California Teaching Credential

One of the benefits of becoming an Oakland Teaching Fellow is the chance to earn a teaching credential while teaching full-time. Fellows are able to start making an immediate impact in their classrooms, while completing all credentialing requirements and developing as professional educators. All candidates accepted into the Oakland Teaching Fellows are required to enroll in a program to earn their California teaching credential. More specifically, Fellows must be accepted into an OUSD-approved university Intern program. The Teaching Fellows office will provide accepted candidates with additional information and resources for making contact with and enrolling in Intern programs. While the Oakland Teaching Fellows program helps Fellows connect the pieces to earn their California teaching credentials, it is the Fellow’s responsibility to meet credential program requirements and submit verification of Intern status to OUSD Human Resources by August 10, 2008. 

Once a Fellow has been accepted by a university, that institution will apply for an Intern Teaching Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) on behalf of the Fellow. Fellows assume the responsibility of meeting all college or university requirements in a timely manner to ensure their receipt of the Intern credential.

Note: One requirement to gain admittance to an Intern Credential Program and to teach anywhere in the State of California is the passage of California teaching tests.  Fellows must take and pass the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) prior to beginning training. 

Please click here for more information and to get started preparing for these important tests.

Intern status gives eligible individuals with no previous education coursework the opportunity to teach and earn a full teacher's salary and benefits while taking classes to earn their Preliminary or Level I Teaching Credential. Assuming timely completion of requirements and good standing with the District, all Fellows will receive a Preliminary Teaching Credential by the end of their second year of teaching. Fellows are then expected to meet requirements for their Clear Credential within the next 5 years in the classroom. Visit the FAQ page for responses to common questions about earning your credential by clicking here.