Steps to become a Public School Teacher in California

• Teacher preparation program (aka teaching credential program)
• Complete the certification process, through meeting:
  • The Basic Skills requirement
  • The Subject Matter Competency requirement
• Gain teaching experience
• Get a formal recommendation for the credential from your college, university or teacher preparation program

Teaching Credentials

• Single Subject Credential
  • Authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes, such as those in most middle schools and high schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults
• Multiple Subject Credential
  • Authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as the classrooms in most elementary schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. In addition, the holder of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting
• Education Specialist Instruction Credential
  • Authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to student’s access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to individuals in the area of specialization listed on the credential

Teacher Preparation Programs

Basic Skills Requirement

• Pass the CBEST
  • To pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), one must obtain a minimum scaled score of 41 in each of the three sections—reading, writing, and mathematics. However, a score as low as 37 on an individual section is acceptable if the total scaled score is at least 123
• Pass the CSET
  • The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects examination has been modified, adding an assessment of basic writing skills. Passage of the CSET: Writing Skills examination can be added to passage of the CSET: Multiple Subjects Examination to meet the basic skills requirement
• Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
  • Passing scores on the California State UniversityEarly Assessment Program (English and Mathematics sections) or the CSU Placement Examinations are sufficient to meet the basic skills requirement
• Achieve Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
  • If the SAT was taken before March 2016, qualifying scores to satisfy the basic skills requirement are: 550 in Math and 500 in Critical Reading (or Verbal)
  • If the SAT was taken after March 2016, qualifying scores to satisfy the basic skills requirement are: 570 in Math and 560 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
  • An individual having earned a score of 22 or higher on the ACT English exam combined with a score of 23 or higher on the ACT Mathematics exam is determined to have met the basic skills requirement
• College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
  • Students who achieve a score of 3 or higher on the College Board AP English exam and AP Calculus or AP Statistics exam may also use these exam scores to meet the basic skills requirement
• Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State
  • The California Teaching Commission will accept basic skills examinations from other states. A photocopy of the score report or letter from the testing agency verifying passage of the examination must be submitted with the application packet
• Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
  • Individuals may meet the requirement by providing official transcripts to a Commission-approved preparation program or submitted with their application packet to the Commission. The transcripts must show passage of courses in reading, writing, and mathematics as outlined below. Courses must have been taken at a regionally-accredited college or university for credit, passed with a grade of B or better, be degree applicable, and be at least 3 semester units or 4 quarter units.
    • For reading proficiency: a course in critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.
    • For writing proficiency: a course in composition, English, rhetoric, written communication, or writing.
    • For mathematics proficiency: a course in algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics.
• Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework and Exam
  • The Basic Skills Requirement can be met through a combination of applicable courses and qualifying exams. Both Commission-approved programs and the Commission can determine basic skills proficiency through this combination option

Subject Matter Competency Requirement

• Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s)
• Complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program
• Successful completion of applicable coursework verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation
• Complete a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university in the subject area for which the Single Subject Teaching Credential is being sought
• Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements

Teaching Experience

Formal Recommendation

Salary Information for Public School Teachers in California

• Average Elementary Teacher Salary: $77,990
• Average Secondary Teacher Salary: $77,390
• Vacation Weeks Per Year: 15

Private Schools in California