Internship programs must include a minimum of 120 clock hours (or the semester or quarter unit equivalent) pre-service component which includes foundational preparation in:

• General pedagogy including classroom management and planning,

• Reading/language arts,

• General, subject-specific, and/or specialty-specific pedagogy,

• Human development, and 

• Specific content regarding the teaching of English Learners.

The term “preservice” is often confused with the preparation program because this same term is used by traditional student teaching programs to be the coursework and fieldwork prior to receiving a credential. For the purpose of intern programs, however, preservice is specific to the portion of the program that a candidate must complete prior to being granted the intern document and serving as teacher of record. 

This coursework is typically provided the semester before or the summer term prior to the assignment. Regardless of the format, the instruction must provide foundational knowledge of the skills and abilities addressed in the Commission’s Teaching Performance Expectations for the relevant credential area. 

This is important because it prepares intern candidates with the requisite skills needed to serve as teacher of record from day 1 in the classroom.

Intern programs are designed to be a partnership between the institution that prepares teachers and the district.  

All interns will receive the following: 

• A minimum of 144 hours of general support/mentoring and supervision

  • Support may include but is not limited to weekly planning of curriculum and assessments, coaching within the classroom, and problem-solving regarding student issues. 

• An additional 45 hours of English language learner support/mentoring and supervision

• 6 observations per semester

• LUSD provided mentor

• Coursework

• Clinical Practice

• Teaching Performance Assessments