TITLE

University Intern Credential

HISTORY

Authorized by legislation in 1967, but issuance of the first such credentials dates back to the early 1950s.

MOTIVATION

In practice, its use is targeted at subject area shortages, although this is not required by law.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

The state's fastest-growing route, especially in special education, but available for all types of credentials.

WHO OPERATES

IHE and LEA (must be collaborative programs)

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

A bachelor's degree.
A passing score on the CBEST basic skills test.
Subject matter competence demonstrated by completing an approved program of study, or passing appropriate subject area portions of the state-approved subject matter exam.
Knowledge of U.S. Constitution.
The teacher's union for the local school district hiring the intern must sign-off on the application.
Character Fitness (Fingerprints).

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Professional education courses in methods must be completed while the individual is employed as an intern teacher.

The individual must demonstrate subject matter competencies through an approved teacher education program. For elementary teachers, this means competencies in the seven subjects taught in elementary schools; for secondary teachers, this means competency in the subject area to be taught, at the level equivalent to a major. The college may require completion of courses it deems necessary to achieve these competencies.

Admission requirements must take into account the accelerated responsibilities of interns. Applicants should have a high degree of maturity and previous experience with children.

Pre-service training must be provided to ensure a minimum level of knowledge in 10 performance competencies. Programs emphasize blending theory and practice and frequently include professors and experienced teachers on the program's faculty.

The local school district must designate someone to provide support and evaluation for the intern. The university must also provide supervisors.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

Coursework as required by the IHE to meet competencies (approximately 36 semester units usually spread over two years). Programs may be one to two years long with instruction dispersed throughout the prior summer through the end of the program.

WHO EVALUATES

Individuals are evaluated by the IHE.
IHE programs are subject to periodic review by the state.

LENGTH OF TIME

The intern may teach two years with the credential, which may be extended.

OTHER

University Internships are offered in elementary, secondary, administrative, pupil personnel, special education and bilingual credential programs. There are more than 180 intern programs available at California colleges and universities.

This program is operated on 21 campuses of the California State University System, 7 campuses of the University of California System, and 28 campuses of independent colleges and universities. A new program operated by the California State University system (CalState Teach) provides a program throughout the state using distance learning, internet technology, and on-site support and assessment.

Interns receive full beginning teacher's salary and benefits.

$38 million has been allocated in 2000-01 in the state's budget act for alternative certification. Approximately, 5,800 interns were in university internships in 2002-2003.