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Photo of Nilsa Thorsos, Ph.D.

Nilsa Thorsos, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Teacher Education		 Phone: (626) 815-5425
Email: nthorsos@apu.edu
Fax: (626) 815-5416
Thorsos’ professional experience encompasses pre K- 12 public and private school teaching and site district level administration; higher education teaching in teacher education, special education, and master’s level; higher education administration at the program director and department chair levels. Her tenure includes an extensive multicultural background and experience in public and private school settings throughout New Mexico, California, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In New Mexico, she coordinated the bilingual special education programs and developed a model of inclusion for the school district. In Northern California, she implemented a Montessori inclusion program. She also serves as a consultant for nonpublic schools in areas of language acquisition, diversity, and mentoring teachers who serve diverse students with disabilities.

Thorsos’ fundamental interest is in promoting excellence in the education of students with disabilities and to ensure teacher candidates are prepared to serve as servant leaders in the field. Her current interests are in mentorship of faculty in higher education, bilingual special education, bullying in special education, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), sociocultural and linguistic studies, and educational specialist credentialing process.

Education

Ph.D. - University of New Mexico, 2005
M.S. - Fordham University, 1984
B.A. - University of Puerto Rico, 1980

Credentials/Certifications
Mild to Moderate Education Specialist Clear Credential, California
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Clear, California
Bilingual Crosscultural Language and Academic Development Certificate (B/CLAD)
Advanced Montessori Certificate
Early Childhood Special Education Credential, New Mexico
Special Education Teaching Credential, New Mexico

Department

  • School of Education
    • Teacher Education

Expertise

  • IDEA Law
  • Special Education
  • Studies in Diversity

Courses Taught

SPED 500 – Special Topics
SPED 505 – Educational Foundations and Classroom Management (K-12)
SPED 509 – Technology in Special Education
SPED 510 – Research Based Learning Theories
SPED 511 – Language Development for All Students
SPED 512 – Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice
SPED 513 – Literacy and Math Prescriptives with Assistive Technology
SPED 515 – Clinical Experiences in Teaching Reading and Writing (K–8)
SPED 516 – Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing
SPED 522 – Collaboration and Communication Skills of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
SPED 532 – Bilingual Special Education
SPED 536 – Rtl/Brain-based Teaching and Learning: Reading and Written Language Arts Disorders
SPED 538 – Special Education Issues: Mild/Moderate Disabilities
SPED 540 – Rtl/Brain-based Teaching and Learning: Math Disorders
SPED 546 – Resource Specialist Communication Skills
SPED 547 – Implementation of Special Education Legislation
SPED 548 – Staff Development and Parent Education Techniques
SPED 554 – Advanced Study Teaching Special Populations
SPED 558 – Advanced Theory and Research-based Practices for Supporting Students with Disabilities
SPED 565A – Field Experience I (K-12)
SPED 565B – Field Experience II (K-12)
SPED 575A – Clinical Practice I (Contract Teaching, K-12)
SPED 576A – Clinical Practice I (Student Teaching, K-12)
SPED 581 – Historical and Philosophical Perspectives of Disabilities Studies
SPED 582 – Theories of Learning and Research in Disabilities Studies
SPED 583 – Current Trends in Curriculum and Disabilities Studies
SPED 584A – Guided Research Project: Procedures
SPED 584B – Guided Research Project: Findings

Office Hours

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays

Office Location

Building One, Suite 113, West Campus

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