Becoming a special education teacher in California is a rewarding and impactful career choice. With a growing need for educators trained to support students with diverse learning needs, California offers three distinct pathways to achieve this goal.

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential, University Intern Teaching Credential, and District Intern Credential pathways each provide the necessary training, classroom experience, and certification to prepare educators for success in tailored educational settings. This guide breaks down each credential to help you determine the best fit.

Education Specialist Instruction Credential

Pathway #1: Overview

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential is a two-level certification designed for individuals pursuing careers in special education. The credential is offered at two stages: Preliminary and Clear. The Preliminary Credential is the initial certification, valid for five years, and is awarded after meeting foundational requirements. The Clear Credential is issued upon completing additional advanced training and induction programs.

This comprehensive credential equips educators to address diverse student needs, from conducting educational assessments to providing instruction and support in various special education settings, such as resource rooms, general classrooms, and non-traditional learning environments.

Requirements for the Preliminary Credential

To obtain the Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Subject-Matter Competence: Demonstrate knowledge in the subject area through exams, coursework, or a degree major in an approved field.
• Specialist Credential Program: Complete a Commission-approved program in the chosen specialty area.
• Core Coursework: Complete studies in the following areas:
  • Reading and English language skills, including phonics and comprehension strategies.
  • Health education, including CPR training for infants, children, and adults.
  • Foundational and advanced computer technology skills.
  • The U.S. Constitution (via coursework or examination).
• RICA Examination: Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) for applicable specialties.
• CPR Certification: Provide verification of CPR training meeting the standards of the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.

Requirements for the Clear Credential

After obtaining the Preliminary Credential, candidates must complete additional steps to earn the Clear Credential:

• Teacher Induction Program: Participate in a Commission-approved program designed to provide hands-on teaching support and mentorship.
• Individual Learning Plan (ILP): Develop an ILP in collaboration with mentors and employing agencies, addressing areas of professional growth and aligning with California teaching standards.

Specialty Areas

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential offers five main specialty areas to address diverse student needs:

1. Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN): Includes learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other health impairments for students in grades K–12 and adults up to age 22.
2. Extensive Support Needs (ESN): Covers severe disabilities, including autism, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries for students in grades K–12 and adults up to age 22.
3. Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE): Focuses on children from birth to kindergarten, covering both mild and extensive support needs.
4. Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH): Addresses the needs of students with hearing impairments, including those who are deafblind or have autism, from birth through age 22.
5. Visual Impairments (VI): Designed for educators working with students who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind, from birth through age 22.

This credential is a comprehensive and flexible pathway to prepare educators for success in meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities in various educational settings.

University Intern Teaching Credential

Pathway #2: Overview

The University Intern Teaching Credential is a unique work-and-study program designed for individuals who want to gain hands-on classroom experience while completing the necessary requirements for a teaching credential. Administered through partnerships between California colleges or universities and local school districts, this pathway allows aspiring educators to teach under supervision while simultaneously fulfilling coursework and training requirements. This model is ideal for those seeking a practical, immersive approach to their teaching career.

Requirements

To obtain a University Intern Teaching Credential, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Hold a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Subject-Matter Competence: Demonstrate subject knowledge through exams, coursework, or degree major in an approved field.
• Preservice Preparation: Complete 120 hours of preservice training focusing on child development and teaching methods tailored to the assigned grade level or subject area.
• Intern Program Enrollment: Enroll in a Commission-approved intern program offered by a college, university, or educational institution.
• Examinations: Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) and the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA), if required by the credential specialty.

Authorization

The University Intern Teaching Credential authorizes candidates to teach in the following credential areas, with an emphasis on English learner instruction:

1. Multiple Subject Teaching Credential: For self-contained classrooms, typically found in elementary schools.
2. Single Subject Teaching Credential: For subject-specific teaching in middle and high school settings.
3. Education Specialist Instruction Credential: For working with students with special education needs, including those with mild to moderate or extensive support requirements.

Each of these credentials includes English Learner Authorization, allowing educators to provide English language development and specially designed academic instruction in English to students learning the language.

This pathway provides a balanced combination of practical teaching experience and academic preparation, enabling candidates to enter the classroom and make a meaningful impact while completing their credentialing process.

District Intern Credential

Pathway 3: Overview

The District Intern Credential provides an alternative route to becoming a teacher, allowing candidates to earn their credential while working in a teaching position. Offered by school districts through Commission-approved programs, this pathway is designed for individuals to teach under supervision and mentorship while completing required coursework and training. It is a flexible and practical option for those seeking to transition into teaching without following traditional teacher preparation pathways.

Requirements

To qualify for a District Intern Credential, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Possess a degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Subject-Matter Competence: Demonstrate knowledge in the subject area through exams, coursework, or a relevant degree major.
• Preservice Training: Complete 120 hours of preservice preparation focusing on child development and teaching methods, or six semester units of coursework in the same areas.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Receive ongoing support and supervision throughout the program, typically from a mentor teacher or program supervisor.

Authorization

The District Intern Credential authorizes teaching in various settings based on the program and subject area:

1. Grades K–8: Teach in self-contained classrooms, such as those commonly found in elementary schools.
2. Grades 6–12: Teach specific subjects in departmentalized classes, typically in middle and high schools.
3. Education Specialist: Work with students with disabilities across grade levels as specified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Professional Development Plan

As part of the program, candidates participate in a Professional Development Plan designed to ensure growth and competency in key areas:

• Child Development and Teaching Methods: Training tailored to the assigned grade level or subject area.
• English Learners: Instructional strategies for working effectively with English learners, including language development techniques.
• Performance Evaluations: Annual evaluations to assess progress and ensure readiness for credential completion.
• Program-Specific Requirements: Additional coursework or training determined by the district’s approved program.

The District Intern Credential pathway is an excellent choice for those looking to gain hands-on experience while pursuing their teaching credentials. With structured mentorship and training, candidates can effectively transition into the teaching profession while addressing the immediate needs of their school district.

In Summary

California offers three flexible and practical pathways for aspiring special education teachers to meet the diverse needs of students across the state. Whether you pursue the comprehensive Education Specialist Instruction Credential, the immersive University Intern Teaching Credential, or the practical District Intern Credential, each route prepares you for a rewarding career in special education. These programs are designed to accommodate varying backgrounds and schedules, ensuring there’s an option for every aspiring educator.

Each pathway emphasizes professional development, mentorship, and hands-on experience, enabling educators to make a meaningful impact in classrooms from day one. Choosing the right path depends on your career goals, prior education, and preferred approach to training.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming a special education teacher in California, explore the pathway that best fits your goals and start your journey today. Visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for detailed program information, application requirements, and a list of approved programs.