The College of Education (formerly the Graduate School of Education) at Portland State University aspires to national recognition for working collaboratively with communities, Tribal Nations, and our students to advance equity and excellence in education and counseling. Through engaged research activities, and our community-centered and culturally responsive professional-preparation programs with innovative models for preparing diverse professionals who are critically engaged global citizens, the COE promises to prepare students to advance lifelong learning in diverse learning environments, including schools, postsecondary institutions, community organizations, and social service and health agencies. U.S. News & World Report ranks the College of Education, as being among the “Best” with over 40 programs offered by four distinct departments. My work at the COE primarily supports the department of special education.  The Department of Special Education, one of the four departments, supports 19 faculty positions and offers programs that prepare exemplary professionals to support individuals with exceptionalities to lead independent lives, through self-determination and self-advocacy. The department offers preliminary special education licensure programs in early intervention, PK-12 special education, and teachers of students with visual impairment. Additionally, two dual endorsement programs --the Secondary Dual Educator Program (SDEP) and the Inclusive Elementary Educator Program (IEEP) -- provide preliminary licensure with dual authorizations in both general and special education preparing future educators to meet the needs of all students across all educational settings. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), in its recent (2019) Research to Practice Spotlight Series, featured SDEP as a model of exemplary practice. In addition to initial licensure, the SPED department supports PD for practicing professionals by offering programs in autism, SW-PBIS, ABA, infant and toddler mental health, and orientation and mobility. I advise and support prospective applicants who are seeking admission and students who are admitted into the department's programs.