorous fieldwork in an SMTR partner school district site, from the first day of school for their mentor until the last day of school with their students. Residents also attend Friday afternoon SMTR-specific seminars that cultivate their relationships and engage in experiences that make teaching and inclusive practices explicit. Note that membership in the SMTR program requires that Residents NOT serve as paraprofessional, teacher of record on a STSP, PIP, or Intern credential at any point during the program (however, Residents may work on non-fieldwork days). Additionally, upon acceptance of the scholarship and completion of the program, Residents commit to work for at least 4 years out of the next 8 years in the partner districts and have the option to continue with their MASET. See the SMTR website for more information. ** Applicants will need to attend an in-person interview to be considered for this pathway.
1-year Pathway (Internship Optional) - Online
The 1-year pathway is an online program with courses in summer and two semesters (without the SMTR scholarship). It is for candidates interested in earning their preliminary teaching credential in an accelerated pathway. Candidates complete fieldwork (or internship) during the day at a school site under the support of an assigned mentor and university supervisor while taking lecture-based courses in the evenings. Candidates who opt to be an intern must meet eligibility requirements (have met subject matter competency; completed prerequisite courses; faculty approval) and can begin internship after summer courses are complete.
Sample Schedule
Fact Sheet
Mild to Moderate (MMSN)
Hybrid Program
About MMSN
The MMSN credential authorizes you to provide educational services to children and youth with mild to moderate support needs ages 5 to 22 years old. Students learn to work with a school team to provide support and services to students with a variety of disabilities who have mild to moderate support needs.
The MMSN (Mild/Mod Support Needs) credential program is a hybrid program with evening courses offering a mix of in-person and online classes (Zoom and asynchronous) and in-person fieldwork within your local school district/programs.
Career Options
With a Mild to Moderate Support Needs Teaching Credential, you have the opportunity to pursue a range of employment options, including positions as a K-12 Specialist, Private School Teacher, Education Consultant, and Evaluator.
Pathway Options
1-year Resident Pathway (SMTR Scholarship) - Hybrid
The 1-year Resident pathway, summer + 2 semesters, with the SMTR program offers up to $38,600 in compensation that includes up to $20,500 in stipend funds over the course of the program, up to $100 reimbursement for testing/credential fees, tuition covered for courses offered at Sacramento State for the duration of the program, and upon graduation, a guaranteed job in one of our partner school districts. Over the course of the 1-year program, Residents complete the credential program coursework in the evenings and Fridays each semester while also working closely with their assigned SMTR Mentor during sustained and rigorous fieldwork in an SMTR partner school district site, from the first day of school for their mentor until the last day of school with their students. Residents also attend Friday afternoon SMTR-specific seminars that cultivate their relationships and engage in experiences that make teaching and inclusive practices explicit. Note that membership in the SMTR program requires that Residents NOT serve as paraprofessional, teacher of record on a STSP, PIP, or Intern credential at any point during the program (however, Residents may work on non-fieldwork days). Additionally, upon acceptance of the scholarship and completion of the program, Residents commit to work for at least 4 years out of the next 8 years in the partner districts and have the option to continue with their MASET. See the SMTR website for more information. ** Applicants will need to attend an in-person interview to be considered for this pathway.
1-year Pathway (Internship Optional) - Hybrid
The 1-year pathway is a hybrid program with courses in summer and two semesters (without the SMTR scholarship). It is for candidates interested in earning their preliminary teaching credential in an accelerated pathway. Candidates complete fieldwork (or internship) during the day at a school site under the support of an assigned mentor and university supervisor while taking lecture-based courses in the evenings. Candidates who opt to be an intern must meet eligibility requirements (have met subject matter competency; completed prerequisite courses; faculty approval) and can begin internship after summer courses are complete. ** Applicants will need to attend an in-person interview to be considered for this pathway.
Sample Schedule
Fact Sheet
Ready to Apply?
To apply to one of our programs, follow the Application Instructions for the specific program that interests you. Applications will open October 1. Please review the Application Instructions for the final deadline.
Learn more about pre-requisites for the credential programs, resources for completing application/program requirements, and see who to contact for help with your application:
Advising & Resources
Credential Program Information Sessions
Advising
Schedule an Advising Appointment online!
Not a Sac State Student? Email us to get an advising appointment booked!
Email: coe-cred@csus.edu
Support for BIPOC & Bilingual Candidates
The Educational Equity Program is dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion in education. We invite you to visit the Ed Equity page to see how the Educational Equity Office promotes educational equity and can help you. There, you'll find valuable resources, programs, and information. Together, let's create a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape!
Dr. Figueroa-Ramirez
Eureka Hall 437 | Located in the Student Success Center
Office Hours: M-F 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Request an advising appointment
In California, over 2.3 million TK-12 students come from households where languages other than English are spoken. Unfortunately, a shortage of qualified bilingual teachers in the state means that these students often miss out on a quality bilingual education. To bridge this gap, addressing the need for bilingual educators is crucial. Here at Sacramento State, we offer a Bilingual Authorization in the following languages:
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Spanish
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Hmong
For more information, visit the Bilingual Authorization website and contact the Bilingual Authorization Coordinator, Dr. Leslie Banes l.banes@csus.edu
Financial Support for your Credential
Please visit our Financial Support Opportunities page for additional information. We understand that financing your education is an important consideration, and we are committed to assisting you in finding financial support. We believe that finances should not be a barrier to your passion for becoming an educator, and we encourage you to utilize these resources to help fund your teaching credential.
- Apply for the Golden State Teacher grant, which offers up to $20,000 based on financial need (after applying for FAFSA)
- Apply for Sac State’s College of Education Scholarships (after applying to our programs through Cal State Apply)
Sac Metro Teacher Residency (SMTR)
In 1 year, become a “Day One” ready teacher while getting paid to earn your credential. Residents receive up to $20,500 in funds over the course of the program, $100 for testing fees, and tuition covered for the program.
Contact Dr. Cindy Collado
Complete your FAFSA. Teacher credentialing candidates should indicate they are 5th year undergraduate students on their FAFSA.
Our Graduates
It has been my experience that the professors in the College of Education truly enjoy what they do. They are supportive and they listen to their students. As educators themselves, they know what we are going through, what resources we will need, and how we can obtain our goals.
Jacob Mickelson-Steele | 2022
One of my favorite memories in my career as a special education teacher is when I had a student that was in 3rd grade run her own Individual Education Plan or IEP meeting. We created a PowerPoint so that she could lead the meeting and the student had everyone including the principal laughing but also astonished at how well a 3rd-grade student could run her IEP meeting and bring joy to a meeting in such a natural way.
Geraldine Pelayo | 2021
Contact Us
- Department Chair: Dr. Brian Lim
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Programs and Field Coordinator - Nate Dutra
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Programs and Field Coordinator - Cindy Collado
- Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Programs and Field Coordinator - Kathy Gee
- Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Programs and Field Coordinator - Mei Shen