Teaching in California comes with big perks—great pay, strong unions, and a forward-thinking education system. Whether you’re drawn to bustling cities or tight-knit communities, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to grow while making a real impact. Let’s dive into what you need to do to get your California teacher certification.
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Requirements to Teach
For this article, I’ll focus mostly on those who are currently living in California and seeking to create a career in the public school system. The requirements change drastically depending on other circumstances, like deciding to teach temporarily, teaching in a private school, or moving from a different state / country.
Here are the basic requirements to teach in California:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Verify subject matter competence
- Complete a commission-approved Teacher Preparation Program
- Complete a course on the provisions and principles of the US Constitution
- Multiple Subject Candidates Only: pass the Reading Instruction Competency (RICA) assessment
Let’s dig a little deeper into each of these requirements!
Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
If you want a California teacher certification, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. You can check any college website to find out if they are accredited. If they aren’t, look to the next college on your list. While you can technically major in anything, it’s a lot better to choose the subject you want to teach—especially for middle and high school. That way, you’ll already have a strong foundation in the material, making it easier to plan lessons and support your students with confidence.
To see the list of accredited colleges and programs in California, click here.
Also, in California, you need to prove you know your subject before you can start teaching. One way to do that is by passing the CSET, but if you already have a bachelor’s degree in the subject you want to teach, you might be off the hook. Remember how I mentioned it’s a lot better to choose the subject you want to teach? This is one big reason why! Many approved degree programs automatically meet this requirement, so you can skip the test and move forward with your credential. It’s always a good idea to check with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to make sure your degree qualifies.
Verify subject matter competence
In California, proving your subject matter competence is an important step to becoming a teacher. You can do this by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or completing an approved subject matter program. The CSET tests are specific to each subject, like math, science, or English. Click the link to find information about the tests and where to take them.
If you prefer, you can also complete a program at a college or university that meets the state’s requirements. Once you’ve shown you know your stuff, you’ll be ready to take the next steps toward a California teacher certification.
Complete a commission-approved Teacher Preparation Program
Teacher Prep Programs are found everywhere in the United States. There are a few things that the teacher prep program MUST have in order to qualify you to teach in California.
- California has a high number of English as a Second Language speakers. The teacher prep program has to be equipped to help you navigate this type of learner. Due to this fact, you’ll receive training in how to develop English language skills.
- In addition, California is well known for their penchant for technology, and teachers aren’t exempted. Because of this value, you’ll receive training in foundational and advanced computer technology in educational settings.
- Likewise, health education is just as important. Teachers must get training in the physiological and sociological effects of alcohol, narcotics, and drug abuse. They must also receive CPR training.
- Lastly, all teacher prep programs must administer a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). This is an intensive assessment that is meant to measure your success as an educator in the classroom. Prospective educators will need to record themselves in the classroom with students teaching a few lessons and provide a written record of their methods. Since this is an important hurdle, it is usually the final step in a teacher prep program.
Complete a course on the provisions and principles of the US Constitution
In addition, each candidate pursuing a California teacher certification must take a course on the US Constitution, regardless of subject area or grade level. This course helps future teachers understand the basics of the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights and how the government works. It’s important for teachers to know these principles so they can share them with students and encourage good citizenship. Plus, it reminds everyone how the Constitution shapes today’s laws and rights. Take a look at the course at California State University of Long Beach to understand more of what to expect.
Multiple Subject Candidates Only: pass the Reading Instruction Competency (RICA) assessment
Multiple Subject candidates need to pass the RICA assessment to earn their teaching credential. The assessment includes three tests that cover key areas of reading instruction, from phonics to comprehension strategies. Presently, candidates can take the test through PearsonVUE, making it convenient for you to schedule and complete online. Once you’ve passed this test, you are well-prepared to support students’ literacy development.
To sum up, you’ll need to meet a variety of requirements to get a California teacher certification. From earning a bachelor’s degree to completing a teacher preparation program, each step is designed to equip future teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. By staying on top of these requirements, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in education. You can make a lasting impact on students’ lives and their futures.
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