Launch your teaching career with this incredible opportunity to balance your education, work, and lifestyle. Ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special needs? The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) and San José State University (SJSU) are excited to announce a new Satellite Program offering a Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential with a Master of Arts in Special Education—right here in Santa Cruz!
Program Highlights
- Location: Santa Cruz COE, 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz
- Start Date: Summer Session begins on June 2, 2025
- Format: Hybrid classes held locally for convenience
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Fingerprint clearance from CTC
- Two letters of recommendation and a personal statement
Time Commitment and Schedule
- Duration: The program follows a hybrid format with a combination of in-person and online coursework: Summer Session (12 Units), Fall Semester (15 to 18 Units), and Spring Semester (15 to 18 Units).
- Class Schedule: Courses will be held during evenings and weekends, allowing flexibility for working professionals.
Cost
- Tuition and Fees: Standard graduate tuition rates apply. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities may be available.
- Santa Cruz Classified Employee Grant: The Santa Cruz COE partners with SJSU to subsidize up to $4368 of financial support to eligible candidates. Contact InJin Jun for more information.
- On the Horizon: The Santa Cruz COE has applied for a Special Education Teacher Residency Grant, due on February 7, 2025. If awarded, this grant will enhance program resources and offer an immersive residency experience and stipends to the participating residents and mentors.
Important Dates
- Info Sessions: Join us via Zoom from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM on:
- January 14, 2025
- February 4, 2025
- February 25, 2025
- March 18, 2025
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Ready to take the next steps?
- Register for an Info Session:Click Here
- Start Your Cal State Application:Apply Now
For more information, contact Dr. Lisa Simpson at lisa.simpson@sjsu.edu or InJin Jun at ijun@santacruzcoe.org. We’re excited about the future of special education in Santa Cruz County and hope to hear from you soon. Help spread the word by sharing our program flyer with your network, we are actively recruiting for our first cohort!