Tamara Schiern

Tamara Schiern is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Education at Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena campus, within the School of Human Development and Education. She combines her academic role with significant leadership in special education administration.

Educational Background:

• BA in Psychology, University of California, San Diego (1994)
• MA in Psychology, California State University, Northridge (1997)
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology, California State University, Northridge (1997)
• Administrative Services Credential, Association of California School Administrators, Sacramento (2015)

Her research and teaching focus on supporting students with disabilities, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and spans child and adolescent development, mental health, and early to secondary education. She emphasizes inclusive practices, crisis intervention, and emotional regulation strategies across K–12 settings.

Though no recent publications are listed, her expertise is disseminated through professional writing and presentations in special education forums.

Professional Memberships and Leadership:

• Committee Co-Chair, SELPA Administrators of California – IEP Forms Committee
• Member, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education
• Member, Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)
• Early Childhood and Private School Representative, Greater LA Area SELPA Association

Tamara Schiern has published in ACSA’s Leadership Magazine and EdCal Newsletter, and has presented at the ACSA Every Child Counts symposium. She has over two decades of experience as a school psychologist and held leadership roles in special education, including Director of Special Education and Psychological Services for Burbank Unified School District. She currently serves as Executive Director of the West San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA).

She teaches both on-campus and online courses, integrating practical experience with academic instruction. Outside her professional life, she is a figure skater and a U.S. Figure Skating judge, and has two daughters—one a professional figure skater, and the other studying English in Massachusetts.