Nat Hansuvadha

Nat Hansuvadha is a Professor in the Department of Liberal Studies and the Department of Advanced Studies in Education and Counseling at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), within the College of Education. She currently serves as the Department Chair of Liberal Studies, one of the largest such departments in California. Her work is deeply rooted in social justice, educational equity, and inclusive practices, particularly in special education and teacher preparation.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Washington (2006), an M.A. in Special Education from California State University, Los Angeles (2000), and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego (1997).

Dr. Hansuvadha's research centers on inclusive teacher and school leadership preparation, teacher retention in special education, and culturally responsive collaboration with families of children with disabilities. She is committed to transforming teacher education through innovation and equity. Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on inclusion, culturally affirming pedagogy, and leadership development, with a particular emphasis on California’s educational landscape.

Her scholarly work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward improving access and inclusion for students with disabilities, preparing culturally responsive educators, and strengthening collaboration across educational systems. She has published in areas such as inclusive leadership, digital literacy for students with autism, and anti-bias education, often in collaboration with community and academic partners.

She has received significant recognition through her leadership roles and contributions, including:

• President of the California Association of Professors of Special Education (CAPSE/TED), 2022–2024
• Summit Lead for the Center to Close the Opportunity Gap (CCOG)
• Consultant for the CEEDAR Center (2018–present)
• Principal Investigator on multiple Commission on Teacher Credentialing grants totaling over $1 million
• Unanimous passage of the Anti-Asian Hate Resolution at CSULB Academic Senate (2021)

Dr. Hansuvadha has advised numerous graduate students, particularly in the Master of Science in Special Education program, and has co-designed the Urban Dual Credential Program. She leads multiple funded projects aimed at diversifying the teacher workforce and enhancing community college pathways into teaching. Her leadership extends to advisory roles in state-level initiatives, including the California Community Colleges Academic Senate and the CSU Center for Transformational Educator Preparation Programs. She also led the development of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) professional development modules for California teacher educators.

She is actively involved in several research and service teams, including the CEEDAR 3.0 state team, the Long Beach City College Teacher Preparation Advisory Committee, and the CSU Liberal Studies Chairs Council. Her work with the Asian Pacific Islander Network (APIN) at CSULB, where she served as Chair from 2012 to 2021, further underscores her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.