What Are the Steps to Becoming a Teacher in California?
Teaching is a noble profession that can be both rewarding and challenging. California, in particular, is a great place to start a career in education with its diverse student population and high demand for teachers.
If you're interested in becoming a teacher in California, this article will guide you through the necessary steps, including the education and teacher credentialing requirements, exams, and other important considerations. Whether you are a recent graduate or a career changer, we will provide you with a roadmap to kick-start your teaching journey in California.
Why Should You Teach in California?
California is a great place to teach. The state offers one of the highest average teacher salaries in the nation. According to the California Department of Education, the average public school teacher salary in California was $85,856 in the 2020-2021 school year, which is significantly higher than the national average of $56,903. California teachers are also eligible for a range of retirement and healthcare benefits, including CalSTRS (California State Teachers’ Retirement System) and healthcare plans offered through the state.
Once you get a teaching position in California and earn tenure, you are afforded strong job security protections. There are also numerous professional development opportunities for teachers, including conferences, workshops, and ongoing training. Experienced teachers who pursue a Master's in Teaching degree also have the opportunity for higher salaries and leadership positions outside the classroom setting.
How to Become a Teacher in California
The teacher education requirements are similar in most states, although each state has a specific list of requirements that a teacher candidate must meet in order to earn their basic teaching credentials. Prospective teachers in California must complete a teacher preparation program that includes student teaching, and they must pass the required exams to obtain their preliminary credentials.
1. Get a Bachelor's Degree
To become a teacher in California, you need to complete an undergraduate degree program from an accredited college or university.
For those who wish to become elementary school teachers, you'll need a multiple subject (elementary) teaching credential. For this, you must have a bachelor's degree in liberal studies or in any subject area that includes specific coursework in education, such as child development, teaching methods, and curriculum design.
For those who wish to become middle school teachers or teach a higher grade level, you'll need a single-subject (secondary) teaching credential. You must have a bachelor's degree in the subject area you wish to teach, such as English, math, science, social science, or a foreign language. You will also need to complete a teacher preparation program that includes specific coursework in education.
2. Complete 600 Hours of Student Teaching
In addition to the bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program, you will also need to complete a student teaching or internship experience and pass the appropriate state exams to earn a teaching credential in California. To teach at the elementary level, you must complete at least 600 hours of student teaching, which is typically completed over a full school year.
During your student teaching experience, you will work closely with a mentor teacher to develop and implement lesson plans, manage classroom behavior, evaluate student progress, and gain classroom experience that will prepare you to lead your own classroom. You will also have the opportunity to observe and learn from experienced teachers, collaborate with other educators, and gain valuable insights into the day-to-day challenges and rewards of teaching.
3. Pass a Background Check
California school districts require everyone who wishes to enter the teaching profession to pass a background check as part of the credentialing process. This is a standard requirement in most states and is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
The background check is conducted by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ will conduct a fingerprint-based criminal history check, which will include a review of state and federal criminal records, as well as records of child abuse and neglect.
If the background check reveals any criminal history or other red flags, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing will review the information and make a determination regarding your eligibility for a teaching credential. Certain types of criminal history may disqualify you from obtaining a teaching credential in California.
4. Take the Required Exams
To obtain a teaching license in California, you are required to pass a combination of tests, including a basic skills test. These exams are designed to assess your knowledge and skills in key areas related to teaching. The specific exams you are required to take depend on the type of teaching credential you are seeking.
For a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, you are required to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) as well as the Multiple Subject Teaching Examination (MSTE).
For a Single Subject Teaching Credential, you are required to pass the CBEST and the appropriate California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) for the subject you will be teaching.
In addition to the exams required for your initial teaching credential, you may also be required to pass additional exams throughout your career. For example, if you wish to add a subject area to your existing Single Subject Teaching Credential, you will need to pass the appropriate CSET exam for that subject.
5. Obtain Your Teaching License
To obtain a teaching license in California, you are required to pass several exams. These exams are designed to assess your knowledge and skills in key areas related to teaching. The specific exams you are required to take depend on the type of teaching credential you are seeking.
For a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, you must have a qualifying score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) as well as a passing score on the Multiple Subject Teaching Examination (MSTE).
For a Single Subject Teaching Credential, you are required to meet the basic skills requirements by passing the CBEST and the appropriate California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) that demonstrates subject matter competence in the area you wish to teach.
In addition to the exams required for your initial teaching credential, you may also be required to pass additional exams throughout your career. For example, if you wish to add a subject area to your existing Single Subject Teaching Credential, you will need to pass the appropriate CSET exam for that subject.
Teach Special Education in California
If you wish to become a special education teacher in California, you need additional courses beyond your basic teacher prep program. Special education candidates must also have training working with special education students, which includes coursework in areas such as assistive technology, behavioral interventions, and teaching methods for students with disabilities. You should also complete supervised fieldwork or student teaching, specifically in a special education classroom.
Teach at a Private School in California
To teach at a private school in California, the credential requirements are different from those for public schools. California does not require private school teachers to hold a teaching credential. However, private schools often have their own requirements for hiring teachers, which may include a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, prior teaching experience, and/or a teaching credential.
Private schools may also have different expectations for their teachers compared to public schools. For example, private schools may place a greater emphasis on religious education, smaller class sizes, or different teaching methodologies.
Transfer an Out-of-State Teaching License to California
If you've already completed your teacher preparation coursework in another state and hold a valid out-of-state teaching license, you may be able to get your California teaching license through a reciprocity agreement, which will allow you to get credit for coursework you've already completed.
You can find more information on transferring an out-of-state license here.
How a Master's Degree Can Benefit Your Teaching Career
Pursuing a Master's degree in Education can greatly benefit your teaching career. Not only can it can give you a competitive edge in the job market, as many schools and universities prefer candidates with advanced degrees, but it can also equip you with advanced knowledge and skills in your subject area, allowing you to teach at a higher level and develop more effective teaching strategies. Additionally, a Master's degree can lead to higher salaries and more opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a department head or curriculum specialist.
If your undergraduate degree is in a subject other than education, you can pursue a Master's in Teaching with a preliminary credential that will prepare you for a teaching job in California. This is a great option for professionals who didn't go through an undergraduate teacher preparation program.
Get Your Master's in Teaching at Pepperdine University in California
Pepperdine University in California offers a Master's in Teaching program for individuals who are passionate about education and want to advance their careers in the field of education. This program provides a comprehensive education in teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and classroom management. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through field placements and student teaching.
With Pepperdine's commitment to academic excellence and focus on producing highly qualified educators, graduates of this program will be well-equipped to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.
To learn more about Pepperdine's Master's in Teaching program with a 5-year preliminary teaching credential, attend an information session and start your journey to a rewarding career in education.