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Single Subject Teacher Education Program

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Single Subject Internship

The Internship Program provides an opportunity for qualified Single Subject Credential Program (SSCP) candidates to work as teachers of record while completing their preservice preparation. Internship positions are offered by school districts in consultation with the SSCP. An internship is an entry-level paid teaching position in a regular public secondary school classroom. The Intern Credential holder is an employee of the school district on a contractual basis and is subject to all district employment policies. Interns are also program students, subject to program requirements.

Interns carry considerable responsibility as the classroom teacher of record responsible for designing, developing, and implementing curriculum and instruction for a full load of classes for the length of the school year. In addition, they are expected to be fully participating members of the school faculty, including service on school committees, supervision of student activities, and attendance at school and district meetings and inservices. Only candidates who are truly ready for the responsibility and heavy workload should become interns. Candidates should consult with their Credential Advisor and the University SSCP Coordinator as they explore the possibility of doing an internship.

To be approved for an internship, candidates must meet the following requirements: be in good standing in the SSCP, be enrolled in at least one program course each semester, demonstrate basic educational skills, demonstrate subject matter competence (as determined by CTC subject matter requirements), have character clearance, be approved for advancement to student teaching, demonstrate relevant successful experience working with students, and show proof of meeting the U. S. Constitution requirement. The internship offer is made by the school district, and must be in the candidate's teaching field. Interns cannot teach out of their field. Candidates must have the approval of their SACA and the approval of the University SSCP Coordinator. There must be a District/University Internship Agreement in place between the district and CSULB.

Upon completing all program requirements for advancement to student teaching, Interns use their teaching position as the "student teaching" experience. Interns must submit an application to student teach by the regular deadlines: October 1 for Spring and March 1 for Fall student teaching. Interns register for 15 units of Intern Student Teaching and 3 units of Student Teaching Seminar. Interns must have a minimum of two different class preparations as part of their teaching assignments. A University Supervisor observes the intern periodically during the term, conferences with the intern after site visits, and provides support. The school provides a Site Support Teacher who functions as the Intern's on-site mentor. Interns are evaluated on program evaluation forms that are based on the California Teaching Performance Expectations.

Intern Application Guidelines and application materials are available in the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (ED1-67). Late applications may not be approved until the following semester. Candidates should contact the SSCP Office for a list of districts with which the program has intern contractual agreements.

The Early Completion Intern Option allows qualified candidates in English, Math, and Science to challenge the course work portion of the internship program and demonstrate their pedagogical skills by passage of the Teaching Foundations Examination and the California Teacher Performance Assessment while serving as an intern. See an advisor in the Teacher Preparation Advising Center for details.

Clear Credential

The Preliminary credential is valid for five years from the date of issuance and is not renewable. During the first five years of teaching, teachers earn the Clear Credential through their District-Sponsored Induction Program.

Petition Process

Appeals of program decisions or requests for policy waivers are made by filing a written appeal to the Single Subject Program Petition Committee. The Petition Committee reviews the written statement and supporting evidence. After the review, the Committee renders its final decision. Examples of petitionable policies are: the minimum grade point average required for program admission, completing all program courses prior to student teaching, and course equivalencies. Consult the SSCP Office for items not listed here. Students follow university policy to appeal a course final grade.


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