Savanna Hoffman
California offers a variety of internship programs for aspiring teachers. These programs provide an alternative route for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and want to teach right away. Intern teachers are employed as teachers of record in a classroom while completing their program and earning a salary. Most programs are two years long, with an early completion option. Candidates in these programs are responsible for finding and securing an approved intern teaching position, and they must fulfill all subject matter requirements, including competency tests, and be enrolled in a teacher credential program. Internships may be offered in collaboration with institutions of higher education or developed and implemented by local educational agencies to meet their specific needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Bachelor's degree, prior experience working in a classroom or with young people, completion of specific coursework and examinations |
| Role | Teacher of record, employed and earning a salary while completing the program |
| Duration | Typically two years, with an early completion option |
| Pathways | University Intern programs, District Intern programs |
| Benefits | Faster route to becoming a teacher, opportunity to "try on" a teaching career, suitable for those with prior teaching experience |
| Drawbacks | May not be available for all credential subject areas, lower pay scale, higher likelihood of leaving the profession early |
| Additional Considerations | Need to secure an approved intern teaching position, mentorship and support provided |
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What You'll Learn
Intern program requirements
To be eligible for an intern program in California, you must hold a bachelor's degree. Some programs may require you to have prior experience working in a classroom as an aide or another role assisting students, or experience working with young people in an after-school or interest-based program.
If you are enrolling in a University Intern program, you must ensure that the institution of higher education (IHE) and the local educational agency (LEA) have an existing Intern Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or are willing to create such an agreement. You will also need to have an offer of employment in the assignment area in which you are seeking the credential.
For the Bilingual Authorization, individuals must verify their language proficiency by passing the listening, speaking, reading, and writing sections of the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): World Languages (Languages Other Than English).
Prior to being eligible for an internship, Single Subject candidates must complete 120 hours of pre-service work through the completion of 12 semester units of coursework and the clinical practice components within each course. These courses cover topics such as child development, educational psychology, introduction to teaching, curriculum and assessment, and reading and writing in secondary schools.
Once enrolled in an internship program, interns must meet all student teaching requirements, including enrolling in specific units of student teaching coursework and a student teaching seminar. Interns are also required to enroll in a 2-unit Intern Support Course each semester they are employed on an internship credential.
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Internship vs student teaching
There are several differences between an internship and student teaching. Here is some information to help you decide which path to take.
Student Teaching
Student teaching is the more traditional route, where you will be placed in a mentor teacher's classroom for a semester. You will teach full days but remain unpaid. This option is ideal for those who want to gain confidence and learn the ropes from an experienced teacher before progressing to a teacher-of-record. You will have a support system in place, including a mentor teacher and potentially a co-teacher, which can be beneficial when dealing with parents or when you need a second opinion.
Internship
The internship route offers an alternative pathway to become a teacher as soon as possible. You will be employed as a teacher of record in a classroom while completing your program and earning a teacher's salary. Most intern programs are two years long. You will be responsible for finding and securing an approved intern teaching position, and there will be an interview process with the school administrators. This route may be better suited for independent, self-motivated students who are comfortable leading a classroom with intermittent support from a mentor and district employees.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between student teaching and an internship, consider your level of confidence and independence. If you feel ready to take on the challenge of leading a classroom with limited support, an internship may be the right choice. However, if you prefer more guidance and the ability to ask questions frequently, student teaching might be a better option to build your confidence. Additionally, consider the timing of your last semester and whether you want to start working full-time while completing your program requirements.
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Getting paid as an intern
In California, intern teachers are employed as teachers of record in a classroom while they complete their teaching program and earn a teacher's salary. Intern programs are typically two years long, with an early completion option. The pay scale for intern teachers may be lower than that of fully credentialed teachers, as they are not considered fully credentialed educators. However, intern teachers still receive a salary for their teaching work, which can be a great option for those seeking an income while completing their teaching requirements.
To be eligible for an intern teaching position in California, individuals must hold a bachelor's degree and meet specific subject matter requirements, including competency tests. They must also be enrolled in a teacher credential program. The intern credential allows individuals to work as paid teachers while completing their teaching credential requirements. This provides an alternative pathway to earning a teaching credential, especially for those who cannot afford to engage in unpaid student teaching.
There are two main types of intern programs in California: University Intern programs and District Intern programs. University Intern programs involve a collaboration between an institution of higher education (IHE) and a local educational agency (LEA), such as a school district or county office of education. District Intern programs, on the other hand, are developed and implemented by the LEA to meet its specific needs. For University Intern programs, it is essential to ensure that the IHE and LEA have an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or are willing to create such an agreement.
In addition to their paid teaching responsibilities, intern teachers receive mentorship and support. They engage in online educator preparation coursework and receive guidance from experienced field supervisors or mentor teachers. This support ensures that intern teachers can effectively manage their classroom and teaching duties while working towards their credentials.
The Teacher Internship Program (TIP) in California offers a structured pathway for intern teachers. Through TIP, interns can complete their student teaching requirements and obtain a preliminary credential while being paid as teachers of record. There is a non-refundable charge of $1,600 per semester, in addition to tuition, which is paid through monthly salary deductions within the hiring district. TIP also provides monthly workshops, one-on-one support from a University Coach, and opportunities to develop a professional network, all of which enhance the intern's teaching skills.
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Bilingual authorization
California has specific requirements for teachers who wish to obtain a Bilingual Authorization to teach English learners. The Bilingual Authorization allows teachers to teach English language development, specially designed academic instruction in English, primary language development, and subject matter instruction delivered in the primary language to English learners.
To obtain a Bilingual Authorization, teachers must possess an appropriate prerequisite credential or permit. They must also demonstrate proficiency in the target language by passing the listening, speaking, reading, and writing sections of the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): World Languages examination. Alternatively, they can verify their language proficiency through a local-level assessment equivalent to the passing standard of the CSET. Teachers with a major in a language other than English are exempt from taking Test II or III of the CSET: World Languages Exam for that language. Similarly, teachers with a three-year or higher degree from a foreign institution where instruction was in a language other than English are also exempt from these tests for that language.
To earn the Bilingual Authorization, teachers must also pass all three California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL) Examination subtests within the last ten years. They must also hold or be eligible for a CLAD Certificate, a Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential with an English Learner Authorization, or an Education Specialist Teaching Credential with an English Learner Authorization. Completing a CTC-approved CTEL program is also required. Passing scores on specific CSET subtests within the last ten years are necessary, and these scores are used for certification purposes.
Additionally, teachers can obtain a Bilingual Authorization by completing course work in a Commission-approved bilingual program and receiving a recommendation from the program sponsor. Holding a valid Bilingual Certificate of Competence (BCC) or BCLAD Certificate also allows teachers to apply for a Bilingual Authorization to be added to their valid prerequisite credential or permit.
The Bilingual Authorization ensures that teachers are equipped to provide specialized instruction to English learners, helping them develop their English language skills and providing instruction in their primary language as they acquire English.
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Internship agreements
To become a student intern teacher in California, you must have a bachelor's degree and can enroll in a University Intern program or a District Intern program. University Intern programs involve a collaboration between an institution of higher education (IHE) and a local educational agency (LEA). Before enrolling in a University Intern program, ensure that the IHE and LEA have an existing Intern Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or are willing to create such an agreement.
District Intern programs are developed and implemented by the LEA to meet its specific needs. To obtain a District Intern Credential, the governing board of the employing agency must verify that the district intern will be assisted and guided throughout the training period by a certificated employee designated per California Education Code.
Eligibility:
All candidates begin the program on the Traditional Pathway and then transition to the Internship Pathway once all eligibility requirements are met and they have a qualifying job offer in a district or school with which the university has an agreement.
Securing an Internship Position:
It is the candidate's responsibility to find an internship position and get hired. Some districts may require an Internship Eligibility Letter, which can be requested from the university.
Official Offer of Employment:
The last day to submit an official offer of internship employment is August 1st for fall student teaching and January 3rd for spring student teaching. The official offer of employment should be on district letterhead and include the district and school, start date, assignment (grade level), and type of credential/permit.
Site Support Teacher/Mentor Teacher:
The school site provides a Site Support Teacher (also known as a Mentor Teacher) who serves as the intern's on-site mentor. This teacher must hold a clear credential in the same authorization area that the intern candidate is seeking.
Internship Agreement:
The candidate must complete an Internship Application Packet, which includes the Intern Application Letter, Intern Candidate Agreement, Principal Agreement, Mentor Teacher Agreement, and other required documents. This application packet is submitted for approval to the Subject Area Faculty Coordinator and the Single Subject Credential Program Director.
Coursework:
Once approved for student teaching, interns register for specific units of Intern Student Teaching and a Student Teaching Seminar.
Evaluations:
Interns are evaluated by the University Mentor and the Mentor Teacher at midterm and the end of the semester. These evaluations are reviewed, discussed, and signed during conferences.
Compensation:
Intern teachers are employed as teachers of record in a classroom while completing the program and earning a teacher's salary. However, the pay scale may be lower for educators teaching on an intern credential, as they may not be considered "fully credentialed."
Bilingual Authorization:
Individuals seeking Bilingual Authorization must verify their proficiency in the target language by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): World Languages or an equivalent local-level assessment.
Professional Development Plan:
The district that employs a district intern must have a Professional Development Plan in place. This plan outlines the training and guidance provided to the intern throughout their training program.
Time Commitment:
Most intern programs are two years long, with an early completion option.
Funding:
Financial resources, such as federal grants, are available to help make the intern pathway more affordable.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to have a bachelor's degree and an offer of employment in the assignment area in which you are seeking a credential. You must also have completed 120 hours of pre-service work and passed all the required exams.
University Intern programs are a collaboration between an institution of higher education and a local educational agency, such as a school district or county office of education. District Intern programs are developed and implemented by a local educational agency to meet its own needs.
Most intern programs are two years long, with an early completion option. Internship credentials are valid for a period of up to two years and are specific to the school site where the candidate works.
