Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)

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Program Overview

Degree:

Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)

Application:

$0 application fee. No essays/exams.

Engage and inspire K-12 learners, including students with diverse needs, by earning an Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option. This program is designed for candidates who are dedicated to inspiring all K-12 learners by ensuring for them social-emotional thriving, meaningful academic achievement, and equitable and inclusive learning communities. The program and courses meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements for a Preliminary Single Subjects teaching credential. Candidates are required to successfully complete foundation courses, single subject credential method courses, and a clinical practice path (student teaching or internship).

*Please Note: Students need to satisfy/pass the Basic Skills Requirement (e.g., CBEST) and Subject Matter Competency Requirement (e.g., CSET) early (prior to Credential Area Methods coursework) into their programs to avoid interruptions to program progress and/or financial aid arrangements.

Degree Requirements

To receive a California Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option, candidates must complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate credit, 31.5 of which must be taken in residence at National University. The degree consists of those courses granting degree units in the: Core, Single Subject Credential Methods, Clinical Practice (student teaching or internship). Further information on graduate admission and evaluation can be found in the Academic Information for Graduate Degrees section of the catalog.

National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters. 

Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.

A number of requirements must be completed prior to taking ITL 600, including successful completion of the Credential Packet. The Packet includes a number of requirements, such as cleared background clearance and Negative TB test. To better understand the requirements, please refer to the Sanford College of Education’s Credential Information section located in this catalog.

Additionally, the Basic Skills and Subject Matter must be passed prior to beginning the Single Subject Credential Methods courses. 

Each credential course (ITL) includes a required 4-hour field experience in one or more classrooms (grades 7-12) representing diverse student populations.  The field experience requirement is associated with the clinical practice courses. 

Candidates choosing the Internship option with the Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential will need to meet the Internship Eligibility requirements as outlined in the Sanford College of Education Credential information section of the catalog.

Once the candidate is Intern Eligible, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) mandates all approved internship programs require a minimum of 120 hours of pre-service coursework (ITL 600, ITL 604, ITL 606, ITL 608) prior to becoming eligible for the Internship Option.

Internship Option: The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) mandates all approved intern programs provide a minimum of 120 hours of pre-service coursework prior to becoming Intern Eligible. Complete the foundation sequence of ITL 600, ITL 604, ITL 606, ITL 608; basic skills and subject matter; and have a school or district letter verifying a teaching position job offer as the ‘teacher of record’. 

The CA Education Code stipulates a minimum of 144 hours of support and supervision must be provided to the candidate each year of intern employment and documented. Interns without a valid English Learner (EL) Authorization from CTC will be required to receive an additional 45 hours of EL preparation support each year of intern employment (Total 189 hours). 

The Internship Option is designed to be completed within two years and the university may not extend intern documents beyond that time. The CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires an intern-candidate holding a valid University Internship Credential to be continuously enrolled in clinical practice support and supervision. During the first-year, the intern will take ITL 650A and ITL 651A, ITL 660B and ITL 651B.  By the start of the second year, if the intern’s employment continues and the program’s requirements have not been met, then, the Commission requires National University to provide the intern with ongoing, K12 classroom-based support and supervision. Therefore, the intern will need be enrolled in ITL  650C and, if needed, ITL 650D.  For the intern to continue for a third year, the Commission must approve an extension of the University Intern Credential and National University must approve the intern’s petition for an exception to policy.  For the petition, the intern is required to document a medical emergency or other extreme circumstances necessitating an ‘exception to policy’. The petition’s approval is granted on a case by case basis and would require the intern to complete one or both of the following courses: ITL 650E, ITL 650F, respectively. 

Interns in the Early Completion Option (ECO) route are still required to receive the general support and supervision provided to all interns while they are serving on an Intern credential.     

Credential Requirements

Includes all foundation core, credential area methods, and those clinical practice courses granting graduate credit.

Introductory Core Course

1 Course

4.5 Quarter Units

Graduate level credential program requirements; K-12 school and classroom experiences; and observational skills in K-12 classrooms. Principles sustaining an inspired teacher mindset. Electronic showcase reflecting professional growth throughout the program.

Foundation Core Requirements

3 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Examines psychological, socio-cultural, linguistic, and other factors influencing development, learning, and the full range of learners, including English Learners, standard-English learners, students with exceptionalities, and students with other needs. Considers a variety of data to identify appropriate strategies and community-based resources to support all learners and their families.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ITL 604

Examines theories and research regarding typical and atypical child and adolescent development and learning. Considers various data collection and assessment techniques guiding the selection of effective instructional strategies, practices, resources, and technologies needed to create environments supporting the full range of learners and provide equitable access to the curriculum.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ITL 606

Candidates integrate principles of learning theories and factors influencing human development when designing instruction and evaluating instructional effectiveness. Candidates will utilize a four-stage cyclical model of planning, teaching, analyzing and reflecting in the process of learning-and-teaching to ensure all students equitable access to the curriculum.

All Foundation Courses meet CTC requirements for Intern Pre-Service coursework.

Single Subject Credential Area Methods Courses

5 Courses

PRIOR to beginning any of the Single Subject Credential Area Methods courses below, the candidate must successfully complete all Core courses, Basic Skills and Subject Matter, and meet any other related program requirements.

4.5 Quarter Units

Single subject teacher candidates utilize research-based methods aligned with CA’s Common Core Standards and ELA/ELD frameworks. Applies principles and strategies needed to teach grades 9-12 content-based language/literacy instruction for English speakers, English learners, Standard English learners, and students with exceptionalities and other learning needs

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ITL 520

Single subject teacher candidates utilize research-based methods aligned with CA’s Common Core Standards and ELA/ELD frameworks to teach content-based instruction based on the language proficiency and literacy needs of English speakers, English learners, Standard English learners, and students with exceptionalities and other learning needs needed to sustain academic achievement.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ITL 522

Instructional design principles for teaching in grades 7-12. Strategies for designing short and long-term curriculum/instruction/assessment aligned with content standards. Evidence-based research appropriate for the application the CA Common Core and academic standards across the various single subject content areas.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ITL 526

Integrative instructional design models, approaches, and research in designated content areas. Analysis and reflection focused on teaching practices and beliefs. Learning Map design and implementation principles.

4.5 Quarter Units

Research-based strategies and models managing an equitable and inclusive K-12 learning environments. Social-emotional growth, development, and individual responsibility. Positive interventions and supports, restorative justice, and conflict resolution practices. Prevention of common classroom problems. Effectively work with challenging students. Establishment of safe classroom and school environments to prevent bullying.

*Upon issuance of the University Intern Credential, this course must be taken first.


  • Student Teaching—4 courses; 13.5 quarter units or Internship—4-8 courses; 13.5–31.5 quarter units

Candidates will complete the clinical practice experience through student teaching or the internship. The clinical practice (K12 classroom) experience courses (ITL 550A, ITL 550B, ITL 650A, ITL 650B, ITL 650C, ITL 650D, ITL 650E, ITL 650F) do NOT grant graduate credit.

Student Teaching

4 Courses

Student Teaching will be arranged by the university for candidates who have completed all program coursework and met all program/state requirements. Student Teaching is unpaid and composed of at least 600 instructional hours in designated K12 classrooms.

4.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 551A

First half (8-9 weeks) of student teaching experience. Establishment of 300 of 600 total hours. Clinical practice placement in a district-university approved California K-12 classroom corresponding to the designated CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

2.25 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 550A

Seminar concurrently taken with ITL 550A, Student Teaching A. Six Teaching Performance Expectation (TPEs) domains composed of 45 TPE elements. CalTPA Cycle 1. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

4.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 551B

Prerequisite: ITL 550A

Second half (8-9 weeks) of student teaching experience. Establishment of 300 of 600 total hours. Clinical practice placement in a district-university approved California K-12 classroom corresponding to the designated CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

2.25 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 550B

Prerequisite: ITL 551A

Seminar concurrently taken with ITL 550B, Student Teaching B. Six Teaching Performance Expectation (TPEs) domains composed of 45 TPE elements. CalTPA Cycle 2.

*Does NOT grant graduate credit

OR Internship

4-8 Courses

Placement in an internship occurs as a result of the candidate holding employment in an approved CA public school and in partnership with National University. Intern placements must align to the subject matter credential, be in compliance with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and meet National University’s requirements. Interns need to be in good standing as a teacher of record with an approved school employer and enrolled in National University for the duration of the active University Internship Teaching Credential. The intern serves as the teacher of record in an approved K-12 classroom and is paid by the school or school district. The University Internship Teaching Credential is good for two-years and requires the candidate to be employed in the district and enrolled in National University’s intern teacher credential program. As long as the candidate holds the intern credential and is employed, they have up to two-years to earn multiple subject credential. For a third year as an intern, the Commission must approve an extension of the intern credential and the candidate must obtain an approved petition from National University by documenting a medical emergency or other extreme circumstances necessitating an ‘exception to policy’. Consideration on a case by case basis. If the petition is granted, the intern will be required to complete one or both courses of the following courses during the third year: ITL 650E, ITL 650F, respectively.

4.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 651A

First half (4 months) of intern experiences as a teacher of record in year one’s practicum. Approved CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

2.25 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 650A

Meets concurrently with ITL 650A CP Internship A: Year 1. Interns reflect as the teachers of record in their K-12 classrooms and apply the six Teaching Performance Expectation (TPEs) composing the 45 TPE Elements needed to pass CalTPA Cycle 1. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

4.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 651B

Prerequisite: ITL 650A

Second half (4 months) of intern experiences as a teacher of record in year one’s practicum. Approved CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

2.25 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 650B

Prerequisite: ITL 651A

Seminar concurrently taken with ITL 650B CP Internship B. Six Teaching Performance Expectation (TPEs) domains composed of 45 TPE elements. CalTPA Cycle 2. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ITL 650B

First half (4 months) of intern experiences as a teacher of record in year two’s practicum. Approved CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ITL 650C

Second half (4 months) of intern experiences as a teacher of record in year two’s practicum. Approved CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ITL 650D

First half (4 months) of intern experiences as a teacher of record in year three’s practicum. Approved CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Approved Committee for Academic Standards petition required. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

4.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: ITL 650E

Second half (4 months) of intern experiences as a teacher of record in year three’s practicum. Approved CSET area. Six Teaching Performance Experience (TPE) domains composed of 45 new TPE elements. Approved Committee for Academic Standards petition required. Grading is S, U or In Progress (IP).

Career Outlook

The Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California) will prepare you for careers such as:

  • Top Jobs in this field
  • Median Salary (USA)
  • JOB Openings (USA)
  • Preschool Teachers
  • $36,603 avg. salary (USA)
  • 66,920 job openings (past yr.) past year
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Median Salary:
$36,603 annual -23% below US average
Job Openings:
66,920 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $27,383
  • Medium
    $36,603
  • High
    $61,582

Most desired skills

  1. Preschool Education
  2. Child Development
  3. Lesson Planning
  4. Early Childhood Education
  5. Working With Children
  6. Classroom Management
  7. Special Education

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • KinderCare Education
  • Bright Horizons
  • Cadence Education
  • Learning Care Group
  • La Petite Academy
  • Learning Experience
  • Kindergarten Teachers
  • $62,612 avg. salary (USA)
  • 14,516 job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.
Median Salary:
$62,612 annual +30% above US average
Job Openings:
14,516 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $45,534
  • Medium
    $62,612
  • High
    $100,498

Most desired skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Classroom Management
  3. Early Childhood Education
  4. Curriculum Development
  5. Child Development
  6. Learning Styles
  7. Primary Education

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • Clark County School District
  • IDEA Public Schools
  • Primrose School
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • Pasco County Schools
  • The Goddard School
  • Elementary School Teachers
  • $63,387 avg. salary (USA)
  • 115,805 job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Median Salary:
$63,387 annual +31% above US average
Job Openings:
115,805 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $46,509
  • Medium
    $63,387
  • High
    $105,262

Most desired skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Classroom Management
  3. Curriculum Development
  4. Special Education
  5. Learning Styles
  6. Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
  7. Instructional Strategies

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • Clark County School District
  • Atlas Preparatory Academy
  • State Of West Virginia
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • Stepping Stones
  • Pasco County Schools
  • Middle School Teachers
  • $63,979 avg. salary (USA)
  • 51,404 job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Median Salary:
$63,979 annual +33% above US average
Job Openings:
51,404 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $47,019
  • Medium
    $63,979
  • High
    $105,248

Most desired skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Mathematics Education
  3. Classroom Management
  4. Science Education
  5. Curriculum Development
  6. Differentiated Instruction
  7. Learning Styles

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • Stride K12
  • Uncommon Schools
  • Kipp Massachusetts
  • Kipp Austin Public Schools
  • KIPP Foundation
  • Springfield Public Schools, MO
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • $65,057 avg. salary (USA)
  • 80,635 job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Median Salary:
$65,057 annual +35% above US average
Job Openings:
80,635 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $47,750
  • Medium
    $65,057
  • High
    $107,217

Most desired skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Classroom Management
  3. Curriculum Development
  4. Mathematics Education
  5. Learning Styles
  6. Differentiated Instruction
  7. Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • Clark County School District
  • Stride K12
  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Charter Schools USA
  • Success Academy
  • IDEA Public Schools

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.

  • Integrate the knowledge needed for engaging and supporting all K-12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
  • Integrate the knowledge needed for creating and maintaining effective learning environments and for making subject matter comprehensible for all K-12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
  • Integrate the knowledge needed for designing and planning learning experiences for all K-12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
  • Integrate the knowledge needed for assessing all K-12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
  • Integrate the knowledge needed for being a legal, ethical, and professional educator for all K-12 learners, including those with diverse learning needs.
  • Reflect critically about professional beliefs and practices in the application of teaching and learning principles needed to inspire K-12 learners as well as being an inspired teacher.
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Additional Resources

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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