TPID » Teacher Preparation & Induction Department

Intern programs prepare highly qualified teachers in hard-to-staff content areas including math, science, music, and special education. The district’s two-year intern programs provide alternative credentialing pathways for aspiring educators seeking Single Subject or Special Education credentials. District interns take courses prior to being placed in classrooms to ensure they are prepared for the challenges of full-time teaching, then complete credentialing coursework during their first two years of teaching. The cost of the district’s intern program is minimal at $20 per unit, plus the cost of textbooks. Monthly informational meetings are held for aspiring teachers interested in participating in a district intern program.

The District has also established intern partnerships with Azusa Pacific University, Chapman University, CSU Los Angeles, CSU San Marcos, National University, San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, and the University of San Diego. University interns enroll directly with the university, take courses in the Summer and evenings, and teach in district classrooms during the day.

Interns receive full salary and benefits, unless they are assigned to teach less than full time. Interns receive in-depth in-classroom support from a cadre of experienced teachers that have participated in extensive training in coaching, mentoring, and teacher preparation. These experienced teachers, or support providers, assist interns with lesson planning, demonstration of instructional practices, observing and providing feedback, and teach some of the district intern program coursework.

Interns are recommended for preliminary California teaching credentials upon successful completion of their programs. Support is also provided to teachers hired on Short Term Staff Permits (STSP) and Provisional Intern Permits (PIP). For additional information about teacher intern programs, go to http://www.sandi.net/internprograms, e-mail sandiegointern@sandi.net, or call (858) 539-5330.