LACEY, Wash. — Inclusive education degrees address critical needs for students across the Pacific Northwest
Educators are miracle workers, life-changers and powerful mentors while we’re growing up. We’ve all heard about the ongoing teacher shortages, but in the field of special education the numbers are even more staggering. Research indicates that more than half of American school districts and 80% of states are in dire need of these uniquely trained leaders. To help fill the gaps, Saint Martin’s University has partnered with Yakima Valley College to offer a new pathway for aspiring educators.
Graduates from Yakima Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAS-TE) program are now eligible to join Saint Martin’s University’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Inclusive Education program at a discounted rate. Participants will graduate with both a master’s degree and a special education endorsement, primed for filling critical teaching positions.
Building Special Education expertise through intercollegiate partnerships
Dr. Jeremy Delamarter, associate professor and education department chair at Saint Martin’s, explains that the program will launch in the summer of 2026 with Yakima Valley College’s first cohort of BAS-TE graduates.
“This is a win-win-win for Yakima Valley College, Saint Martin’s and the schools and students in the Yakima area,” says Delamarter. “Yakima Valley College has a goal of increasing the number of graduates who attend grad school. Saint Martin’s has the goal of increasing enrollment in graduate programs. Yakima area schools are experiencing a shortage of special education teachers, similar to the statewide shortage. This partnership allows existing teachers in the Yakima area to add special education (SPED) endorsements while staying in the area, allowing them to work while learning.”
He says that although this is still a test model, Saint Martin’s has already begun talking with other local schools about creating similar partnership pathways.
Working together to train Special Education teachers while they work
Delamarter explains that he met Kelly Koch, director of Yakima Valley College’s teacher education programs, when they served together on the executive board of the Washington Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (WACTE).
“We developed a personal and professional friendship, and the partnership between our institutions grew out of our collaboration in serving teacher education programs across the state,” Delamarter explains. “We share a keen understanding of statewide needs, and we both represent smaller institutions that don’t have a lot of resources. Creating partnerships that allow us to share resources maximizes our ability to meet all of our students’ needs and to address our regional workforce needs.”
The Saint Martin’s approach to special education is unique, says Delamarter. “Our special education programs are integrated into our general education programs,” he adds. “We do not have a separate special education department. Instead, we provide all of our students with a robust special education core that is far more than most programs provide. Students seeking a full special education endorsement are prepared to meet the needs of all learners, regardless of their educational contexts.”
A seamless path from teacher education programs to skilled, in-classroom teachers
This partnership is designed for current Yakima Valley College students nearing graduation as well as those who have recently graduated. Koch says that any graduates of Yakima Valley College’s Teacher Education BAS-TE program are welcome to apply. “Special education is a large workforce need in the Yakima Valley and currently Yakima Valley College doesn’t offer a special education endorsement,” Koch explains.
The program aims to create a seamless flow from Yakima Valley College to Saint Martin’s, but there are also options for those currently working in the classroom. There is also a separate special education endorsement at Saint Martin’s for the approximately 75% of Washington State teachers who already hold a master’s degree.
BAS-TE students from Yakima Valley College will complete a full year of student teaching as part of their undergraduate degree. But, says Koch, if a graduate of Yakima Valley College’s program is a practicing teacher and wants to apply, they are welcome to because “we are very excited to provide teachers trained in special education to the Yakima Valley.”
Equitable access through learn-while-you-work models
For Lacey area teachers, Saint Martin’s is also partnering with North Thurston Public Schools in a new Grow-Your-Own program that allows paraeducators to earn a special education certificate and master’s degree while maintaining current district employment.
“This learn-as-you-work model is crucial for creating equitable access to certification programs and addressing local workforce needs,” says Delamarter.
To learn more about the Master in Education or Master in Teaching programs at Saint Martin’s, check out their website or request additional information.
Preparing compassionate, highly-skilled educators for the classrooms of tomorrow
Saint Martin’s, recently recognized as a 2025-2026 College of Distinction, is dedicated to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an engaged campus community and transformative student outcomes. They continue to lead in producing educators ready to serve the evolving needs of students across Washington.
Thanks to this new partnership with Yakima Valley College, students statewide will benefit from teachers prepared to meet diverse learning needs with confidence and grace.
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