Navigating Special Education Internships: Requirements and Opportunities
Special Education internships offer a valuable pathway for aspiring educators to gain practical experience and pursue their teaching credentials while making a real impact in students' lives. These programs, often partnerships between universities and local schools, provide a structured environment for learning, growth, and professional development. This article explores the requirements, benefits, and various aspects of special education internship programs, with a focus on California-based initiatives.
The Allure of Internship Programs
For individuals with a bachelor's degree and a passion for teaching, internship programs present an appealing opportunity to enter the classroom without delay. Whether you've worked as a classroom aide, in after-school programs, or have always dreamed of becoming a teacher, these programs are designed to provide the necessary training and support.
As an internship candidate, you'll assume the role of a teacher in a classroom, receiving a teacher's salary while completing your program requirements. This hands-on experience allows you to learn and grow while making a tangible difference in the lives of your students from the very beginning.
Cal State LA's University Internship Program
Cal State LA's University Internship Program, accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), offers a pathway for those seeking a multiple, single-subject, or education specialist credential. This two-year program, which includes an Early Completion Option, is designed for individuals working as teachers in public schools.
University Internship Teaching Credentials authorize the holder to serve, under the supervision of a University Supervisor and the holder’s employer, in the area or subject listed on the credential.
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Early Completion Option (ECO)
The Early Completion Option (ECO) is available for individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge. It allows eligible candidates to bypass certain classes in the Intern Program and demonstrate their pedagogical skills through a performance assessment. Contacting Jennifer can provide guidance and support throughout the assessment process. More details can be found on the Early Completion Intern Option webpage.
Support and Supervision
Cal State LA’s MOU with the district outlines:
- 144 hours of annual support and supervision for all internship programs, including 45 hours specific to teaching English learners, as required by California Code of Regulations §80033.
- For University Intern Programs, intern salaries will not be reduced by more than 1/8 and will not be less than the minimum base salary of a regular certificated person.
Maintaining Eligibility and Good Standing
To maintain eligibility and good standing within an Internship Credential Program, certain requirements must be consistently met:
Enrollment Obligations
All interns must enroll in EDSP 4950 during every academic term in which they are not engaged in fieldwork. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the internship credential. Interns must maintain continuous enrollment in coursework throughout the duration of the internship credential. Failure to maintain active enrollment will result in the revocation of the credential.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for an internship credential must have a minimum of two remaining semesters of coursework. Candidates whose only remaining requirement is final student teaching must complete at least one semester as an intern prior to beginning the final student teaching placement.
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Navigating Changes During the Internship
Internship programs recognize that circumstances may change during the program. As such, they have processes in place for requesting extensions, changing districts, and requesting authorization changes.
Requesting an Extension of the Internship Credential
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) permits extensions to internship credentials only in cases of extenuating circumstances. The following steps must be taken:
Required Documents:
- Internship Verification Form
- FERPA Document Release Waiver
- Credential Application Form 41-4 (completed but unsigned and saved as a PDF)
- A written statement by the student intern addressed to CTC, detailing the justification for the extension request and including documentary evidence to support the claim (also unsigned and saved as a PDF)
- A written letter of support from program faculty, addressed to CTC (unsigned and saved as a PDF)
Review and Approval Process:
Program faculty will review the student’s written statement and supporting documentation. If the request is deemed valid and supportable, faculty will prepare a written statement of support.
Payment and Submission:
The student intern must provide a check or money order in the amount of $100.00, payable to the CTC. Upon collection of all required documents, an AdobeSign packet will be created including the documents listed above.
Requesting a Change of District
Interns may request a change of district while holding an internship credential. The following procedure applies:
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Required Documents:
- Internship Verification Form
- FERPA Document Release Waiver
- Credential Application Form 41-4 (completed but unsigned and saved as a PDF)
Payment and Submission:
A check or money order in the amount of $50.00, payable to the CTC, must be provided by the student. An AdobeSign packet will be assembled including the documents listed above.
Requesting an Authorization Change
In cases where an intern seeks to change their credential authorization area (e.g., from MMSN to ECSE), the following protocol must be followed:
Required Documents:
- Internship Verification Form
- FERPA Document Release Waiver
- Credential Evaluation and Processing Form (appropriate to the desired credential area)
- Multiple/Single Subject/Education Specialist Credential Application Form 41-4 (completed but unsigned and saved as a PDF)
Payment and Submission:
The student must submit a check or money order in the amount of $50.00, payable to the CTC. An AdobeSign packet will be created, containing the documents listed above.
CSULB's Education Specialist Credential Program Internship Pathway
The Education Specialist Credential Program Internship Pathway at CSULB is designed for candidates who:
- Have been admitted to the Post-Baccalaureate Education Specialist Credential Program (Note: Liberal Studies ITEP candidates are not eligible)
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree
- Have met all internship eligibility requirements
- Have been offered full-time employment as the teacher of record in a public school district or charter school with a CSULB-approved Internship Agreement on file
Program Overview
The Internship Pathway includes the same 39 units as the Traditional Education Specialist Credential Program. Once prerequisites are completed, candidates may finish the remaining program courses and student teaching requirements while employed as an intern teacher (with program approval).
Internship candidates must enroll in EDSP 586: Internship Support Course each semester they are employed on an internship credential (except during semesters when they are student teaching).
Is an Internship the Right Pathway?
Internships are demanding and not suitable for everyone. You may be ready for an internship if you have:
- Experience as a long term substitute teacher for an extended period
- Experience as a private school teacher
The Internship Program is a rigorous program where you will be not only completing the CTC and program requirements to receive your preliminary credential but also working full time as a teacher of record.
Position Requirements
- Must be in a district or charter school within the CSULB service area in which CSULB has an active Affiliation Agreement and Intern MOU on file.
- Interns are only authorized to teach in the area authorized by their credential. For Education Specialist, you must be in the setting that matches the authorization (MMSN or ESN) that you are pursuing.
- Interns are required to have a site support person/mentor teacher that holds a clear credential in the same area in which they are pursuing.
Prerequisites (11 units)
Note: EDSP 410 & EDSP 454 must be in progress or completed to apply to ESCP. EDSP 410, EDSP 454, EDEL 452 & UDCP 400 must be completed with grades posted prior to being eligible to apply for an internship.
Candidates wishing to use an internship position for Student Teaching must have an official job offer by January 2 or August 1 prior to the start of the semester to allow enough time to complete the Eligibility and Approval Process and be recommended for their internship before the semester begins.
To be eligible for an internship, ESCP Candidates must have met ALL of the following requirements:
- Be fully admitted to the Education Specialist Credential Program
- Be in good standing in the Education Specialist Credential Program
- Be a matriculated CSULB Student (Interns must be matriculated and enrolled in a course each semester they are an active ESCP Intern. Interns cannot take an Educational Leave of Absence.)
- Hold a Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited institution in the US or equivalent.
- Have completed the Subject Matter Competency Requirement
- Have completed the US Constitution Requirement
- Have completed the following courses: EDSP 454, EDSP 410, EDEL 452/EDSE 457, and UDCP 400
Candidates that receive an internship offer after the registration period ends for the semester (census - week 4 of the semester) will not be able to be approved until the following semester when the candidate is able to enroll in EDSP 586, apart from student teaching.
University Admission
Admission to the credential program is separate from admission to the university. Post-Bacc students must apply to the university at calstate.edu/apply by the published deadline. Most candidates apply to the university first (to complete prerequisites), then apply to the program. Some candidates apply to the university and program simultaneously if prerequisites are already completed. University admission does not guarantee program admission.
Steps to Apply for the ESCP Internship Pathway
Step 1: Secure a Teaching Position
- Obtain a full-time teaching position as the teacher of record.
- Confirm that CSULB has an Internship Agreement with your district.
- Obtain an Offer of Employment on district letterhead including:
- District and school site
- Start date
- Grade level/assignment
- The type of credential or permit you will be employed under.
Step 2: Complete the Pre-Internship Application to initiate the approval process.
Prior to completing the Pre-Internship Application you must have an official offer in writing from your district HR. You will need to upload this to the Pre-Internship Application.
Step 3: Program Review
Once your Pre-Internship Application is submitted:
- The Student Success & Advising Center (SSAC) will review eligibility.
- The application is sent to your Program Coordinator for review.
- If approved, the Faculty Intern Coordinator will contact you to schedule your Step 4 meeting.
Step 4: Internship Application & Credential Recommendation
- Meet with the Faculty Intern Coordinator to review internship and application requirements.
- Submit your completed Internship Application (via DocuSign) for final approval.
Important Deadline Policy
Internships cannot be approved after census (week 4 of the semester). If you receive an offer after census, approval will be delayed until the next semester.
Deadlines for Pre-Internship Applications
| Internship Type | Fall Deadline | Spring Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Student Teaching Internship (still completing methods courses) | September 15 | February 15 |
| Student Teaching Internship (all coursework completed; internship replaces student teaching) | August 1 | January 2 |
The Intern Option: A Pathway for Experienced Individuals
The Intern Option is designed for individuals with teaching or related experience who meet the minimum eligibility criteria for an intern credential. In this option, candidates complete all coursework and supervised fieldwork while employed as the teacher of record in a Special Education setting.
The Education Specialist Preliminary Credential Internship Program typically takes four semesters (two academic years) to complete, and the course sequence is provided upon application for the internship credential once employment is verified. This program enables interns to fulfill the requirements for a Preliminary Education Specialist (ES) credential while working in a paid special education teaching position.
Interns adhere to the same program requirements, policies, and procedures as all ES candidates, with the exception of the student teaching requirement. Instead of student teaching in the final semester, interns receive university supervision in their K- age 22 classrooms throughout their internship, usually spanning two to three semesters.
Supervision includes attending the intern or PIP/STP seminar (EDSP 480 or EDSP 481), where they engage with their supervisor and fellow interns to discuss their classrooms, bridge theory and practice, gather suggestions and support, and explore topics relevant to their current teaching situations. Note that EDSP 480 is not for intern teachers but supports candidates on PIP or STP teaching permits.
Due to the demanding nature of internships, interns are typically limited to a maximum of 12 units per semester. This may alter an ES candidate’s original program plan, potentially delaying completion of the credential program by one or two semesters. The intern credential remains valid for up to two years, provided the intern remains enrolled in university classes and employed as a special education teacher. It is crucial for interns to complete both the university coursework and all statutory requirements before the intern credential expires. The Intern Coordinator conducts the intern application interview.
Please note that eligibility and admissions requirements to the Intern Program are subject to change.
Program of Study: Internship Partnership Option
This Internship Partnership Option is designed for credential candidates who do not hold a basic credential (e.g., Multiple-Subject, Single-Subject) and who wish to earn the Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Instruction Credentials with the option to complete the Multiple-Subject Credential and/or the Preliminary Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Instruction Credential.
Requirements include:
- Constitution requirement
- Basic Skills Exam (CBEST or CSET Writing Skills) passed before intern teaching
- All CSET sections passed before intern teaching
- Successful progress in program coursework, Teacher Performance Assessment, and Education Specialist Teaching Performance Expectation assessments
- Completion of EDUC 350, EDUC 364, EDMS 511/EDMX 511, and EDMS 521 EDMX 521 or the equivalent
- Tuberculin Clearance
Candidates in this internship option must also apply for and be selected for employment as an intern with a partnering school or school district.
Authorizations and Course of Study
The Preliminary Specialist Instruction Credentials authorize the provision of instruction to students in grades K through 12 and adults with identified disabilities. The Mild/Moderate Credential authorizes instructional service to students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disturbance, Mild/Moderate Mental Retardation, other health impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder), or specific learning disability. The Moderate/Severe Credential authorizes instructional service to students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Moderate/Severe Mental Retardation, or multiple disabilities.
Coursework and clinical practice for the Mild/Moderate internship sequence usually takes two academic years to complete, inclusive of summer session offerings. Each intern candidate’s course and clinical practice sequence is individually planned with the Education Specialist Intern Program Coordinator or designee.
TPA and TPE Assessment
Beginning January 1, 2011, all candidates entering programs that result in the issuance of a Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential must demonstrate satisfactory performance through coursework and verified clinical practice on the full range of Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Performance Expectations and develop a written Individualized Transition Development Plan for use in the candidate’s Clear Credential Program.
Beginning July 1, 2008, all candidates entering programs that result in the issuance of a Multiple- or Single-Subject Credential must pass all Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) assessments before an online recommendation for the credential can be submitted to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) by the CEHHS, Student Services Office.
Clear Credential Requirements
Successful completion of Education Specialist requirements results in the issuance of a 5-year Preliminary Education Specialist Credential that also must be cleared through an induction program to qualify for the Clear Education Specialist Credential. Successful completion of Multiple-Subject requirements results in the issuance of a 5-year Preliminary Multiple-Subject Credential that requires employment as a full-time teacher and completion of an induction program to qualify for a Clear Multiple-Subject Credential.
An essential clearing requirement is the development of a written Individualized Induction Plan (IIP) of supported induction and job related advanced professional preparation approved and signed by the clear credential candidate, an employer designee, and a CCTC-approved clear credential program sponsor (e.g., district BTSA program, University, County Office of Education). See the CCTC web site for currently approved clear credential sponsors. The IIP for employed Education Specialists must be written to clear all general and special education preliminary credentials held, may include up to 12 semester units of university coursework, and must be developed within 60 days of employment.
Experiential Learning and Program Delivery
The program is designed around experiential learning. After completion of prerequisite coursework (Preservice) and meeting the subject matter requirement, a candidate may be employed as an intern teacher in a full-time teaching assignment. The intern program coursework delivery model is 100% online with a combination of both synchronous and asynchronous learning. You will be expected to attend two 3-hour synchronous sessions each week.
Interns will be assigned a mentor at their school site and a clinical supervisor through the program. Instructors, clinical supervisors, mentors and program staff communicate and collaborate on a regular basis to ensure the highest level of support is provided to each candidate. *DHH Candidates from outside of San Diego County may participate if we have established an Out-of-County agreement with your employing school district.
The first step to joining our Education Specialist Intern Program is to attend a mandatory online information session as part of the Preservice process.
SF State's Intern Credential Program
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.
Requirements include:
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