Intern Credential

An Intern Credential is a temporary license issued by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) that is valid for 2 years. The intern program is administered by SF State in partnership with local employing agencies, and it allows the holder to serve as the teacher of record while completing the coursework for the Education Specialist Preliminary Credential. A one-year one-time extension is available by appeal. The Department of Special Education must have a valid intern Agreement with the employing agency. 

How to Apply

Contact the Intern Program Coordinator, Steve Macaris with all inquiries, eligibility questions, instructions on how to apply for the intern credential, and any changes in employment status. 
 

Eligibility Criteria 

The applicant needs to be admitted and enrolled in a Education Specialist Preliminary Credential Program in one of the following at San Francisco State University:

Additional Criteria: 

Candidates need to meet the following criteria issued by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC):

  1. Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) - (a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution, will automatically satisfy this requirement)
     
  2. Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) (Early Childhood Special Education applicants are exempt) 
     
  3. U.S. Constitution requirement. (This requirement is considered met with a Bachelor’s degree from a CSU). Contact one of our Credential Analysts, Myla Adeva or Claudia Murcia, with any questions concerning applicable coursework.
     
  4. Certificate of Clearance (Fingerprinting) or photocopy of a prior California credential or permit.
     
  5. Verification of a current TB test or chest x-ray showing negative results or non-reactive results; must be within the past 1 year.
     
  6. Complete 120 hours of ELL and related coursework in special education prior to applying for the Intern Credential. A Preliminary, Single Subject or Multiple Subject Credential meets this requirement. Or, the successful completion of a minimum of three credential courses to meet the pre-service preparation requirement. Coursework must cover the following areas: Classroom management and planning; Human development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices; Pedagogy: General and Subject or Speciality Specific; Teaching English Learners; and Communication Skills including reading. 
     
  7. District Support Provider: Identify from the district a qualified mentor/coach in the program area with a minimum of 3 years successful teaching experience. Completion of the District Support Provider Form. 
     
  8. Valid Employment Offer: Submit a copy of a signed letter or contract, issued from Human Resources (this must be written on school or district letterhead). The letter or contract must indicate that the applicant is the teacher of record and include the following details: a) Name of the School, b) Effective hire date, c) disability credential area (e.g. extensive support needs). 

Note: Most Preliminary, Single or Multiple Subject Credentials earned by an applicant and issued by the CTC fulfill the testing requirements listed above. 

Other Requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
  • Enrollment in Credential content area classes at SF State
  • MOU or IA: The Department of Special Education (SPED) needs to have an interagency agreement (IA) or a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the employing district or county office of education. The Intern Program Coordinator can reach out and establish one on intern's behalf. 
     
  • Pay the $25 Intern Credential Processing Fee online

Maintaining an Intern Credential

Interns work for their employing school district during the day and take classes in the evening and summers at SF State. To maintain an intern credential, CTC and SF State require that the intern fulfill the following obligations:

  1. Continuously enroll at SF State each term, including summer sessions, if appropriate courses are available.
     
  2. Students admitted prior to Fall 2022 need to enroll in SPED 701 Intern Support Seminar (3 units) the first semester as an intern (except their student teaching semester).
     
  3. Students admitted after Fall 2022 need to enroll in SPED 701 Intern Support Seminar (3 units) every semester they are an interns (except their student teaching semester).
     
  4. Interns need to complete the Support and Supervision Record Form at the end of each semester and submit to the Intern Program Coordinator. 
     
  5. Students need to complete The Professional Development Plan and submit it to the Intern Program Coordinator at the end of each semester
     
  6. If there is a change in employment status, contact the Intern Program Coordinator. 
     
  7. The Intern Credential is valid for 2 years. If the intern student  requires a one-time, one-year extension, contact the Intern Program Coordinator 3 months prior to the expiration date of the intern credential.  

Contact the Intern Program Coordinator, Steve Macaris with all inquiries, eligibility questions, instructions on how to apply for an intern credential, and any changes in employment status. 

 

For PDF files, you'll need Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or above to view it. If you need Adobe Acrobat Reader it's available free from Adobe.