Credential Programs

What are the various types of credentialing programs in California?

Many teacher candidates are confused by the variety of programs that are available in order to get your state teaching credential.  The following descriptions are designed to unpack the various types programs.  We recommend you investigate and inquire on your own to learn more.

Intern Programs

An internship program allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree and subject matter competency to work in the classroom as a “teacher of record,” while completing a credential program. These individuals are working teachers and paid a salary by the District for their teaching time. Internships are generally offered for hard-to-staff subject fields; currently, science, mathematics, and special education. Intern programs allow individuals who do not currently hold a teaching credential to teach for two years while taking graduate-level education credits toward achieving a Preliminary Teaching Credential. 

  • District Interns - Individuals work for the school district while completing a district administered credential program; no university enrollment, fees or course work is required. Passage of CBEST and CSET is required for admission to this program. This option provides individuals with a professional clear or level 2 credential upon program completion.
  • University Interns - Individuals work for a school district while completing credential course work through an accredited credential program at a university of their choice. Passage of CBEST and CSET is required for admission to these programs.  Examples include UCLA,Oakland Teaching Fellows and Teach For America.
  • Early Completion Internship Option - Some university intern credentialing programs offer an “Early Completion Option” (ECO). The ECO is intended to provide individuals who have requisite skills and knowledge an opportunity to challenge the course work portion of a Multiple or Single Subject Internship Program and demonstrate pedagogical skills through a performance assessment while in a Commission- approved internship program. The ECO allows candidates to complete the requirements for a preliminary credential in a shorter amount of time, generally one academic year.  In order to be eligible for the ECO option, candidates must pass the Teaching Foundations Exam (TFE). The TFE test is designed to assess knowledge of teaching methods that are generally taught during the course of a traditional teacher preparation program.  Examples include Early Completion option at Alliant University

Traditional Credentialing Programs

Traditional credential programs provide course work and teacher training for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree. This option typically takes 18 – 24 months.  Passage of CBEST and CSET is required for admission.  Examples include:  San Jose State University, Cal State Los Angeles, UCLA, etc.

  • 12-month credential program (Fast Track) – Many universities offer a dual credentialing/Master’s program that candidates can be completed in a 12-month calendar year.  Examples include:  Pepperdine University, Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) and MAT@USC.

Residency Programs

Teacher Residency programs are generally a 14-month graduate-level program and are highly competitive.  Modeled after a medical residency, a teaching residency program gives student teachers, or “residents” the chance to implement ideas in a classroom setting, while receiving feedback and support from expert practitioners. Residents are second teachers in their classrooms Monday through Thursday and are simultaneously taking graduate level classes on Fridays and one night a week.  Most residency programs offer a “living stipend” during the 14-month period.  Admission into the Residency program and the partner-accredited university are required.  Examples include Los Angeles Urban Teachers Residency (LAUTR) and the San Francisco Teacher Residency program (SFTR). 

EnCorps supports teachers who participate in all types of credentialing programs and internships. Please refer to university specific programs for more details. You can start exploring credential programs here: http://cateachercorps.org/programs/.

 

Passage of the CBEST and CSET is required for admission to any Credentialing Program. 


Some things to consider when selecting your Teaching Credential Program:
•    How long does it take to complete?
•    Do they use distance learning and E-education college degree programs?
•    What does the school calendar and schedule look like?  There are quite a few programs out there with very different schedules to suit a wide variety of needs.
•    How will you balance your education with a busy career and personal schedule?
•    Is there an option to be working towards a Master’s Degree while pursuing your teacher credential?
•    What is the program cost and what are my financial aid options?

How do I know that the Credentialing Program I want to use is certified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)?


Not all Credentialing Programs meet all the standards dictated by the CCTC.  When you are shopping around for your credential program, make sure that you select one that is CCTC approved.   Use the following link for the current list of  CCTC approved teacher credentialing programs.

 

For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.