Most candidates for the multiple or single subject credential enter programs in which they complete final, directed student teaching. These students work under the guidance of an experienced master teacher over the course of an entire semester in which they are not paid. The internship program is an alternative to the traditional student teaching program. It is not meant to be the typical route for the majority of candidates.

Internship programs were established by the state of California to achieve two goals:

• to meet the needs of school districts, and
• to meet the needs of mature individuals with exceptional experience with children and youth and with expertise in the content area designated by the credential.

Candidates in internships must have passed the CSET or hold a subject matter waiver (single subject credential candidates only) from a university accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and must have met the political science requirement.

In addition to fulfilling the regular requirements for admission to either the multiple or single subject credential program, the intern candidate must meet the additional requirements listed below:

1. Submit an additional application to the internship program.
2. Complete a second admission interview with the program director.
3. Submit verification of an offer of employment from a school district for a teaching position that is appropriate for the credential the candidate is working toward.
4. Complete a minimum of 120 hours of coursework and field experience prior to being recommended for the intern credential. Contact the program director for more information regarding this requirement.

The internship program best serves those mature individuals who are able to tie theory and practice together in on-the-job preparation for the professional career. Districts generally hire interns in credential areas that are underserved by credentialed teachers, such as special education, mathematics and science. Interns complete credential courses while teaching independently as a salaried teacher.

In addition, students who enter the student teaching program are sometimes offered internships after they complete their first full-time semester in the program. In such cases, and with strong recommendations from their program advisor and university mentor, these students change from the student teaching option to the intern option and complete their credential in the intern program.