Department of Literacy, Early, Bilingual and Special Education

The department offers programs which are innovative, accredited and promote excellence in the educational field. It’s programs are committed to the teaching of social justice and culturally sustaining pedagogies. It also recognizes the value of working with diverse populations, and is dedicated to the equity and excellence of all students. Our programs prepare those wanting to become elementary (K-8), highschool (9-12), or special education teachers. It also offers graduate level coursework leading to a master’s degree, advanced credentials, and certificates.

Our teaching credential programs include three (3) preliminary  teaching credential programs: Multiple Subject,  Single Subject, and an Education Specialist. The department also offers a Bilingual Spanish or Hmong Authorization and a Certificate of Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Studies in Secondary Schooling.

At the graduate level, the LEBSE Department offers a Master of Arts program in Education with an option in Multilingual Multicultural Education, a Master of Arts program with an option in Reading/Language Arts with an added authorization and an advanced credential. It also offers a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with an advanced credential and a Master of Arts in Special Education. 

Department Vision, Mission and Beliefs

Vision

To empower education professionals, schools, and communities.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Literacy, Early, Bilingual, and Special Education is to engage and holistically support our teacher candidates and graduate students in developing competencies, knowledge, and resources to equitably serve our broader communities.

Beliefs

1. We believe in inclusive education and that all means all students.
2. We believe our diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, languages, and literacies are assets.
3. We believe in creating developmentally appropriate educational experiences that encourage development of the whole person through deep questioning, research, and reflection.
4. We believe in the discovery and advancement of new knowledge through collaborative inquiry, innovation, and research.
5. We believe in engaging our broader communities as partners to maintain open communication, build trust, and foster relationships with students, educators, and families.

You’re invited to visit the faculty webpages to learn more about the LEBSE Department faculty and their professional interests. For more information about the department, please contact the Department Chair and/or the Department Administrative Support Coordinator via phone or email.

Contact Us

Visit Us: Education Building ED 250

Mailing Address: 5005 N. Maple Ave. M/S ED202, Fresno, CA 93740-8025

Imelda Basurto
Department Chair
559.278.0285
ibasurto@csufresno.edu 

Carmen Chapman
Administrative Support Coordinator II
559.278.0250
cchapman@mail.fresnostate.edu 

Meet Our Faculty

Interested in teaching for the LEBSE Department? Click here if you are! 

Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty

Full-Time Faculty

Part-Time Faculty Instructors