University internships are one to two-year programs in partnership with employing agencies and are designed to provide participants with classroom experience while they complete coursework requirements for the preliminary credential. University Intern Teaching Credentials authorize the holder to serve, under the supervision of a Commission-approved college or university and the holder's employer, in the area or subject listed on the credential.
This program is designed to assist, support, and guide you through the process of obtaining your preliminary credential. The program involves a combination of coaching and mentoring from your employer as well as from UMass Global. As the teacher of record in your own classroom you have the dual responsibility of being both a teacher and a learner. During Supported Teaching, you will have valuable opportunities to apply what you are learning in credential courses to your own classroom while receiving targeted support and mentoring from your University Supervisor and District Mentor. Through Internship Seminar courses you will have valuable opportunities to interact with other interns, share your classroom experiences, and receive feedback and guidance on your CalTPA cycles.
Internship Eligibility Requirements
To establish eligibility for University Internship the following requirements must be met. Candidates seeking an intern eligibility letter must submit the Intern Eligibility Application located on the SOE Services website once the below prerequisites have been satisfied.
Prerequisite coursework varies by program please visit the preservice course requirement matrix
| Other Prerequisites |
| Basic Skills (BSRO |
| Subject Matter Competency (SMC) *Not required for ECSE Candidates |
| Professional Fitness Review (Certificate of Clearance) |
| US Constitution |
| Negative TB |
| Adult, Child, and Infant CPR Certification |
Internship Eligibility Application Process
The path to becoming a university intern involves several key steps. To begin, prospective candidates must ensure their eligibility by fulfilling all the prerequisites outlined earlier and formally submitting the intern eligibility application. Once the application is submitted, it initiates a comprehensive evaluation process, leading to the issuance of the intern eligibility letter and the verification of intern employment form.
This crucial step not only formalizes the candidate's eligibility but also establishes a connection with the designated Education Clinical Coordinator. The coordinator will play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting interns throughout their university journey.
Intern Eligibility Application Link
Upon receiving the intern eligibility letter for applying to teaching positions as a university intern, the candidate awaits an offer of intern employment. Upon receiving the employment offer, the hiring district is required to complete the Intern Verification of Employment form. This completed form is then submitted to the UMass Global Clinical Coordinator.
The Clinical Coordinator plays a crucial role in the process by reviewing the employment offer's appropriateness for the program of enrollment and ensuring the existence of a suitable intern agreement between UMass Global and the employing district. Employment offers not in alignment with UMass Global or CTC requirements will not be approved. If there is no existing agreement or if it expires before the internship concludes, the Clinical Coordinator will initiate the process of establishing a new one. It's worth noting that the timeframe for creating a new or renewed agreement varies, ranging from several weeks to months, depending on the district. Many districts typically finalize new agreements during board meetings. Importantly, no internship activities can commence until a formal agreement is in place.
Once the Clinical Coordinator confirms that the employment setting is appropriate and an agreement is in effect, a recommendation for the University Internship Credential is submitted to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The CTC will send email confirmation with instructions on submitting payment for the intern credential. This intern credential is restricted to the district of employment. Should there be any changes to the employment location or setting, candidates are required to promptly notify their UMass Global Clinical Coordinator.
Four-step process:
- Apply for intern eligibility.
- Obtain an offer of employment.
- Employment/Intern Agreement approved by Clinical Coordinator for internship.
- Intern recommendation submitted to CTC.
University Internship Support and Supervision
Educators employed on the university internship credential are required to receive support and supervision for the duration they are employed on the document. University internship coursework requirements will vary based on when a candidate becomes an intern and how long the candidate remains in the intern program.
Things to consider:
- Candidates interested in becoming a university should plan their program with the intern prerequisite courses scheduled first.
- Academic: The CalTPA is a significant requirement of your program, it should be completed during your student teaching or internship.
- Budget: A University Internship requires ongoing support and supervision. Candidates who remain an intern into the second academic year will be required to enroll in additional coursework.
Visit the fieldwork information page for applications.
