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INTERN TRACK OPTION

Teacher Preparation Program - Credential Candidate teaching in classroom

WHAT IS THE INTERN TRACK OPTION?

The Intern Track Option allows you to complete your teacher preparation work while teaching on an Intern Credential. The Teacher Preparation Program will not find employment for you; you must seek this on your own. 

Typically, you will enter this pathway if you are currently in a paid teaching position (on a Provisional Intern Permit or a Short-Term Staff Permit) or if you have been offered one. While in the program and completing courses and assessments, you will move into Internship status as soon as you are eligible.

You can complete the program in one year if you attend full time in summer, fall, and spring in the order you start. Our program offers both in-person and online courses. You will be a full-time student while working full time. Intern credentials are good for two years to support those who would prefer part-time school and full-time work.

Your Intern Credential is issued by the CTC upon application from the Teacher Preparation Program when a school district, charter organization or your County Office of Education employs you as an intern and agrees to provide support as required by program standards and regulations.

INTERN SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

To be considered intern eligible by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, you must meet the following requirements: 

  1. Full admission to the UC Merced Teacher Preparation Program
  2. Admission to the Multiple or Single Subject Credential Program and be in good standing in the program
  3. Complete 120 hours of preservice coursework, which includes foundational preparation in general pedagogy: classroom management and planning, reading/language arts, specialty-specific pedagogy, human development, and teaching English learners
  4. Satisfy the U.S. Constitution requirement
  5. Pass all CSET subtests related to your credential or have an Academic Degree Major that must correspond to the credential you seek. For details, visit Assembly Bill 130: Availability of New Options to Meet the Subject Matter (ca.gov)
  6. On June 29, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 153 (Chap. 38, Stats 2024). This budget trailer bill addresses multiple topics related to education. Included in this new law, among other provisions, is the allowance of a candidate’s bachelor’s degree to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) for most credentials. Because this is a budget bill, its provisions take effect immediately. For details, please visit: Senate Bill 153 (Chap. 38, Stats 2024): Changes to the California Basic Skills Requirement
  7. Offered full-time employment in a public or charter teaching position.

Candidates find their own employment. Once candidates have completed all the above requirements, they are eligible for an internship and can request an Internship Eligibility Letter from the Credential Analyst to provide to school districts when applying for teaching positions.

INTERN EARLY COMPLETION OPTION

Early Completion Option (ECO) enables an Intern who has passed the National Evaluation Series Assessment of Professional Knowledge and the Teacher Performance Assessment (e.g., calTPA) to bypass most credential coursework and to advance to the final fieldwork courses. Please contact the Credential Analyst for more information about the ECO.

See our complete requirements here: Requirements and Prerequisites

SUMMER OPPORTUNITY

Jumpstart your teaching career in just 8 weeks over the summer. By completing only 3 courses over the summer in addition to satisfying admissions requirements, you can be eligible for full-time teaching positions in the Fall, earning a salary plus benefits. We offer this series both in person and online. 

If you are currently on a Provisional Intern Permit or Short-Term Staff Permit, this program is for you. Our intern program is for individuals looking to earn their California Preliminary Credential while teaching in the classroom.

If you applied for financial aid in the prior year, you will not be required to file FAFSA or CADAA again. By filing for financial aid, you may be eligible to receive financial support, including Cal Grant, Pell Grant, and/or Cal State Teacher Grant that may cover the entire cost of attendance, giving you the incentive to finish now.

Applications open March 1 and close April 15.

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  •  Contact us today to learn more about applying to the credential program.
 

 

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Additional information is available by visiting the University of California | Office of the President and the California Department of Education.

Accreditation

The Teacher Preparation Program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

On August 6, 2021, The Commission on Teacher Credentialing granted full institutional approval to the University of California, Merced.

 
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