For aspiring teachers in the Central Valley, location can make all the difference when choosing a credential program. If you live in Ceres or the greater Modesto area, the Teachers College of San Joaquin’s IMPACT Intern Program provides a practical and community-based pathway to earning your Preliminary Teaching Credential without leaving your region.

A Local Option for Ceres and Modesto

While many credential programs are centered in larger cities, the IMPACT Intern Program has a campus right in Ceres, making it much more accessible for future educators living in Modesto, Turlock, and surrounding communities. Instead of driving long distances to Stockton, participants can attend evening courses in their own area, allowing them to balance work, family, and school more effectively.

This local presence matters. For teachers already working in Stanislaus County schools, the Ceres campus makes credentialing not only more convenient, but also deeply connected to the needs of Central Valley classrooms.

Teach While You Learn

The IMPACT Intern Program is unique because participants are employed as teachers of record while completing their coursework. Interns hold a University Intern Credential, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which allows them to step into the classroom from day one.

Classes are held two to three evenings per week in Ceres, so interns gain real-world teaching experience during the day while developing their instructional skills and theory at night. This model ensures immediate application of what’s learned in class, reinforcing professional growth in real time.

Who Qualifies?

To participate, you must already have a bachelor’s degree and be working at least half-time in a classroom setting. You’ll also need to meet subject matter competency (such as through the CSET exams, unless you are pursuing Early Childhood Special Education), complete pre-service training, and fulfill the U.S. Constitution requirement.

Because the program is hands-on, it’s not designed for independent study or virtual learning. Instead, it focuses on face-to-face classroom environments, ensuring that interns gain practical, in-person teaching skills.

Support Every Step of the Way

Interns in Ceres aren’t left on their own. The program provides close supervision, with TCSJ faculty visiting classrooms an average of six times per semester. This support helps new teachers navigate the challenges of managing classrooms while building confidence and competence. Cohort-based coursework also allows interns to grow alongside peers, creating a strong professional network.

Why Ceres is the Right Choice

For those in Modesto and neighboring towns, the Ceres campus brings credentialing home. It eliminates long commutes and grounds your training in the same community where you’re most likely to teach. That local focus strengthens ties between teacher preparation and regional schools, benefitting both educators and students.

Final Word

The Teachers College of San Joaquin’s IMPACT Intern Program in Ceres is more than just a credential program—it’s a community-rooted opportunity to launch your teaching career. If you’re in the Modesto area and ready to teach while you learn, the Ceres location makes becoming a credentialed teacher more accessible than ever.