Special Education Intern Program

Questions & Answers

Who is eligible for the Special Education Intern Program?
Individuals who are interested in teaching students with special needs who have met program eligibility requirements.

What are the program eligibility requirements?
An individual must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and pass CBEST. Individuals must also show subject matter competency by passing the CSET. Additional requirements include completion of 160 hours of pre-service coursework and US Constitution.

What are the critical features and benefits of this program?
The Special Education Intern Program is designed to be completed in two years.
Interns gain expertise in teaching through academic coursework and field
experience.  Interns teach in special education classrooms during the day and
attend credential classes two evenings per week.  Courses are approximately five
to ten weeks in duration. The program is accredited by the California Commission
 on Teacher Credentialing.

What is the cost of this program?
The $3000.00 annual tuition includes books and materials.

How does a potential intern complete the 160 hours of pre-service?
Pre-service can be met through a variety of ways. Candidates with a prior teaching credential can meet many of the pre-service hours. College courses completed to enter a teacher preparation program can be used also. Furthermore, SCOE offers independent study and professional development to assist individuals with eligibility requirements.

What type of support is offered to interns?
The program provides a high level of support to all interns to ensure their success.
Practicum supervisors, assigned by the program, make 13 visitations the first year of the intern's program and 10 visitations the second year.  Interns also receive support from a district provided peer coach who is required to meet with the intern one hour per week.  The cohort model provides additional support as interns move through the program together.

When do classes start?
A new cohort begins each fall. The official start to the semester is September with orientation in August.