Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson serves as Associate Professor of Education in Special Education and Program Director at Fresno Pacific University's School of Graduate and Professional Studies, leveraging over 14 years of experience to prepare educators for impactful teaching in Christian academic environments focused on student independence and community service.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ed.D. in Education from George Fox University (2018)
• M.A. in Special Education from California State University, Fresno (2005)
• B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fresno (2000)

Her research investigates critical intersections of special education certification, teacher demographics, and self-efficacy, with particular expertise in adapted physical education models for diverse learners. This work addresses systemic challenges in teacher preparation through empirical analysis of credentialing pathways and experiential factors.

Recent publications reveal evolving scholarship emphasizing teacher confidence metrics and specialized training frameworks, spanning educational psychology, disability-inclusive curriculum design, and evidence-based physical education adaptations for neurodiverse populations.

Professional recognition includes:

• Richard Thurman Award for outstanding doctoral research (2019)

As Program Director, she leads moderate/severe and early childhood special education credential programs alongside adapted physical education authorization initiatives (APEAA), while serving as Communications Committee Co-chair for the California Council on Teacher Education to advance statewide educator development.