School of Education / Programs Overview / Master's / Credential Programs / Special Education MA with Credential / Faculty

Faculty


Aisha Ortega

Program Coordinator
(415) 422-5622

Aisha Ortega brings over twelve years of experience working with students in various capacities. Participating in the New York City Teaching Fellows program, she became a special education teacher; teaching for four years in the South Bronx. Additionally, she has worked as a middle school study skills and critical reading instructor at the University of California, Berkeley and as a program site coordinator for a non-profit and public school grant collaboration. In March 2012, Aisha joined USF'...

Education:

M.S., Urban Education, Mercy College, M.A., Speech and Interpersonal Communication, NYU , B.S., Human Development, UC Davis

Kevin Oh

Department Chair
(415) 422-4387

Education:

PhD, Special Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Nicola McClung

Associate Professor

Nicola McClung was a teacher in San Francisco public schools for eight years prior to receiving her doctorate at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on critical literacy and multiliteracies during early childhood, and she examines children’s literature and identity development for students who are often marginalized in print.  She is also interested in critical quantitative research and the use of statistics to promote equity and social change. She is cofounder of ...

Education:

PhD, Human Development and Education, University of California, Berkeley, MA, Human Development and Education, University of California, Berkeley , Teaching Credential, Educational Specialist, San Francisco State University , BA, Art, Grinnell College

Kevin Oh

Professor
(415) 422-4387

Education:

PhD, Special Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Part-Time Faculty


Nicole Cuadro

Adjunct Instructor

Nicole Cuadro is an adjunct professor within the learning and instruction department in the School of Education. She is currently completing her doctoral research in the organization and leadership department, with an emphasis on digital accessibility within higher education. Nicole has over ten years of experience in the education technology field, as a school technology director, a technology teacher, and a professional development developer and presenter. She is currently the director of...

Education:

University of San Francisco, MA in Digital Media and Learning, 2009, Saint Mary's College of California, BA in Liberal Arts, 2007

Expertise:

Instructional Design, Digital Accessibility , Classroom Technology

Karla Leon Guerrero

Adjunct Professor

Professor Leon Guerrero is entering her 16th year teaching in San Francisco's public schools. She has taught in an elementary special day class, as a 4th-8th grade Inclusion specialist, and is currently a reading intervention teacher for middle school students. She’s coached new special education teachers and tenured K-12 teachers, provided professional development to teachers, and served as an instructor for special education teachers in an alternative certification program. She has a passion...

Education:

San Francisco State University, MA in Special Education, 2020, New York University, BS in Childhood and Childhood Special Education, 2005

Alyssa Lund

Adjunct Professor

Professor Lund’s passion is education, and her career has led her to serve in a number of roles in public school districts around the Bay Area. She feels honored to serve in this role and support the development of future teachers.

Education:

SFSU, MA in Education, 2009, San Francisco Art Institute, BFA in Painting and Sculpture, 2005

Helen Tam

Adjunct Professor

Born and raised in San Francisco, Professor Helen Tam has always been drawn to urban public schools. After studying education at UC Davis and going on to become an elementary school teacher, she felt called to work with students with special needs. This led her to USF, where she earned a credential in special education. The field of special ed has been her passion ever since, and she plans to spend most, if not the rest, of her teaching career working with differently-abled students in public...

Education:

San Francisco State University, MA in Educational Administration, 2019, University of San Francisco, MA in Learning and Instruction, 2010, UC Davis, MA in Education, 2007, UC Davis, BA in Psychology, 2005