Outstanding Grad Spotlight: Emily Baer

Editor’s Note: The College of Education is delighted to recognize the 11 students selected by their programs and departments as 2026 Outstanding Graduates. View all our honorees.

As a student in SDSU's M.A. in Special Education, Early Childhood Concentration program, Emily Baer was excited to be surrounded by people who truly get it.

"Online, I often see people talk about the negative side and hardships of teaching, which can be valid, but it can also be overwhelming and exhausting to see all the time," she said. "Coming to this program and meeting other people who understand working in special education was very rewarding. It was very helpful having a chance to look at solutions to barriers that I have faced in my teaching and discussing other methods, techniques or just sharing fun stories from the workday."

A second-generation educator from San Diego, Baer has been teaching since 2021, but had previously worked summers as a paraeducator in her mother's special education classroom. She loves her career and relishes the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young children.

"I teach the moderate to extensive support needs classroom, and I absolutely love my class and my school," Baer said.

In her master's program, Baer was mentored by Professor Jessica Suhrheinrich — her Most Influential Faculty Member, who supported her research on Classroom Pivotal Response Training — and Lecturer Erin Grettenberger.

"They both went above and beyond to support me, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to work with them," Baer said.