IMPACT Intern Program

IMPACT Intern Program

TCSJ’s two-year IMPACT Intern Preliminary Teaching Credential Program is an alternative pathway to acquire a preliminary teaching credential.
The IMPACT Intern Preliminary Teaching Credential Program collaborates with over 60 school districts in an eight-county region of California. Upon fulfilling all "intern eligible" requirements, individuals can be employed as the primary teacher in their classrooms and receive a salary from the school district. They attend evening classes up to three times per week for two years in a cohort model. During the program, students work under a University Intern Credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which authorizes them to work as teachers.
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Is the IMPACT Intern Program right for you?

  • Have you envisioned teaching as a career, but are unable to pursue a traditional teacher preparation program due to family schedules, economic considerations, etc.?
  • Have you been employed as or participated in teaching related activities (e.g. substitute teaching, tutoring, mentoring, peer advising, coaching)?
  • If you were hired as a teacher right now, would you feel prepared to teach on your own?
  • In addition to full time teaching responsibilities, would you be able to commit to a two-year, four-semester program to complete coursework and requirements for a preliminary credential?
If your answer is yes to all of the above, the IMPACT Intern Program might be a good fit for you to earn your preliminary teaching credential!
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Eligibility Requirements for the IMPACT Intern Program:

If you meet all of the program eligibility requirements by one of the IMPACT Intern Program deadline dates, complete the online application.

To be eligible to begin TCSJ’s IMPACT Intern Program, candidates must complete ALL intern eligible requirements, including completion of a Pre-Service Preparation Program.

Click here to learn about TCSJ’s Pre-Service Preparation Program.

  • Single Subject (coursework offered at the Stockton & Ceres campus): Agriculture*, Art, Business*, English, Health*, Home Economics*, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, World Languages (*23-24 will be the last time we offer this content area)
  • Multiple Subject (coursework offered at the Stockton & Ceres campus)
  • Mild to Moderate Support Needs (coursework offered at the Stockton & Ceres campus)
  • Extensive Support Needs (coursework offered at the Stockton & Ceres campus)
  • Early Childhood Special Education (coursework offered at the Stockton campus only)

IMPACT Program Service Area

ELIGIBLE DISTRICTS & COE’S:
Oakdale Joint Unified School District
Amador County Office of Education & Amador Unified School DistrictOakview Union Elementary School District
Arcohe Union School DistrictParadise Elementary School District
Atwater Elementary School DistrictPatterson Joint Unified School District
Banta Elementary School DistrictRipon Unified School District
Bret Harte Union High School DistrictRiver Delta Unified School District
Calaveras County Office of EducationRiverbank Unified School District
Calaveras Unified School DistrictRoberts Ferry School District
Ceres Unified School DistrictSalida Union School District
Chatom Union School DistrictShiloh School District
Columbia Union School DistrictSonora Elementary School District
Curtis Creek Elementary School DistrictSonora Union High School District
Delhi Unified School DistrictSoulsbyville School District
Elk Grove Unified School DistrictStanislaus County Office of Education
Empire Union School DistrictStanislaus Union School District
Escalon Unified School DistrictStockton Unified School District
Galt Joint Union Elementary School DistrictSummerville Elementary School District
Galt Joint Union High School DistrictSummerville Union High School District
Gratton School DistrictSylvan Union School District
Gustine Unified School DistrictTracy Unified School District

Hart Ransom Union School District

Tuolumne County Office of Education
Hilmar Unified School District

Turlock Unified School District

Hughson Unified School District

Twain Harte School District

Jamestown School District

Vallecito Union School District

Jefferson School District

Valley Home Joint School District

Keyes Union School District

Waterford Union School District

Knights Ferry School District

Weaver Union School District

Lammersville Unified School District
Eligible Charter/NPO Schools:
Lincoln Unified School District

ABLE Charter School

Linden Unified School District

Aspire Stockton & Modesto Sites

Livingston Unified School District

Astronaut Jose M Hernandez Academy, El Concilio Academies

Lodi Unified School District

Fusion Charter School (Education Specialist Interns Only)

Los Banos Unified School District

Great Valley Academy

Manteca Unified School District

KIPP Public Charter Schools (Stockton only)

Mark Twain School District

New Jerusalem School District: Delta Charter K8, DC High School, New Jerusalem Charter

Merced City School District

Next Generation STEAM Academy

Merced City Elementary School District

Point Quest: Central Valley & Depot Park sites

Merced County Office of Education

River Islands Academies: RiTechA, STEAM, EPIC Academy, River Islands High School

Merced Union High School District

Stallworth Charter School

Modesto City Schools

Stockton Collegiate International Schools

New Hope Elementary School District

Stockton Educational Center

New Jerusalem School District

Team Charter School

Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District

Tracy Learning Center

CERES IMPACT PROGRAM

PROGRAMEARLY-STARTLATE-START
MULTIPLE SUBJECTNA

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18

PROGRAM START DATE: OCTOBER 2

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

SINGLE SUBJECTNA

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18

PROGRAM START DATE: OCTOBER 2

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATIONPROGRAM NOT AVAILABLE IN CERESPROGRAM NOT AVAILABLE IN CERES
MILD TO MODERATE SUPPORT NEEDSNA

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 25

PROGRAM START DATE: SEPTEMBER 6

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

EXTENSIVE SUPPORT NEEDSNA

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 25

PROGRAM START DATE: SEPTEMBER 6

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

STOCKTON IMPACT PROGRAM

PROGRAMEARLY-STARTLATE-START
MULTIPLE SUBJECT

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 10

PROGRAM START DATE: JULY 24

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18

PROGRAM START DATE: OCTOBER 2

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

SINGLE SUBJECT

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 10

PROGRAM START DATE: JULY 24

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18

PROGRAM START DATE: OCTOBER 2

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATIONLATE-START ONLY.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 25

PROGRAM START DATE: SEPTEMBER 6

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

MILD TO MODERATE SUPPORT NEEDS

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 10

PROGRAM START DATE: JULY 24

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 25

PROGRAM START DATE: SEPTEMBER 6

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

EXTENSIVE SUPPORT NEEDS

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 10

PROGRAM START DATE: JULY 24

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 25

PROGRAM START DATE: SEPTEMBER 6

Two-Year IMPACT Class Schedule: Mon/Wed, 5-8pm

Early Childhood Special Education Program (26 Units)
  • EDSP 212a: Foundations of Educational Programming for Students with Extensive Support Needs (2)
  • EDSP 230: Curriculum, Environments, and Intervention for Early Childhood Education (4)
  • EDSP 232 Communication, Language, and Literacy Development in Early Childhood (3)
  • EDSP 207 Engaging and Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2)
  • EDSP 231 Assessment and Evaluation for Early Childhood (2)
  • EDSP 201 Positive and Supportive Learning Environments for Students with Disabilities (1)
  • EDSP 203 Collaboration and Communication (1)
  • EDSP 208 Educating Students with Complex and Diverse Social, Behavioral, and Emotional Health Needs (1)
  • 206B Child Development and Implications for Teaching and Learning (1)
  • EDSP 233 Planning and Assessing for Learning (1)
  • EDSP 209 Access and Inclusion for Students with Health, Mobility, Movement, and Sensory Needs (2)
  • EDSP 205B Equity and Access for Students with Diverse Disabilities (1)
  • EDSP 210 Special Education: Historical, Political and Personal Implications and Perspectives (1)
  • SPED 281-284 Support Supervision: Education Specialist (4)
Extensive Support Needs Program (36 Units)
  • EDSP 201 Positive and Supportive Learning Environments for Students with Disabilities (1)
  • EDSP 203 Collaboration and Communication (1)
  • EDSP 205B Equity and Access for Students with Diverse Disabilities (1)
  • EDSP 206B Child Development and Implications for Teaching and Learning (1)
  • EDSP 207: Engaging and Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2)
  • EDSP 208 Educating Students with Complex and Diverse Social, Behavioral, and Emotional Health Needs (1)
  • EDSP 209 Access and Inclusion for Students with Health, Mobility, Movement, and Sensory Needs (2)
  • EDSP 210 Special Education: Historical, Political and Personal Implications and Perspectives (1)
  • EDSP 211 Teaching and Engaging Learners with Extensive Support Needs (4)
  • EDSP 212a Foundations of Educational Programming for Students with Extensive Support Needs (2)
  • EDSP 212b Assessment and Evaluation of Individuals with Extensive Support Needs (2)
  • EDSP 213 Reading Foundations: From Theory to Practice (3)
  • EDSP 214 Integrating Content and Literacy (3)
  • EDSP 215B Communication, Sensory Integration, and Language Development (2)
  • EDSP 216 The Teaching and Learning Cycle: Refining Practice & Pedagogy (2)
  • EDSP 217: Integrated Teaching and Learning in STEM (3)
  • EDSP 221b Planning & Assessing for Learning 1 (1)
  • SPED 281-284:  Support Supervision: Education Specialist (4)
Mild to Moderate Support Needs Program (35 Units)
  • EDSP 200 Introduction to Special Education (4)
  • EDSP 201 Positive and Supportive Learning Environments for Students with Disabilities (1)
  • EDSP 202 Communication and Language Development (1)
  • EDSP 203 Collaboration and Communication (1)
  • EDSP 205B Equity and Access for Students with Diverse Disabilities (1 Unit)
  • EDSP 206B: Child Development and Implications for Teaching and Learning (1)
  • EDSP 207 Engaging and Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (2)
  • EDSP 208 Educating Students with Complex and Diverse Needs (1 Unit)
  • EDSP 209 Access and Inclusion for Students with Health, Mobility, Movement, and Sensory Needs (2)
  • EDSP 210 Special Education: Historical, Political And Personal Implications and Perspectives (1)
  • EDSP 221a-Planning & Assessing for Learning 1 (1)
  • EDUC 231 Integrated Literacy (3)
  • EDUC 250 Inquiry Driven Curriculum Integration (2)
  • EDUC 200A Teaching for Learning I (4)
  • EDUC 230B Foundations of Reading (3)
  • EDUC 232 Universal Lesson Design in STEM (3)
  • SPED 281-284:  Support Supervision: Education Specialist (4)
Multiple Subject Program (30 Units)
  • EDUC200A Teaching for Learning 1: Multiple Subjects (4)
  • EDUC201A-B Support Supervision: Multiple Subjects (2)
  • EDUC201C-D Support Supervision: Multiple Subjects (2)
  • EDUC202A-B Practicum: Multiple Subjects (4)
  • EDUC202C-D Practicum: Multiple Subjects (4) 
  • EDUC221A Planning & Assessing for Learning 1 (1)
  • EDUC223B Examining Belief Systems as a Professional Educator (2) 
  • EDUC230B Foundations of Reading (3)
  • EDUC231 Integrated Literacy (3)
  • EDUC 232 Universal Lesson Design in STEM (3)
  • EDUC 250 Inquiry Driven Curriculum Integration (2)
Single Subject Program (28 units)
  • EDUC210A Teaching for Learning 1: Single Subject (4)
  • EDUC211A-B Support Supervision: Single Subject (2)
  • EDUC211C-D Support Supervision: Single Subject (2)
  • EDUC212A-B Practicum: Single Subject (4)
  • EDUC212C-D Practicum: Single Subject (4)
  • EDUC220A-L Content Specific Pedagogy (3)
  • EDUC221A Planning & Assessing for Learning 1 (1)
  • EDUC221B Planning & Assessing for Learning 2 (2)
  • EDUC222 Teaching for Learning in a Global Society (2)
  • EDUC223B Examining Belief Systems as a Professional Educator (2) 
  • EDUC250 Inquiry Driven Curriculum Integration (2)

IMPACT students are provided a support supervisor (retired, veteran teacher) who supports them over the two years. On average, supervisors come out to the classroom six times per semester.

Students enrolled in the IMPACT Intern Program (by 2023) are eligible to apply for the Golden State Teacher Grant to earn an award up to $20,000. Learn about the GSATG Program at https://www.csac.ca.gov/california-golden-state-teacher-grant-gstg-program-0.

Please visit the Tuition & Fees page for full details.

IMPACT Intern General Education Preliminary Teaching Credential Completion Requirements*:

  • Successfully complete all coursework and supervision requirements
  • Pass Cycles 1 and 2 of the CalTPA
  • Maintain required Support Logs until eligible to apply for the preliminary credential. Interns are required to log a minimum of five hours of support weekly, including general support and support for English learners. 
  • Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), if applicable. RICA is required for Multiple Subject Credential students only.
  • Possess a valid Adult, Child & Infant CPR Certification that meets the guidelines of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association at the time of processing the Preliminary Credential.  A face to face skills assessment must be part of the certification process. 
  • Pay program tuition in full

*Students who require re-enrollment, must be re-enrolled in Practicum and Support Supervision.

IMPACT Intern Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credential Completion Requirements*:

  • Successfully complete all coursework and supervision requirements
  • Pass Cycles 1 and 2 of the CalTPA (not required for Early Childhood Special Education candidates)
  • Complete 200 hours of early fieldwork
  • Maintain required Support Logs until eligible to apply for the preliminary credential. Interns are required to log a minimum of five hours of support weekly, including general support and support for English learners. 
  • Possess a valid Adult, Child & Infant CPR Certification that meets the guidelines of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association at the time of processing the Preliminary Credential.  A face to face skills assessment must be part of the certification process. 
  • Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), if applicable. RICA is required for Mild to Moderate and Extensive Support Needs credential students only.
  • Pay program tuition in full

*Students who require re-enrollment, must be re-enrolled in Practicum and Support Supervision.

Do you have questions about a TCSJ Program or want to chat with someone about what it’s like being a student at our college?  Reach out to a student ambassador!

Want to Learn More?

Request an IMPACT Program Informational Video.

Frequently Asked Questions

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing sets the minimum standards for Intern Eligibility. Once you are Intern Eligible, you can get hired as a teacher of record, apply for your University Intern Credential and begin our two-year IMPACT credential program to earn a CA Preliminary Teaching Credential. The following requirements must be satisfied to be Intern Eligible:

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  2. Complete an approved Pre-Service Preparation Program
  3. Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirements, e.g., CBEST
  4. Demonstrate subject matter competency for your desired credential type, e.g., CSET (Early Childhood Special Education does not need this requirement).
  5. Complete the US Constitution Requirement (you met this if you earned your BA/BS from a California State University, CSU)
  • Once you are intern eligible, you can be hired as a teacher of record (get the pay and benefits of a teacher), while you are taking classes in the evening to earn a CA Preliminary Teaching Credential.
  • Timing, cost, and support are some of the benefits as well.
  • Classes are held at a time and frequency that allows a teacher to work full time (e.g. two days a week, 5pm-8pm).
  • Peer support comes from a variety of sources, for example, coordinators, instructors, university supervisors, peers, and peer coaches.

At this time, we do not have online classes. We offer a face-to-face program. We offer our coursework on two different campuses: The main TCSJ campus in Stockton or our satellite campus at Central Valley High School in Ceres.

Coursework completed from a regionally accredited college or university is eligible to be evaluated for transfer credit work with the following restrictions:
  • No more than 8 units can be transferred.
  • Only courses completed within the last 7 years will be considered (unless you already hold a credential)
  • Only courses that qualify for graduate credit by an accredited institution can be transferred. *Exception: Integrated credential coursework completed as an undergraduate may be considered pending review of transcripts and course descriptions.
Transferable courses require a grade of C or better. Enrolled candidates must receive pre-approval prior to taking a course at another regionally accredited institution in order to have credits be considered as transferrable.

Once enrolled in the IMPACT Program you are expected to attend all classes on your schedule with your cohort. Our program has a cohort structure, that is to say, groups of students go through the program together. The relationships and support established in cohorts is strongly linked to intern success. Our interns are given their schedule at the beginning of their two-year program so they will know when there are program breaks and be able to plan vacations, etc. Usually, we do operate on a traditional school calendar, which means intern courses are not scheduled during some of the summer months. The schedule that is created for you and your cohort is carefully planned out and arranged in a way that you must complete the courses in the order that they are in.

No, IMPACT is an Intern program through which you can earn only one credential at a time. However, you could finish one, then start the other credential program, and we would give you equivalencies for courses that apply (e.g. you would not have to attend those again).

You must do the job-hunting yourself. We recommend you contact each district with whom you have an interest, and use the recruitment website edjoin.org to inquire as to needs and application process. Demonstrating subject matter competency (e.g. passing the CSET exams) will be the most important support to your employment search. Our Pre-Service Coordinator will provide you with a letter that documents your status, which you may copy and include with your employment applications.

At this time, we do not have tuition assistance programs for our intern credential program (e.g. financial aid). We do provide a way to pay intern tuition in small monthly increments through automatic payroll deductions (available for most districts) and we offer interest-free payment plans.

If a district is not able to hire enough fully credentialed teachers, the next best opportunity for a district is to employ an intern, who is earning their credential while teaching.

You must want to do it. If one has the desire to be a teacher; enjoys being with children or teens; and is willing and open to learn, the district, school and our program assist you during the process of obtaining your credential. Also, our Pre-Service program builds a foundation for teaching prior to becoming the teacher of record. If you feel that you are not ready to take the responsibility of a classroom on your own, then perhaps you should apply to Residency@TCSJ or a traditional student teaching program at a university. However, on-the-job training for many professions has a high success rate. The ability to combine knowledge with practice creates a strong, real learning environment for a new teacher.

No. Your internship (teaching position for the duration of the two-year program) is comparable to student teaching and you will be supervised and evaluated during your time as an intern teacher.

Refer to Ed. Code Section 44466 and discuss this with your employer.

Yes. Education Code Section 44327 is very clear that school districts must recognize credit earned by each intern and that it is transferable to their academic record in the same manner as if the intern had participated in a traditional college program. We recommend that you discuss this with your employer.

No, however, unlike other intern programs, you are considered a probationary employee with an Intern Credential. As such, districts must notify you if you are non re-elected. However, the majority of our interns remain with the same district throughout the duration of their program.

Admission into the IMPACT intern program takes place every fall. If you are not eligible to enroll by the fall admission deadline, you may apply in future years. It is important to note, the CCTC may change the intern eligibility requirements and/or the standards. In these cases, when taking a break between completing Pre-Service coursework and enrolling in IMPACT, you may need to complete additional or different coursework when you return, prior to being eligible for admission to the intern program.

Yes. Our program is a fully accredited alternative teacher certification program through CCTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, phone: 916-445-7254). Our college is also accredited by WASC. We highly recommend candidates review the CCTC website for further information regarding credential requirements (www.ctc.ca.gov). Our program has to meet the exact same requirements of all other California teacher preparation programs. We are listed on the website under “Commission-Approved Professional Preparation Programs.”

University intern credentials are valid for a period of two years and lead to the preliminary credential.

California has a two-tiered credential system, preliminary and clear. At the end of the IMPACT Teaching Credential program, candidates who complete the program requirements are eligible to apply for a Preliminary Teaching Credential. This credential is valid for 5 years. Within 5 years, a candidate must complete a Commission approved induction program to clear their credential.

No. Internship programs result in the same credential as is earned through a traditional teacher preparation program (e.g. California Preliminary). All credentials are issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. However, the difference may be the way another State recognizes the credential. Credentials earned in Stockton ARE earned through Teachers College of San Joaquin and are therefore accredited by WASC. You can check with the credentialing agency of a state if that is of specific concern. Be sure to mention the credential earned would be a California Preliminary Credential earned through an alternative certification program accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. If you plan to move to another state you should NOT join our program unless you are certain the state to which you might move accepts a valid California credential earned through an accredited teacher preparation credential program.

California requires verification of teachers’ basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. You can learn more at https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667).

California requires verification of teachers’ knowledge of the subject they will teach. You can learn more at https://www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/subject-matter-requirements.

Yes. If you want to earn an Education Specialist Credential*, you may technically demonstrate subject matter competency in multiple subject or single subjects. You can learn more at https://www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/subject-matter-requirements.
*As of January 31, 2023, subject matter is not required to earn an Early Childhood Special education teaching credential.

Yes, credentials are not related to your degree. We recommend you base your choice on the age group with whom you enjoy working.

Both credentials are for TK-12. Usually elementary (TK-6th grades) are multiple subject teachers; single subjects are taught in middle school (7-8) or high school. Occasionally a single subject teacher, like PE or music, may teach in an elementary school. Middle schools and alternative programs for high school students may require a multiple subject credential because the teacher of record teaches two or more subjects to the same group of students. If you have a program or school you are interested in, they will be able to tell you which credential will be needed.

University intern credentials include a limited EL authorization (ELAM, ELAS or ELAE) that allows you to have EL students in your class(es)

The Early Completion Option (ECO) is intended to provide individuals who have requisite skills and knowledge an opportunity to challenge the course work portion of a Multiple or Single Subject Intern Program. In lieu of coursework, students must demonstrate pedagogical skills through a performance assessment while in a Commission-approved intern program. To be eligible for enrollment in the Early Completion Program, students must meet the following criteria:

Early Completion Option Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Pass the National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK):
    • Elementary (Test code 051) for Multiple Subject candidates or
    • Secondary (Test code 052) for Single Subject candidates
  1. Pass CalTPA Cycle 1 on the first attempt. TPA Cycle 1 must be completed, submitted and scored, prior to Enrollment in ECO.
  2. Meet with a TCSJ program advisor to review the remaining requirements and sign an ECO Advisement Form. All remaining requirements must be met within the academic year.

Questions about the ECO? Contact IMPACT Director, Michele Badovinac at mbadovinac@sjcoe.net.