Eligibility for the Intern Program is determined by the following guidelines set forth by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC):

• Bachelor's or higher degree from accredited college or university.
• Passing Basic Skills Proficiency (CBEST or CBEST waiver)*
• Verification of subject matter competency*
• Verification of U.S. Constitution requirement
• Completion of four prerequisite MATTC courses (3 units each):
  1. EDUC 258 or 283 – Multiple or Single Subject Developing Positive Classroom Cultures 
  2. EDUC 257 or 282 – English Language Development in Elementary or Secondary Schools
  3. EDUC 253 or 278 – Typical and Atypical Development
  4. EDUC 262 or EDUC 294A – English Language Arts Methods or Adolescent Literacy Development
• Verification of employment, which must be approved by SCU Intern Program Coordinator
• Certificate of clearance (fingerprint application and fee)
• Application and fees for intern credential
• Commitment to take a methods course during the first quarter in the intern program
• Intern candidates concurrently seeking bilingual authorization must demonstrate language competence (CSET LOTTE III or equivalent).

Note: it is the teacher candidates responsibility to secure an intern teaching position and interns may not displace certificated employees.

*California provides guidance on evidence to demonstrate basic skills and subject matter competence. Credential candidates can demonstrate subject matter competence in one of five ways:

1. Pass all subtests of the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) exam. 
2. Provide documentation of completion of a CTC-approved subject matter waiver program or coursework in content areas.
3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements.
4. Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:
   • For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.
   • For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas.
5. A combination of the methods above to meet all domains of the subject matter requirements.

Sample timeline for interns beginning fulltime employment in August:

*Once candidates have satisfied all Intern Program eligibility requirements, they petition for an intern credential recommendation from SCU. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) will then award the candidate a University Intern Credential. Candidates must hold a valid University Intern credential in order to be enrolled in the MATTC Intern Program. 

Note: Anyone interested in the Intern Program must schedule a meeting with the MATTC Intern Program Coordinator, Dr. Melina Johnson mrjohnson@scu.edu. 

In order to maintain their intern status at SCU, candidates must:

• Demonstrate professional responsibility while in the MATTC program and on their school campus.
• Interns must have excellent attendance in their courses at SCU and at their placement sites.
• Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in their MATTC courses.
• Receive satisfactory evaluations in the field from their Local Support Teacher and field supervisor.

1. Do I need a special credential to be an intern candidate? Yes, once candidates have satisfied all intern requirements, they petition for an intern credential recommendation from SCU. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) will then award the candidate a University Intern Credential for the duration of the time the candidate is taking MATTC courses and teaching full-time. Candidates must hold a valid University Intern credential in order to be enrolled in the MATTC Intern program.

2. What is considered full-time teaching? To be considered full-time, interns must be contracted to teach at least 80% in the subject or grade level in which the candidate is seeking a credential. 

3. I am currently enrolled in the MATTC program, can I apply to be an intern candidate? If you are in the MATTC 2-year program, you have the option to apply to the intern program in your second year provided you meet all of the requirements for the intern program.

4. Will SCU find me an intern teaching position? No, SCU does not secure intern teaching positions/employment. Intern candidates must seek out their own employment and must be employed to teach at least 80% in the subject/grade in which they are seeking a credential.

5. Where can an intern candidate be employed? SCU intern candidates should seek out employment at a school district that has a partnership agreement with SCU. For this reason, we recommend that intern candidates seek pre-approval of employment from the Intern Coordinator at SCU before accepting a position.

6. How long does it take to complete the intern credential program? The intern program is designed to be completed in one or two years. University Intern Credentials are valid for two years.

7. What is the difference between a student teacher and an intern candidate? MATTC student teachers are placed with a mentor teacher at a local K-12 public school and are given the opportunity throughout the academic year to observe, learn, and gradually take over courses in their mentor teacher’s classroom. In contrast, intern candidates are the teacher of record and assume full-time teaching responsibilities at the start of the Intern Program while completing a rigorous program of study.

8. What types of support will I receive as an intern candidate? In addition to support from your faculty in MATTC courses, intern candidates will receive support from a SCU supervisor who will observe and coach throughout the program. Additionally, intern candidates will be assigned a Local Support Teacher (LST) at their teaching sites. LSTs are designated to be the school site contact and mentor for intern candidates.

9. Can I teach in a private school and be a MATTC intern candidate? No, you must be a full-time teacher of record in a TK-12 public school or district. Please contact Dr. John Beltramo to learn about our private school teaching credential options.

10. I am currently a student teacher in MATTC, can I convert to become an intern? Typically, no. As a student teacher you can only become an intern if you are offered a position at the same school site where you are student teaching. Additionally, your mentor teacher, school site administrator, advisor, MATTC Intern Coordinator, and MATTC Director must agree that you are eligible to convert from a student teacher to an intern.

11. What types of financial support are available to interns? SCU's Department of Education offers generous scholarships to MATTC and Intern candidates to support their education.

12. What type of instructional support will I receive as an intern? All SCU interns will be supervised by both a University Supervisor and a School-District mentor, who will provide support taking the form of collaborative planning, lesson observations, debriefs and reflections, and discussing student work. Program faculty, particularly through your four quarter practicum course sequence also provide instructional support. You will also participate in district-sponsored professional development. These supports total more than 144 hours.

13. Is there an Early Completion Option for intern candidates? SCU offers an Intern Early Completion Option (ECO) that is intended to provide individuals who have requisite skills and knowledge an opportunity to challenge the course work portion of a Multiple Subject (MS) or Single Subject (SS) Intern Credentialing Program. More information about the Intern Early Completion Option (ECO) can be found here.