The FCSS Teachers College Internship Program serves as an alternative certification pathway for individuals aspiring to enter the teaching profession. Our program leads to a California preliminary teaching credential identical to the one earned through a traditional university preparation program. Designed to address critical teacher shortages in Fresno County, our internship program offers coursework for the following credential areas: PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction, Multiple Subjects, Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate Support Needs (MMSN), and Education Specialist: Extensive Support Needs (ESN).

Teacher Intern candidates complete the full sequence of rigorous, Commission-accredited coursework required of university preparation programs, delivered across two years of academic instruction and paired with credentialing services and comprehensive candidate support. Every course aligns with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) and the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPE), the statewide benchmarks that govern all approved preparation programs in California. Participants also receive technical assistance and personalized support throughout their two years in the program. Intern teachers benefit from a robust support network that includes guidance from expert course instructors, field supervisors, cohort peers, and dedicated on-site mentors, ensuring a holistic and enriching experience.