Overview of Mild to Moderate Support Needs Intern Credential
Program Design
The SCOE Education Specialist Intern Program offers an accredited K-12 teacher preparation program that is focused and sequential, balancing the development of sound theoretical understandings with practical classroom applications.
The Education Specialist Intern program is designed to provide teacher candidates with the knowledge, skills, and field experiences necessary to teach in California’s diverse school settings, and includes carefully sequenced coursework to support candidates as they move through the two-year program. (See Course Descriptors and Course Sequence Chart.)
The Intern program includes a prerequisite 120-hour Preservice to prepare candidates for eligibility as a full-time, paid teacher of record. Once candidates have successfully completed the Preservice, passed the prerequisite tests, and secured employment with a participating school district, they are enrolled in a two-year, four-semester teacher preparation program. Classes are typically scheduled on Saturdays and after school hours.
Program Focus
The emphasis in this teacher-credentialing program is on developing well-prepared, skillful teachers who promote high levels of student engagement and achievement. Interns develop strategies to provide appropriate instruction for students who learn differently and to build positive relationships with students and their families. Candidates focus on effective instructional practices including:
- Lesson design and student learning strategies for all students, including English learners and students with special needs
- Effective classroom management strategies, including procedures and rules
- Ongoing assessment of learning, both for the students and the teacher candidate.