Intern Teaching

Intern Teaching: The Basics

Candidates who wish to pursue this pathway must meet all requirements and receive a contract offer for a full-time teaching position from a public school district or charter school. The job application and interview process are the sole responsibility of the candidate.  APU Global does not provide internships.  Rather than thinking of it as "applying for an internship," think of it as applying for and getting hired for a full-time teaching position and using this job as a way to fulfil your Clinical Practice.

An Intern Teacher will serve as the teacher of record in the classroom and is responsible for all teaching responsibilities: grading, lesson planning, parent conferences, and classroom management.  Interns do not have a Cooperating Teacher assisting them in their clinical practice, but will be supported by a site supervisor. Interns do not change grade levels during the semester. Once a student obtains a contract offer letter from a public school district and has met all the requirements, the university will apply with the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for an individual's Intern Credential. Internships must be approved by the Assistant Dean and meet the following requirements. Note: BALBC Students are not eligible for the internship pathway.

Requirements for Intern Teaching

• You must meet Subject Matter Competency. 

You can either:

• Possess a qualifying Bachelor's Degree (check with your Credential Analyst or Coach)

• pass the three Multiple Subject CSET subtests by the date mentioned in your Clinical Practice acceptance email (this varies each semester, but your Credential Analyst will let you know).

• Have a combination of tests and coursework (check with your Coach / Credential Analyst)

• You must complete all prerequisite EDUC courses and maintain a 3.0 in your credential courses by the start of your Clinical Practice semester.

• You can either:

  • • • • pass HIST 420 course at APU Global with a grade of C or better over the upcoming semester

        • pass the US Constitution Exam through Notre Dame de Namur University https://usconstitutionexam.com/. Please read the exam site for fees and retake policies.

        • Transfer in a qualifying course from a different university (check with your Coach / Credential Analyst)

• Possess a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university (unless you are enrolled in LAPU’s BALBC Program).

• Possess a valid Certificate of Clearance.

• Submit Student Teaching Application to the Credential Team prior to student teaching (deadlines vary).

The Basics of Intern Teaching

What is the main difference between "Student Teaching" and "Interning"?

• In Student Teaching, you are a guest in someone else’s classroom, working under a Mentor / Cooperating Teacher, usually for no pay. As an Intern, you are the "Teacher of Record." You have your own classroom, you are responsible for all grading and instruction, and you receive a full salary and benefits.

Will APU Global secure an internship for me?

• No. You must secure an internship position yourself, as you will be a regular employee of the school district. To do this, you must apply, interview, and be hired by the district HR. Once you have your contract, the Office of Credentials will help procure your intern credential (see below). 

Can I just apply for an Intern Credential on my own?

• No. An Intern Credential is a partnership between three parties: You, a Commission-approved Program (LAPU), and an Employer (School District or Charter). You must be enrolled in a program before you can be "Intern Eligible." The Office of Credentials will help you navigate that process once you receive your offer.

Eligibility and Requirements: The Teacher Candidate (You)

What are the "Pre-service" requirements?

APU Global requires that you have finished all 6 of your graduate EDUC courses. This fulfills the CTC's required prerequisites. 

Do I still need to pass the CBEST, U.S. Constitution, and CSET?

Yes. You must demonstrate Basic Skills (often satisfied by your Bachelor's degree under the new 2024 rules), U.S. Constitution (via approved coursework or approved exam), and Subject Matter Competence (via CSET exams or an approved degree major) before you are eligible to be hired as an intern.

Is there a GPA requirement?

Yes. APU Global requires a 3.0 GPA in your credential coursework to remain in good standing. If your GPA drops, you may lose your intern status and your job.

Eligibility and Requirements: The School Site

What are the requirements for a school site in order to be able to host an intern?

• At a public school or at a public charter school.

• Has a principal/supervisor with a current CA Administrative Services Credential.

• Must be responsible for daily, in-person instruction of ALL core subjects at an elementary level, self-contained classroom (TK-6).  No subject sharing or block schedule positions are allowed.

  • • Note that TK internships may have additional considerations. Please contact your Credential Analyst or Assistant Dean for more information.

• Must be hired as the Teacher of Record for the classroom. No Substitute teaching or paraeducator positions are allowed.