Preliminary Multiple Subject/Single Subject Intern Preconditions

Please view our narrative responses below in black and hyperlinked evidence in gold below.

Multiple Subject/Single Subject Intern (Intern) Precondition 1: Bachelor's Degree Requirement

Candidates admitted to internship programs must hold baccalaureate degrees or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Reference: Education Code Sections 44325, 44326, and 44453.

Intern Precondition 1 is met as follows:

Mills College at Northeastern assures that all candidates admitted to internship programs hold baccalaureate degrees or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Proof that a candidate holds a baccalaureate degree is a requirement for admission to all Mills College at Northeastern graduate programs. Applicants may upload an unofficial undergraduate transcript along with a diploma or certificate that clearly affirms that their degree has been awarded for preliminary review. Applicants must include mark sheets showing courses, grades, GPA and grading scale with all transcript submission(s) to verify completion of this requirement. Graduate Admissions and School of Education faculty and staff track and verify applicant material submission through Slate. Admission into the internship program requires submission of official transcripts.

Additional information regarding bachelor’s degree requirement can be found in the Multiple and Single Subject Credential Handbook linked here (pg. 33) for Multiple Subject candidates and linked here (pg. 45) for Single Subject candidates. Additionally, admission requirements can be found in the following linked documents: Multiple Subject program proposal and Single Subject program proposal.

Intern Precondition 2: Demonstration of Subject Matter Competence

Each Multiple Subject and Single Subject Intern must demonstrate subject matter competence prior to being recommended for the intern credential through one of the following methods:

Completion of a subject matter program approved by the Commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(i).
Passage of a Commission-approved subject matter examination. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(ii).
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 adopted by the Commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count for purposes of this clause. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(iii).
Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable. i. For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the Commission credentials candidates as indicated in Education Code Sections 44259 (b)(5)(A)(iv)(I) and 44282 (b). ii. For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas as indicated in Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(iv)(II) and 44282 (b).
A combination of the methods described in 1, 2, or 3 above that, together, demonstrate that the candidate has met or exceeded the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(v), and 44282 (b).

Intern Precondition 2 is met as follows:

Mills College at Northeastern University assures that each Multiple Subject/Single Subject Intern candidate admitted into the program has passed the Commission-approved subject matter examinations(s) for the subject area(s) in which the Intern is authorized to teach, and each Single Subject intern admitted into the program has passed the Commission-approved subject matter examination(s) or completed the subject matter program for the subject areas(s) in which the Intern is authorized to teach. Graduate Admissions staff verify that candidates have passed the CSET through Slate during the admissions process.

Interns may alternatively meet the subject matter requirement through several new options as outlined in AB 130 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2021). Conditionally admitted candidates may submit documentation to program faculty and staff demonstrating that they have met the subject matter requirement for their desired credential through “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 adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation” (Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2022). Before admittance, prospective students complete a Subject Matter Requirement Self Assessment Form. Program faculty, the Credential Analyst, and academic advisors review a candidate’s transcript and completed Subject Matter Requirement Self-Assessment Form and utilize templates before fully verifying, partially verifying, or denying that the candidate satisfies the subject matter requirement through qualifying undergraduate coursework.

The Credential Analyst will schedule meetings within 60 days of admission and will provide each candidate with specific and precise information about their situation, options, and possible outcomes. Candidates will sign and receive a copy of a Subject Matter Requirement Individualized Plan describing their status, options, deadlines, requirements, and potential implications toward obtaining a preliminary teaching credential. Candidates will be informed of options available to meet the subject matter requirement as well as a timeline for meeting the required 600 hours of clinical practice before completing all required coursework. The Credential Analyst tracks submission of candidates’ documents to the secure learning management system. Students can view internal due dates for required documents as shown in the example here.

Additional information regarding subject matter requirements can be found in the Multiple and Single Subject Credential Handbook linked here (pg. 34) for Multiple Subject candidates and linked here (pg. 47) for Single Subject candidates. Additionally, these subject matter requirement document templates will be made available on our Mills College at Northeastern School of Education landing page.

Intern Precondition 3: Pre-Service Requirement

Each Multiple and Single Subject Internship program must include a minimum of 120 clock hour (or the semester or quarter unit equivalent) pre-service component which includes foundational preparation in:

(a) General pedagogy including classroom management and planning,

(b) Reading/language arts,

(c) Subject-specific pedagogy,

(d) Human development, and

(e) Specific content regarding the teaching of English Learners pursuant to California Code of Regulations §80033.

Intern Precondition 3 is met as follows:

All candidates must take and pass all pre-service coursework prior to becoming eligible for the intern credential. The preservice coursework is 168 clock hours and includes foundational preparation in:

(a) General pedagogy including classroom management and planning,

(b) Reading/language arts,

(c) Subject-specific pedagogy,

(d) Human development, and

(e) Specific content regarding the teaching of English Learners pursuant to California Code of Regulations §80033.

The linked courses (under “SUMMER”) comprise the pre-service coursework. Coursework sequencing can be found on the following linked documents: Multiple Subject Coursework and Single Subject Coursework. Additionally, these hours are tracked and verified by the Credential Analyst and ELJJ Program Director using the forms linked below:

Additional information regarding pre-service requirements can be found in the Multiple and Single Subject Credential Handbook linked here (pg. 37) for Multiple Subject candidates and linked here (pg. 49) for Single Subject candidates.

Intern Precondition 4: Professional Development Plan

The employing district has developed and implemented a Professional Development Plan for interns in consultation with a Commission-approved program of teacher preparation. The plan shall include all of the following:

(a) Provisions for an annual evaluation of the intern.

(b) A description of the courses to be completed by the intern, if any

(c) A plan for the completion of preservice or other clinical training, if any, including student teaching.

(d) Additional instruction during the first semester of service, for interns teaching in kindergarten or grades 1 to 6 inclusive, in child development and teaching methods, and special education programs for pupils with mild and moderate disabilities.

(e) Instruction, during the first year of service, for interns teaching children in bilingual classes in the culture and methods of teaching bilingual children, and instruction in the etiology and methods of teaching children with mild and moderate disabilities.

Intern Precondition 4 is met as follows:

Once a district offers a candidate employment as an intern, the candidate, their district-assigned supervisor, and Mills College at Northeastern supervisor will have an initial goal-setting and orientation meeting that outlines the placement, support, mentoring, and supervision on an Intern Support Plan Guide. The meeting and Guide is revised each semester.

During the meeting with candidates, district-assigned supervisor, and Mills College at Northeastern supervisor review the corresponding course of study for either Single Subject or Multiple Subject candidates. This course sequence includes two courses taken in the first summer and fall that focus on child and adolescent development and teaching methods. Special and inclusive education methods are incorporated in the Curriculum and Instruction coursework as well as the Perspectives in Disability, Inclusion, and Assessment course. Interns take an English Language Development course during the summer and spring terms. The year-long Pedagogical Content Knowledge Lab will bridge coursework with the intern practicum by focusing on key areas of inquiry to support the professional development of interns. These include: classroom management, child and adolescent development, and teaching across interns’ respective content areas.

Interns will undergo evaluation from the district-assigned supervisor and Mills College at Northeastern supervisor using the ELJJ Clinical Experience Assessment forms here and here that documents assessment of candidates’ progress with meeting the California Teacher Performance Expectations at the end of each term. The document records rubric scores corresponding to candidates’ development at the end of each semester and provides qualitative feedback as well. Interns undergo biweekly documented observations focused on developing their pedagogical content knowledge, and maintain regular contact with their district-assigned supervisors and Mills College at Northeastern University supervisor on an ongoing basis.

Furthermore, the Mills College at Northeastern supervisors and district-assigned supervisors meet with the Mills College at Northeastern Field (Clinical Experience Coordinator on a bi-weekly basis. The Field Coordinator ensures alignment with the fieldwork requirements and structures meetings around discussion of candidate progress, evaluation, and standards and coursework cohesion. The Field (Clinical Experience) Coordinator meets with the ELJJ program director weekly.

Additional information regarding professional development plans can be found in the Multiple and Single Subject Credential Handbook linked here (pg. 41) for Multiple Subject candidates and linked here (pg. 55) for Single Subject candidates.

Intern Precondition 5: Supervision of Interns

(a) In all internship programs, the participating institutions in partnership with employing districts shall provide 144 hours of support and supervision annually and 45 hours of support and supervision specific to teaching English learners pursuant to California Code of Regulations §80033.

(b) University Intern Programs only: No intern's salary may be reduced by more than 1/8 of its total to pay for supervision, and the salary of the intern shall not be less than the minimum base salary paid to a regularly certificated person. If the intern salary is reduced, no more than eight interns may be advised by one district support person.

Reference: Education Code Section 44462. Institutions will describe the procedures used in assigning supervisors and, where applicable, the system used to pay for supervision.

Intern Precondition 5 is met as follows:

All district hired interns will be assigned an intern employer district-based supervisor. Multiple and Single Subject Program Directors will also assign a Mills College at Northeastern program supervisor. The two mentors will collaborate to offer at least 144 hours of support and supervision annually and 45 hours of support and supervision specific to teaching English learners pursuant to California Code of Regulations §80033. This will take the form of collaborative planning, lesson observations, debriefs and reflections, and discussion and analysis of student work. District supervisors and Mills College at Northeastern supervisors will utilize the observation feedback protocol to document intern progress and areas of growth. Intern candidates will use a weekly log to document support and supervision provided by the district supervisor and Mills College at Northeastern supervisor. The intern field practicum experience will be coordinated and facilitated by Mills College at Northeastern Multiple and Single Subject faculty and program directors vis-a-vis the Pedagogical Content Knowledge Lab. Upon commencement of this course interns will undergo an orientation of expectations for their intern-based field experience, their roles and responsibilities, and the forms of support they will receive from program directors, district-assigned supervisors, and Mills College at Northeastern supervisors. Roles, responsibilities, and requirements are outlined on the respective course syllabi and reviewed during orientation and initial class sessions.

Once a district hires an intern, the district identifies an individual or individuals (depending on the supervision needs) who will be the intern’s district-assigned supervisor. The Mills College at Northeastern, Teacher Education (ELJJ) Program Director also assigns a Mills College at Northeastern supervisor who will share in the 144 hours of support and supervision annually and 45 hours of support and supervision specific to teaching English learners. All intern candidates will be provided with a form for documenting support and supervision by the district and the Teacher Education program. They are provided with a Support Log Reference Sheet and an Intern Support Record Tutorial, which outlines the responsibilities indicated in the MOU. These documents are reviewed monthly by the Mills College at Northeastern supervisor, district-assigned supervisor, and the Field (Clinical Experience) Coordinator to ensure that the support and supervision are in place and ongoing for each intern.

Additional information regarding the intern teaching experience can be found in the Teacher Credential Handbook linked here (pg. 19). Please find our MOU template that outlines the Supervision of Interns under Article 1 (Section 1.1 and Section 1.9)

Intern Precondition 6: Assignment and Authorization

To receive program approval, the participating institution authorizes the candidates in an internship program to assume the functions that are authorized by the regular standard credential. Reference: Education Code Section 44454. The institution stipulates that the interns' services meet the instructional or service needs of the participating district(s). Reference: Education Code Section 44458

Intern Precondition 6 is met as follows:

Once a district makes an offer of employment to an intern qualified candidate in the program, the district, candidate, and program director complete an intern verification form. On this form (see page 2), the district authorizes that the intern assumes the functions that are authorized by the regular standard credential.

Please find our drafted Mills College at Northeastern University School of Education MOU linked here (Section: 1.8) that explicitly states that “interns’ services meet the instructional or service needs of the district.”

Intern Precondition 7: Participating Districts

Participating districts are public school districts or county offices of education. Submissions for approval must identify the specific districts involved and the specific credential(s) involved. Reference: Education Code Sections 44321 and 44452.

Intern Precondition 7 is met as follows:

Prior to merging with Northeastern University, Mills College maintained strong fieldwork partnerships with P-12 school districts, charter organizations, and ECSE organizations throughout the Bay Area. Mills College at Northeastern University anticipates formally reestablishing these strong relationships with partner sites following Commission determination to operate under provisional approval.

The P-12 school districts and charter organizations with which Mills College has partnered, and with which Mills College at Northeastern University anticipates partnering include:

Please find our drafted Mills College at Northeastern University School of Education MOU linked here that outlines the scope of our partnerships with participating districts.

Intern Precondition 8: Early Program Completion Option

Each intern program must make available to candidates who qualify for the option the opportunity to choose an early program completion option, culminating in a five year preliminary teaching credential. This option must be made available to interns who meet the following requirements:

(a) Pass a written assessment adopted by the commission that assesses knowledge of teaching foundations as well as all of the following:

• Human development as it relates to teaching and learning aligned with the state content and performance standards for K-12 students

• Techniques to address learning differences, including working with students with special needs

• Techniques to address working with English learners to provide access to the curriculum

• Reading instruction in accordance with state standards

• Assessment of student progress based on the state content and performance standards

• Classroom management techniques

• Methods of teaching the subject fields

(b) Pass the teaching performance assessment. This assessment may be taken only one time by an intern participating in the early completion option.

(c) Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) (Multiple Subject Credential only).

(d) Meet the requirements for teacher fitness.

Intern Precondition 8 is met as follows:

Candidates who seek the Early Completion Option must submit confirmation of passing a written assessment adopted by the Commission that assesses knowledge of teaching as described above and demonstrate subject matter competency (through subject matter examination or completion of a Commission-approved subject matter preparation program in order to be approved for the Early Completion Option. ECO candidates provide us with subject matter competency and the Basic Skills Requirement during admissions to the program. They provide evidence of passing APK and initial tasks of an edTPA to the Academic Coordinator & Credential Analyst once completed. Once they have all the prerequisites for an ECO, the candidate, district assigned supervisor, and Mills College at Northeastern supervisor will have an initial goal setting and orientation meeting and complete an intern verification form that outlines the placement and professional development plan. When that document is signed, the program follows the same procedure for applying for an Intern credential identified under Pre-service Requirement (page 2 of this document). The only difference is that during the first semester of participation in the intern program, the candidate must take and pass the edTPA teaching performance assessment. This candidate must pass this assessment on the first attempt. If the candidate is not successful, the candidate must enroll in the full internship program.

Additional information regarding Early Completion Option will be made available on our School of Education landing page, including any fees associated with intern supervision (See draft mock ups of our landing pages with ECO option detailed here: Multiple Subject and Single Subject).

Intern Precondition 9: Length of Validity of the Intern Certificate

Each intern certificate will be valid for a period of two years. However, a certificate may be valid for three years if the intern is participating in a program leading to the attainment of a specialist credential to teach students, or for four years if the intern is participating in a district intern program leading to the attainment of both a multiple subject or a single subject teaching credential and a specialist credential to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities. Reference: Education Code Section 44325 (b).

Intern Precondition 9 is met as follows:

Intern certificates issued are valid for a period of two years, although certain exceptions are in place. If the intern is engaged in a program leading to the attainment of a specialist credential to teach students, the certificate's validity extends to three years. Further, if the intern is involved in a district intern program leading to the acquisition of both a multiple subject or a single subject teaching credential and a specialist credential to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities, the certificate's validity is extended to four years. This is in accordance with the Education Code Section 44325 (b).

Evidence supporting this claim can be found in two distinct locations:

Our intern verification form provides explicit details on the length and validity of the intern certificate.
Our agreement with partnering districts, demonstrated through our MOU with Mills College at Northeastern University School of Education, provides further evidence. Please refer to Section 9.1 of the MOU linked here, where the validity period of the intern certificate is clearly stated.

Additionally, our Multiple and Single Subject Credential Handbook offers supplementary information about the length of validity of the intern certificate. Please refer to page 19 of the handbook linked here for additional details.

Please note: Northeastern University offers Graduate and Undergraduate Certificates. However, the intern certificate is a designation pertaining exclusively to teachers completing requirements for a preliminary Single or Multiple Subject credential. Intern certificates are in no way associated with Northeastern certificate programs.

Intern Precondition 10: Non-Displacement of Certificated Employees

The institution and participating districts must certify that interns do not displace certificated employees in participating districts. Reference: Education Code Section 44225.7.

Intern Precondition 10 is met as follows:

The institution and participating districts certify that interns do not displace certificated employees in participating districts. For example, the approved 2021-22 bargaining contract between the Oakland Unified School District and the Oakland Education Association clearly stipulates that interns do not displace certificated employees (see section: 2.1.1.9).

Please find our drafted Mills College at Northeastern University School of Education MOU linked here that explicitly states that “interns do not displace certificated employees and that personnel are unavailable for the position. Rather, the parties are making efforts to develop a future applicant pool in high need areas” (Article 1.5).

Additional information regarding non-displacement of certified employees can be found in the Multiple and Single Subject Credential Handbook linked here (pg. 17)

Intern Precondition 11: Justification of Internship Program

When an institution submits a program for initial or continuing accreditation, the institution must explain why the internship is being implemented. Programs that are developed to meet employment shortages must include a statement from the participating district(s) about the availability of qualified certificated persons holding the credential. The exclusive representative of certificated employees in the credential area (when applicable) is encouraged to submit a written statement to the Committee on Accreditation agreeing or disagreeing with the justification that is submitted.

Intern Precondition 11 is met as follows:

The Oakland Unified School District’s New Teacher Support & Development Induction and Intern Support Programs Guide that is accredited by the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing states the rationale to meet employment shortages. Similarly, West Contra Costa Unified School District and Alameda Unified School District state their rationale for intern programs here and here.

Additionally, letters of support from two of our partnering districts may be viewed below:

Intern Precondition 12: Bilingual Language Proficiency

Intern programs must verify that candidates who are dually enrolled in a Bilingual Authorization program have attained a language proficiency level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing the target language that is equivalent to the passing standard on the appropriate CSET: World Languages language examination prior to recommending for the intern credential. This performance level is set at a minimum of ACTFL AdvancedLow for Western languages and ACTFL Intermediate-High for non-Western languages. Programs must submit evidence to the Commission which demonstrates how the program ensures that candidates meet the requirement. Reference: Education Code Section 44325(c)(4).

Intern Precondition 12 is met as follows:

Precondition 12 does not apply to candidates of the General Education (Multiple and Single Subject) Intern Programs at Mills College at Northeastern University.

Multiple Subject/Single Subject Intern Preconditions | Supporting Evidence Links

Please note the hyperlinks below are woven within the narrative above in gold: