Educator Preparation
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Providing support and growth opportunities for educators
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) provides programs that address pre-service preparation, advanced teacher credentials and authorizations, and professional learning for educators. These programs have been developed in response to requests from districts across San Diego County and the state.
Learn more about the options and next steps for your teaching or non-teaching career in education at the Educator Pathways website.
More to Explore
- Added Authorization for Special Education (AASE)
- Certificate Courses
- CBEST Test Preparation
- CSET Test Preparation
- CTEL Test Preparation
- Designated Subjects
- Educator Residency Programs
- Education Specialist Bridge Authorization (Bridge)
- Teacher Induction Program
- Teacher Intern Program
Added Authorization for Special Education (AASE)
Registration for the AASE fall 2025 semester is now open! If you are interested in the fall 2025 semester, register online by Aug. 8. We will notify you of the next steps once we go through our verification process.
The subject area courses are 16 weeks long, 100% online, and approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). *Note, if you currently hold a MMSN, ESN or ECSE authorization issued after July 1, 2022, then autism is embedded under your Education Specialist Credential.
The SDCOE AASE program's purpose is to provide a learning experience for teachers that ensures all students, regardless of exceptionality, receive high-quality educational opportunities.
San Diego County Office of Education offers an Education Specialist Added Authorization program. The program is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and was developed collaboratively by SDCOE, San Diego County SELPA directors, and special education teachers and specialists from school districts across San Diego County.
We offer five Added Authorizations for candidates:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Deaf-Blind
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Emotional Disturbance
- Orthopedic Impairment
Services covered by each authorization
Documents Eligible to Earn an Added Authorization (PDF)
Assignments Authorized by Currently Issued Special Education Authorizations (PDF)
Cost
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$2,000 for first Added Authorization
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$1,350 for additional authorizations (when both are completed with SDCOE)
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Payment is required in full through Mastercard, Visa or PO only. You will receive a link for payment via email once your registration has been verified.
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No refunds will be issued after the program start date
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Optional: $450 additional cost to purchase 9 total units for credit through one of our university partners.
Added Authorization for Special Education (AASE) Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions
Review responses to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Education Specialist Bridge Authorization Program.
Education Specialist Bridge Authorization
The Bridge Authorization is a separate optional program from the Added Authorization for Special Education. Learn more about the Education Specialist Bridge Authorization program.
Requirements to Enroll in the AASE program
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Possession of a valid California preliminary, Level 1, Level 2, Clear Education Specialist Credential or Speech-Language Pathology or Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential with a Special Class Authorization. Education Specialist Internship Credential holders also qualify.
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At least one student with the specific disability (in the title of the authorization) on your caseload or access to this student for the duration of the program in order to complete several of the assignments. Please note: If the response is "no," you would not be able to enroll in this program.
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The subject area courses are 16 weeks and fully online. These asynchronous courses are led by an experienced instructors with coursework and assignments on a weekly basis. It will take the full 16 weeks to complete the course. Candidates are expected to be comfortable with Google Docs, uploading video, and submitting coursework in an online course.
Some credentials already include one or more of the authorizations. Check with your school/district credentials contact to ensure the authorization you are seeking is applicable. You can also contact the SDCOE Credentials team at sdcred@sdcoe.net.
Certificate Courses
SDCOE offers these certificate courses for educators in San Diego County.
SDCOE built an online training to help universities and districts satisfy the most recent Teaching Credential Program Standards and Teacher Induction Standards in California.
Built for educators to ensure all students, regardless of exceptionality, receive high-quality educational opportunities in classrooms. As schools develop their Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and most effective learning environments, the Certificate in Inclusive School Practices can help build capacity in your teaching teams, leadership, and support staff on campus.
How will you ensure your mentors are continuing to push their practice to the next level? SDCOE built Mentoring 2.0 as an online experience to help districts satisfy CTC program standards related to ongoing training for mentors.
Gain practical strategies and useful information from experts in the field, including teachers, site and district administrators, human resource officers, and credentialing professionals. Receive a substitute teacher manual and classroom resources you can use tomorrow!
How will you ensure that all support personnel for your PPS candidates are prepared to supervise fieldwork? SDCOE built an online training to help universities and districts satisfy the most recent Pupil Personnel Services Standards in California.
Whether you have been recently selected to serve in the very important role of "paraeducator" in a school setting, or have served in this role for some time, this experience will provide you with the knowledge and tools to work cooperatively and effectively alongside your fellow paraeducator and teacher colleagues. The blended delivery model offers you both synchronous support and asynchronous content delivered in 6 distinct modules over a period of 6 week
The purpose of the TPSL is to fill assignments where a teacher of record will be out due to an identified statutory leave. The TPSL is not an option to fill teacher vacancies, and shall be restricted to the LEA requesting the permit.
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certificate course contacts
CBEST Test Preparation
CBEST Preparation (online and self-paced, no instructor)
Who needs this preparation course?
The California Education Code and Title 5 Regulations specify, in most cases, that applicants for a credential, certificate, or permit to serve in the public schools of California must verify basic skills proficiency before the credential, certificate, or permit will be issued. For Preliminary Teaching Credential candidates, the basic skills requirement must be met prior to serving as an intern. However, institutions may require the basic skills requirement prior to program enrollment. The basic skills requirement may also be required as a condition of employment. Passing the CBEST is one way to meet the Basic Skills requirement.
Register Online for CBEST Prep
Additional Information
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The 100% Online prep sessions are self-paced, closely aligned with the CBEST content. There is no instructor. The materials are grouped by content and are a mixture of PowerPoint presentations, articles, links, videos and practice tests. The resources were gathered or developed by an exemplary, experienced content expert who has current firsthand knowledge of the CBEST exam. This prep encompasses reading, writing, and mathematics.
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The timeline for registration and access to materials can take 2-3 days to complete. Registrations and payments are processed Monday-Friday, during normal business hours.
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Where state and local regulations and guidance permit, the California-based Pearson VUE-owned test centers (PPCs) have reopened for California Educator Credentialing Assessments. Test centers are open, and seats are available throughout the State of California. Important health and safety considerations are also outlined on the California Educator Credentialing Assessments examination webpage.
Resources
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cBESt test prep contacts
CSET Test Preparation
Free CSET Preparation Sessions
Online, self-paced, and without an instructor
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers® (CSET®) have been developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for prospective teachers who choose to or are required to meet specific requirements for certification by taking examinations.
There are seven CSET subject areas currently available:
- Register online for English
- Register online for Math
- Register online for Multiple Subjects
- Register online for Physical Education
- Register online for Science (Foundational, Life Sciences and Chemistry)
- Register online for Social Science
- Register online for Spanish (Spanish)
- Register online for Spanish (Bilingual Authorization)
Additional Information
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The fully online prep sessions are self-paced, closely aligned with the CSET content, and available by subject area or by subject-area subtest. There is no instructor. The materials are grouped by content and are a mixture of Powerpoint presentation, articles, links, videos and practice tests. The resources were gathered or developed by exemplary, experienced content experts who have current firsthand knowledge of the CSET exam.
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The timeline for registration and access to materials can take two to three days to complete. Registrations are processed Monday to Friday, during normal business hours.
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Where state and local regulations and guidance permit, the California-based Pearson VUE-owned test centers (PPCs) have reopened for California Educator Credentialing Assessments. Test centers are open, and seats are available throughout the State of California. Important health and safety considerations are also outlined on the California Educator Credentialing Assessments examination webpage.
Resources:
240 Tutoring
Another option could be 240Tutoring (third party). Please click the button below to register with a 50% discount on 240Tutoring CSET test prep which includes the appproved Reading Assessment option (July 1, 2025 - replaces RICA)
Register here
The provision of any third party link does not imply an endorsement or association of such non-SDCOE sites or materials.
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cset test prep contacts
CTEL Test Preparation
Overview
SDCOE offers an online and self-paced review and preparation experience for practicing teachers and teacher candidates who are preparing to take the California Teachers of English Learners® (CTEL) exam. There are 3 separate preparation courses, one for each CTEL subtest. We recommend preparing for just one subtest at a time. If you choose to take more than one CTEL subtest, subtests 1 and 3 have the most similar content.
Who needs this preparation course?
California credentials include the authorization to teach English learners in one or more classroom formats, depending on the coursework you took during your teacher preparation program. Most California credentials authorize an integrated approach where English competencies are taught to students learning English within the instruction of other content areas. If you are expected to teach classes in English Language Development, in a self-contained format designed specifically for students learning English, your credential must contain that authorization.
Out of state trained teachers that have the REL renewal code can pass all 3 CTEL subtests to satisfy the REL renewal code and earn the certificate authorizing holders to provide instruction in both English Language Development (ELD) and Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE).
The need to pass the CTEL exam depends on your employer and their assessment of the authorizations currently on your credential.
This preparation is a review of concepts and does not replace the preparation, or rich funds of knowledge offered through a teacher preparation program.
Do I need other materials?
This course includes readings, videos, flash cards and practice tests curated from a variety of research-based sources. No other materials are required.
What does the course review?
The course reviews each competency assessed by the CTEL exam. There is a separate course for each of the CTEL subtests:
- CTEL 1: Language and Language Development
- CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction
- CTEL 3: Culture and Inclusion
We recommend preparing for, and taking, just one subtest at a time. If you choose to take more than one CTEL subtest in the same sitting, subtests 1 and 3 have the most similar content.
What is the cost?
Each course is being offered for free!
Register for CTEL Subtest 1 Prep Course
Register for CTEL Subtest 2 Prep Course
Register for CTEL Subtest 3 Prep Course
Important: Upon registration, keep an eye out for the automatic email response that will include the CTEL course URL. Save the URL for future access to the materials. (Best viewed in Firefox or Safari browsers; images may not show in Chrome.)
Additional Resource:
Designated Subjects
SDCOE is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to recommend individuals for both preliminary and clear Designated Subjects teaching credentials. The SDCOE Designated Subjects Credential Program is 100% online and provides in-house, online credentialing classes for all four types of Designated Subjects Credentials, including Career and Technical Education (CTE), Adult Education, Special Subjects, and Supervision and Coordination. The Designated Subjects Consortium program is designed to work in conjunction with candidates and employers throughout the state of California.
Unlike Single or Multiple Subject Credentials, the first step in obtaining a Designated Subjects Credential is obtaining employment. The candidate must first be offered a position that requires them to have a particular Designated Subjects Credential. Once employment is secured, the employer's Human Resources office will assist them in applying for the appropriate credential. Once the preliminary Designated Subjects credential is issued, the candidate will be expected to complete specific coursework and requirements within a two-year timeframe. Once they have completed all program requirements they will be recommended for their clear DS credential.
Application Processing Calendar
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- Adult Education
Adult Education programs offer their communities both state-supported general education courses and community education fee-based classes.
- Career Technical Education
Career Technical Education is one of the fastest-growing areas of education. These courses prepare students, from middle school to adult, for specific trades in 15 industry sectors. Teachers pursuing a CTE credential come directly from those industry areas.
- Special Subjects
The Special Subjects Credential authorizes teaching in programs such as Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Driver Education, and Aviation. These programs are not offered in all districts, and credential requirements and necessary experience are very specific.
- Adult Education
View application details and learn about the steps Adult Education Preliminary Credential candidates must take.
- Career Technical Education
View application details and learn about the steps CTE Preliminary Credential candidates must take.
- Special Subjects
View application details and learn about the steps Special Subjects Preliminary Credential candidates must take.
- Adult Education
View application details and learn about the steps Adult Education Clear Credential candidates must take.
- Career Technical Education
View application details and learn about the steps CTE Clear Credential candidates must take.
- Special Subjects
View application details and learn about the required steps for additional four year Preliminary Credential candidates.
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designated subjects contacts
Educator Residency Programs
The San Diego County Office of Education now supports teacher and counselor residency. We can assist school districts and institutions of higher education (IHE) partnerships to develop effective residency programs, where candidates can earn a stipend while completing their credential program.
In this section is additional information for those who may be interested in participating in a residency program or for local educational agencies looking to start one.
About Residencies
Teacher and counselor residencies are preparation pathways that are anchored in partnership and reflect a pre-service curriculum that is collaboratively designed by school districts and IHEs to meet the goals of:
- Ensuring aspiring teachers and school counselors have affordable, high-quality opportunities and supports while they learn to teach
- Supporting the instructional and staffing needs of local schools and districts
Who provides residency?
School districts host residents with one or more partner IHEs as an alternative to traditional student teaching and/or school counselor field placements. If you are a teacher or school counselor candidate interested in becoming a resident, ask your preparation program’s field coordinator if they offer the residency pathway. SDCOE can assist school district/IHE partnerships to develop effective residency programs.
What does a resident experience look like?
Residents are teachers or school counselors in a year-long clinical practice experience. They work alongside accomplished mentor teachers, experiencing the breadth of roles and responsibilities that educators engage in across the course of an entire school year. Residents are not teachers of record, though they gradually assume the day-to-day responsibilities of their assignment, making them expertly prepared to teach in their own classroom on day 1 of their employment
Benefits of Residency:
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A year-long student teaching experience provides superior preparation
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Candidates earn a living stipend while getting their credential
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Opportunities for other paid positions during the student teaching year
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Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are prioritized to be hired.
How School Districts and IHEs can get started
Our residency experts will support school districts and their IHE partners to secure grant funding to implement or expand your residency program. Please contact us at residency@sdcoe.net.
- Connect with SDCOE residency lead if you want SDCOE to "host" the residency
- Go to the Statewide Residency Technical Assistance Center website to get support for hosting your own residency partnership
- Read more about the grant funding on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
For more information please review the FAQ Educator Residency Program SDCOE.
In addition to the support provided to San Diego county districts and IHEs, SDCOE is a regional lead for the Statewide Residency Technical Assistance Center, providing residency support to the southern region of California, to include Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
![Appears to be black male teacher smiling at student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1659739366/sdcoenet/oixzxxftlxru4z8asuzf/WH-diversity-teacher-student.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1659739366/sdcoenet/oixzxxftlxru4z8asuzf/WH-diversity-teacher-student.png","width":460}])
Find answers to frequently asked questions about educator residency programs, where aspiring teachers or counselors work alongside accomplished mentor teachers for a school year. Learn about eligibility, effectiveness, and benefits.
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Residency Program Contact
Education Specialist Bridge Authorization (Bridge)
Registration for the fall 2025 Bridge Authorization is now open! Register online by Sept. 12 for our fall cohort. We will notify you of the next steps once we go through our verification process.
The authorization courses are 6 weeks long, 100% online, and approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
The bridge authorization is an option for special educators whose Education Specialist credential was issued prior to January 2023. This six-week, fully online program is designed to meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s updated requirements associated with the new credentials titled Early Childhood Special Education, Mild to Moderate Support Needs, and Extensive Support Needs. Through the bridge program, special educators will be authorized to serve a wider range of students and disabilities not authorized in the previous credential. This program is designed to bring your current Education Specialist credential up to the newest TPE standards and authorization areas within your credential area.
These authorizations include:
- Mild to Moderate Support Needs - multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury
- Extensive Support Needs - other health impairment, orthopedic impairment, specific learning disability, traumatic brain injury
- Early Childhood Special Education - service to transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students, orthopedic impairment
Attention: Completion of this program will NOT authorize a recommendation for a new or additional credential area. For example, MMSN to ESN, ESN to MMSN, ECSE to ESN, or ECSE to MMSN.
Program Overview
This six-minute video provides an overview of the Education Specialist Bridge Authorization program with a review of qualifications, upcoming cohort sessions, and tuition and registration.
Services covered by each authorization
Requirements to Enroll
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Possession of a full Preliminary or Clear California Education Specialist Credential, that includes autism preparation, or equivalent, in one of the following areas:
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Mild/Moderate Disabilities
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Moderate/Severe Disabilities
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Early Childhood Special Education
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Access to students for whom you will be authorized to serve
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This course has weekly due dates and is led by an experienced instructor. It will take the full six weeks to complete the course. Candidates are expected to be comfortable using Google Docs and submitting assignments in an online course.
Cost and Payment Information
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$800 per Bridge Authorization
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Payment is required in full through Mastercard, Visa, or PO only. You will receive a link for payment via email once your registration has been verified.
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No refunds will be issued after the program start date
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Optional: $158 additional cost to purchase 2 total units for credit through our university partner (USD).
Bridge authorization Handbook
Click here for the Bridge Program Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions
Review responses to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Education Specialist Bridge Authorization Program.
Note: The SDCOE Teacher Effectiveness and Preparation department verifies the validity of your Education Specialist credential at the time of application to our program. SDCOE is not responsible for the status of your credential at the time the recommendation for the Education Specialist Bridge Authorization is made. Please make sure you have satisfied all CTC requirements as documented on your credential to maintain its validity. Check with your school/district credentials contact to ensure the authorization you are seeking is applicable.
Teacher Induction Program
Program Mission Statement
The program's purpose is to provide a safe environment which supports teachers as they grow in their professional practice and transform into lifelong, reflective practitioners. SDCOE Teacher Induction endeavors to build upon teacher preparation experiences and expand skill levels in the ability to reflect on student progress and instructional strategies.
View the Teacher Induction Program Handbook
Induction Program 2025-26
If you are interested in the 2025-26 SDCOE Teacher Induction Program, please submit the following interest form: 2025-26 SDCOE Teacher Induction Program Interest List
- Resources
The San Diego County Office of Education offers a two-year commission-approved program to teachers seeking to clear their preliminary credential. California Teacher Induction is a state-led program in conjunction with the California Department of Education and the Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Candidate
Through Action Research (cycles of inquiry) candidates will develop an Individual Learning Plan that includes professional growth goals, a description of how the candidate will work to meet those goals, defined and measurable outcomes, and planned opportunities to reflect on progress and modify the ILP as needed.
- Candidate
- Early Completion Option (ECO)
The CCTC-approved San Diego County Office of Education Teacher Induction Program provides the Early Completion Option (ECO) to all qualifying program participants. All Teacher Induction candidates enrolled in the program are apprised of the opportunity to apply for this option. This option is intended to serve experienced and exceptional candidates.
- Mentor
Being a mentor is a highly rewarding position. Not only do you have the opportunity to support another teacher throughout their first two years of the profession, but you also receive training and experience that will make you an asset to your school community.
- Candidate
- Mentor
- University Credit
SDCOE offers units for Teacher Induction through partnerships with CSUSM, University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman), USD, Point Loma, and University of the Pacific.
- Partnership
Administrators play an important role in the success of new teachers. School and district administrators who support new teachers in becoming fully qualified and credentialed, increase new teacher retention rates and improve the quality of educational experiences for students.
- Resources
Please view the provided responses to some of the most frequently asked questions related to induction and the SDCOE induction program.
- Candidate
- Contacts
- Early Completion Option (ECO)
- Mentor
- Partnership
- Resources
- University Credit
Please use these contacts to reach out if you have any questions or need more information about the Teacher Induction Clear Credential Program.
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Teacher Induction Program Contacts
Teacher Intern Program
Interested in becoming a teacher? Join the SDCOE Intern program and begin your pathway to earning one of these teaching credentials:
General Education Credential
- Single Subject Math
- Single Subject Science
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PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist
Education Specialist Credential
- Mild to Moderate Support Needs(MMSN)
- Extensive Support Needs (ESN)
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)
About the intern program
The SDCOE intern program is a two-year credential program that allows you to be a full-time teacher of record while simultaneously earning your credential through coursework, mentoring and fieldwork supervision. Since you are hired as the teacher of record, you will also earn the salary of a teacher, access benefits, and pay into retirement (provided by employing district or charter) while completing the credential requirements. The intern credential program differs from a traditional credential program which requires student teaching and completion of all coursework requirements prior to employment as a teacher.
Intro to the Intern Program
Program Prerequisites
To begin the two-year Intern program candidates must:
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Attend a virtual information session
2. Enroll in Preservice:
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (*out of country transcripts must be evaluated by an approved institution)
- Be a first-time intern credential applicant
- Attain a certificate of clearance
- Complete 120 hours of preservice courses OR hold a current California multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential
- Recommendation by preservice instructors
3. Subject matter competency – provide evidence of being met* (*not required for ECSE)
4. U.S. Constitution (exam or coursework) – provide evidence of being met
5. Signed offer of employment by school or district of at least 50% full time employment (FTE)
Preservice
Preservice consists of three courses taken across 12 weeks and 120 hours that provides the fundamentals to being in a classroom and working with students. Each course is four weeks long and will meet virtually once a week. Additional work will be completed asynchronously each week. Candidates who already hold a California multiple subject, single subject or education specialist credential may have some preservice requirements waived. Preservice coursework touches on three fundamental categories of teaching in preparation for your assignment within the classroom:
- Physiology of Learning, Classroom management, and Planning
- Teaching English Learners, Literacy, Pedagogy and Planning
- Case Management, IEP Development, Legal Issues and Assessment or Specific Methods Secondary Math/Science or Specific Methods PK-3
Upon completing preservice coursework and meeting the basic skills and subject matter competency requirements, you are now intern eligible. Once intern eligible, a candidate can attain a position in the credential area.
The program assists candidates in developing resumes and cover letters, setting up an EdJoin profile, and preparing for interviews. Candidates will pursue employment with program support however the program cannot guarantee all candidates will find employment as an intern.
If you are interested in becoming a special education teacher, the Teacher Effectiveness and Preparation Intern program provides a pathway to earning your Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, Early Childhood Special Education and Deaf and Hard of Hearing credential while teaching in the classroom.
The SDCOE Intern Program provides learning opportunities that support the development of innovative and reflective practitioners committed to enacting socially just educational experiences for all. This program is designed around experiential learning.
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Teacher Intern Program Contacts
Intern Programs email