Dr. Sarah Johnson
I am very blessed with the opportunity to work at Fresno Pacific University. I want to share my knowledge and experiences in special education over the last 20+ years with students who want to teach and/or work with individuals with special needs. Having well-prepared and knowledgeable individuals is the key to training successful and independent students. I have worked in special education with all ages, birth to twenty-two. I currently serve as an Associate Professor and Program Director in Special Education at Fresno Pacific University. I direct the Extensive Support Needs (previously Moderate/Severe), Early Childhood Special Education, and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization programs. I have authored and taught numerous courses in special education for undergraduate, graduate, and Master of Arts students at various universities.
Professional Experience: I have worked in special education with all ages, birth to age twenty-two. I currently serve as an Associate Professor and Program Director in Special Education at Fresno Pacific University. I direct the Extensive Support Needs (previously Moderate/Severe), Early Childhood Special Education, and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization programs. I have authored and taught numerous courses in special education for undergraduate, graduate, and Master of Arts students at various universities.
Scholarly Interests: Special Education Teachers’ Self-Efficacy
Honors and Awards: Richard Thurman Award October 2019 (the award recognizes outstanding doctoral research and contributions to the field of education); Adapted Physical Education Excellence Program Award (2013); Teacher of the Year for the Fresno County Office of Education (2011).
Publications: Johnson, S., Jones, D. (2021). Special educator self-efficacy: The impact of training and experience. Educational Renaissance. 10(1). 1-13; Johnson, S. (May 2020). Differences in perceptions of self-efficacy in groups of special education teachers. International Christian Community for Teacher Education. Mount Vernon, OH; Johnson, S. (October 2019). An Examination of Special Education Teachers’ Self-Efficacy by Certification Status, Credential Type, Age, Gender, Previous Experience in Special Education, and Years Taught. California Association of Professors of Special Education and Teacher Education. California Council on Teacher Education. San Diego, CA.
Recommended Reading: Mystery Novels
Favorite Bible Verse: Hebrews 12:2 ~ "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Favorite Music: Country
Favorite Activities: Being with my family, camping at the beach, working out, riding my Peloton, and playing tennis.
Family Info: Married and have two beautiful daughters, a dog, and two cats.
What Matters: Loving each other and serving our community.
Pet Peeves: Popping knuckles
What I Like About FPU: I am very blessed with the opportunity to work at Fresno Pacific University. I believe that with each blessing becomes a responsibility, and I believe our job is working for God in everything that we do. I believe it is important to serve others and the community where we live and work. I am excited to be a member of the Fresno Pacific University CE team. It is wonderful to work in a positive Christian environment