How to Become a Teacher in California

Teachers educate learners in core subjects like math, language arts, and science. They also prepare teenagers for the workforce or college. In California, teachers educate more than 6.2 million students.

Teaching in California comes with some of the highest salaries in the profession. And the state reports high demand for educators. Prospective teachers curious about how to become a teacher in California should start with the certification requirements. California’s requirements differ from other states, so current teachers considering a move should also pay careful attention to the state’s requirements.

Whether your path includes going back to school to earn a teaching degree or enrolling in an online California college to become a teacher, our guide explains the process.

In every state, teachers must meet licensure and certification requirements. The process for how to become a teacher in California is similar to many other states. California requires a bachelor’s degree, teacher preparation requirements, and passing scores on certification exams.

In California, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing provides teaching certification and endorsements resources. Teachers initially apply for a five-year preliminary credential. This non-renewable credential lets educators work in the state’s public schools. Educators strengthen their skills during the preliminary credential period to qualify for a clear credential. Teachers licensed in other states may qualify for a reciprocal license.

California teachers must meet the following minimum education requirements:

Educators can meet these minimum requirements in several ways. The most common path includes earning a bachelor’s in education or a bachelor’s in teaching from a teacher preparation program. Approved California programs meet the state’s requirements for student teaching experience and other certification requirements.

Middle school and high school teachers can also earn a bachelor’s degree in their subject area. Alternatively, they can fulfill subject matter requirements through a combination of coursework and testing. Elementary teachers can major in liberal studies or an interdisciplinary major.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

While some states do not require student teaching to earn a certification, California sets a high requirement for student teaching experience. Teacher certification in the state requires 600 hours of clinical practice experience.

According to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, educators can meet this requirement in several ways. The 600 hours might include placements in classrooms, supervised clinical experiences, and independent hours of instruction. California also requires a minimum of four weeks of solo or co-teaching.

Learners typically meet the student teaching requirement through their program. Educators with out-of-state or private school teaching experience typically meet the requirement.

California requires several certification tests, depending on the level and subject matter. For example, secondary educators must pass a subject-matter examination in their specialty area. Adding an authorization often requires a specific certification test. Scores remain valid for initial certification for ten years after the passing date.

The exams vary in terms of length and content. Most tests take at least 2-3 hours. Teachers can learn more about the following exams through California Educator Credentialing Assessments:

After meeting the requirements for teaching certification in California, educators must complete the certification application process. Students enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program in the state complete the process through their program. After meeting program requirements, the program submits a recommendation for certification. California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing typically processes these program recommendations within ten business days.

For other certification situations, the process requires a paper application. Applicants can apply for a teaching credential with an out-of-state license, private school experience, or preparation outside the U.S. Paper applications allow teachers to add a new teaching authorization to their credential or apply for English learner authorization. Paper applications can take up to 50 business days to process.

California differs from several other states when it comes to maintaining a teaching certification. Educators initially receive a preliminary credential, which remains valid for five years. The preliminary credential requires a bachelor’s degree, basic skills requirements, subject-matter competency, and the other requirements discussed above.

At the end of the five-year period, educators must obtain a clear credential. Teachers can meet the requirements in two ways. First, they can complete a teacher induction program. The two-year induction program provides support and mentoring for new teachers. Second, teachers with a preliminary credential can complete the requirements for a National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification.

Educators with a clear credential can renew their credentials online without additional continuing education, service, or coursework requirements.

California teachers benefit from a strong career outlook. During the 2018-19 school year, more than 315,000 teachers worked in California. The state boasts over 1,000 school districts and more than 6.2 million students. These educators pursue teaching careers in areas like reading intervention, math instruction, and special education.

Education careers in California tend to pay higher salaries. For example, the national median high school teacher salary was $62,870 per year in May 2020, while California’s median high school teacher salary hit $86,900. Educators with a master’s degree typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree. As a result, going to grad school can pay off for California teachers.

The next section introduces high-need subject areas in California. The salary data uses national numbers, but prospective teachers should keep in mind that California educators earn salaries higher than the national average.

Mathematics teachers instruct students in algebra, geometry, statistics, and calculus. They typically teach at the middle and high school levels. In California, math teachers demonstrate subject-matter competency with a math teaching program or passing scores on the math subject exam. California credentials math teachers at the foundational level and advanced level.

Median Annual Salary: $51,350

Special education teachers educate learners with disabilities. They modify lessons to meet students’ needs. Special education teachers work at the elementary and secondary levels. The shortage of special educators in California makes this a high-need field. In California, special educators must hold an Education Specialist Instruction Credential.

Median Annual Salary: $61,500

Science teachers instruct middle and high schoolers in subjects like biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, and other natural sciences. California reports a shortage of science teachers and offers several tests for educators to obtain science credentials at the foundational or advanced levels.

Median Annual Salary: $48,760

California reports a shortage in bilingual teachers, also called English Language Development teachers. These teachers require training in teaching English to students fluent in other languages. They must apply for an English learner authorization to teach in this high-need field, which may require the CTEL.

Median Annual Salary: $46,230

Career and technical education teachers train students in vocational or technical subjects. They specialize in areas like business, auto repair, technology, and culinary arts. In California, CTE teachers must hold three years of work experience in their industry and at least a high school diploma for a preliminary teaching credential.

Median Annual Salary: $59,140

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