The Education Specialist Intern Program at Sonoma State University is a partnership with the North Coast Beginning Teacher Program (NCBTP), a state approved university-based program. This program allows the intern to complete the requirements for a Preliminary Education Specialist (EP) credential concurrent with their first year or two in a paid special education teaching position. The program includes coursework at the university, university supervision in the K-age 22 classroom, a district support provider, and special support seminars provided by NCBTP. Completion of an internship program results in the same credential as is earned through the traditional teacher preparation program.
To qualify for an internship program, an individual must:
- Be formally admitted to the university and the ES program;
- Possess a bachelor’s degree;
- Satisfy the U.S. Constitution requirement;
- Have a job offer as a special education teacher;
- Successfully complete the Intern Application Evaluation which includes approval from the Special Education Program faculty and the School of Education Credential Analyst; and
- Meet Pre-Service Requirements.
The Intern Application Evaluation form verifies that these requirements have been met and is available online at www.sonoma.edu/education/else/preliminary-education/es-internship.html or in the School of Education.
Interns are bound by the same program requirements, policies and procedures as all ES candidates except for the student teaching requirement. Instead of student teaching in the final semester of the program, which is typical in the ES credential program, interns are provided with university supervision in their K- age 22 classrooms throughout their internship, typically ranging between two and three semesters. Supervision includes candidates attending the intern seminar (EDSP 481 ) where they meet with their supervisor and other interns to discuss their classrooms while bridging theory and practice, gathering suggestions and support, and discussing topics that are applicable to their current teaching situations.
Because of the increased responsibilities that an internship demands, interns are not allowed to take more than 12 units each semester. This sometimes alters an ES candidate’s original program plan, delaying completion of the credential program by one or two semesters. The intern credential is valid for up to two years, provided the intern continues to be enrolled in university classes and employed as a special education teacher. It is important that the intern completes both the university course work and all statutory requirements before the intern credential expires. Interns who do not hold a previous multiple or single subject credential must also pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) as part of their statutory requirements.
Employment Verification
Employment must be verified by a letter of employment, on official letterhead from the employing school or district, verifying the date employment began, the type of assignment and location, and whether it is a full time or part time position (if it is part time the letter needs to specify the percentage of time you will be working).
Intern Application Interview
The Intern Coordinator conducts the intern application interview. The interview evaluates the candidate’s academic achievement, progress, professional dispositions and responsibilities.
Please note: eligibility and admissions requirements to the Intern Program are subject to change. Please contact the Intern Advisor for current eligibility and admissions requirements.
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