GROW Intern and Pre-Service Programs

Kings County Office of Education's GROW Intern Program is an accredited teacher preparation program for individuals seeking a Multiple Subject or Education Specialist (MMSN or ESN) teaching credential. This program offers an alternative pathway to earning a California teaching credential while gaining relevant, practical, and first-hand experience as the primary educator in the classroom. The GROW Intern Program is a 2 year program where candidates teach in their own classroom, while earning units; earn a teacher's salary and benefits; and attend classes two times a week in a synchronous, online learning model. Intern candidates receive weekly mentorship from site mentors and fieldwork supervisors, feedback from course instructors, and support from cohort peers. The GROW Intern Program provides structured support for the RICA exam and the CalTPAs through the courses and academies. New cohorts begin in August of every year.

Prior to becoming an intern, all candidates must complete a minimum of 120 hours of foundational or pre-service coursework. The GROW Pre-Service Program offers rigorous preparation in general pedagogy including classroom management, reading and language arts, subject specific pedagogy, human development, and specific content regarding the teaching of English Language Learners and students with additional support needs. Pre-service candidates attend synchronous, online classes three times a week. The GROW Pre-Service Program offers Fall sessions that begin in October, Spring sessions that begin in January, and Summer sessions that begin in May.

Pre-Service Program Requirements

Attend an Informational Meeting to learn about the program and determine eligibility
Hold a Bachelor's Degree (official transcript from all colleges and universities required)
Meet the Basic Skills Requirement (Hold a Bachelor's Degree, per Senate Bill 153)
Have a valid Certificate of Clearance or equivalent on file with CTC (sub permit, PIP, STSP, etc)

The Summer Pre-Service Program will be done in time for candidates to begin the Intern Program in the Fall.

Intern Eligibility Requirements

All of the requirements listed above plus:

Attend an advisement meeting with a program administrator to determine eligibility
Successfully complete pre-service coursework from an accredited program
Meet the Subject Matter Competency requirement through exams, coursework, a combination of exams and coursework, or a qualifying academic degree major-Subject Matter Requirements
Meet the U.S. Constitution requirement (verified through transcripts)
Valid TB Test - Completed by the end of the program
CPR Certification - Completed by the end of the program
Provide receipt of an offer of employment as the "Teacher of Record" from a participating district. (Employment must be at least .5 Full-Time Equivalent in the established credential area.)

Contact Us

Phone:
559-589-2503 Ext. 13410

Email:
info.grow@kingscoe.org

Address:
GROW Intern Program
876 East D Street
Lemoore, CA 93245

Certificate of Clearance

Requesting Transcripts from Colleges and Universities

Basic Skills Requirement

The California Education Code and Title 5 Regulations specify, in most cases, that applicants for a credential, certificate, or permit to serve in the public schools of California must verify basic skills proficiency before the credential, certificate, or permit will be issued. Per Senate Bill 153 holding a Bachelor's Degree now meets the Basic Skills Requirement.

Subject Matter Competency

California Education Code requires that all candidates for a teaching credential must demonstrate they are proficient in the subject matter area of their intended credential. Recent action by the Governor and the Legislature on AB 130 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2021) has expanded the ways in which candidates may demonstrate subject matter proficiency. For more information, click here.

Subject matter proficiency may be demonstrated through one of the following options:

1. Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission.

2. Passage of a subject matter examination (the California Subject Examination for Teachers or CSET).

3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation.

4. Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:

For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.
For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
For education specialist credentials, either a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates or a liberal studies or other major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.

5. Through a combination of the methods described in clauses (1), (2), and (3) in whole or in part, has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282 for multiple and single subject credentials, or pursuant to Section 44265 for education specialist credentials.

U.S. Constitution Requirement

California Education Code Section 44335 requires all candidates for a Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Education Specialist, or Designated Subjects Credential to demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution by completing a college-level course, or a college level examination in the subject. This requirement must be completed before the credential can be granted. To learn more about this requirement, click here.

Program Completion Requirements

In addition to successful completion of courses, fieldwork/clinical practice, and support/supervision hours, all candidates must demonstrate proficiency through the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)* and on both cycles of the California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA). After all requirements are met, KCOE will recommend candidates for a preliminary credential in either Multiple Subject, or Education Specialist Mild to Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs.

*On July 1, 2025, the RICA was sunset, replaced by a Literacy Performance Assessment (LPA) that will be part of the performance assessments cycles.

Grievance Policy

If a candidate disagrees with a course grade they should, within 20 calendar days of receipt of the grade, meet with the course instructor to discuss the disagreement. If the issue is not successfully resolved as a result of that meeting, the candidate meets with the Program Administrator to mediate the situation. If the issue is still not successfully resolved, the candidate may file a written Request for Reconsideration Grievance, which should clearly describe the nature of the disagreement and resolution sought. The Request for Reconsideration must be filed with the Administrator within 10 days following the meeting with the course instructor. The Administrator will provide a copy of the Request for Reconsideration to the course instructor for response. The Administrator will convene an Academic Review Committee (ARC) for review of all documents and the ARC will make a decision within 30 days or prior to the next time the course is offered, whichever is sooner. The decision of the ARC is final and binding for all parties.

CANVAS CATALOG

Upcoming Summer Pre-Service Informational Meeting

Interested in the Pre-Service Program? Join one of our upcoming informational meetings to learn about program details, requirements, timelines, and next steps. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and make sure you’re prepared.

Meeting Dates (Zoom):
📅 February 18, 2026 | 5:00–6:00 PM
📅 March 18, 2026 | 5:00–6:00 PM

👉 Register here:
https://kings.k12oms.org/89-264780

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