California Teacher Certification

How to Become a Teacher in California

There are several routes to California teacher certification and becoming a teacher in California. All applicants must submit a completed application form with the appropriate processing fee, supporting documentation (e.g., college transcripts, exam scores), and a request for LiveScan Service, which is the required fingerprinting step. All applicants must also apply for a certificate of clearance, which shows potential employers that the applicant does not have a criminal background.

Spotlight School

DeVry University

Popular Programs:

• Master's-Education
• Graduate Certificate-Management of Education Corporation/Corporate Training Divisions
• Graduate Certificate-Education Leadership
• Graduate Certificate-Curriculum Leadership

California Teacher Education Requirements

If an applicant wants to teach in elementary grades, he or she must obtain a multiple subject teaching credential, and if he or she wants to teach in secondary grades, a single subject teaching credential must be obtained. The most traditional route to receiving this type of certificate is to complete a state-approved teacher education program from a regionally accredited university. However, applicants for becoming a teacher in California can also obtain a multiple subject credential through other means, such as through a college internship program, a school district internship program, private school teaching experience, an early completion internship option, or experience teaching through the Peace Corps.

If an applicant wants to teach in special education settings, he/she must obtain an Education Specialist Instruction Credential. The most traditional route is through a college or university teacher education program with a major in special education. However, special education certification can also be obtained through a college internship program or through a public school district internship program.

California Teacher Testing Requirements

All applicants for a preliminary California teaching certification must meet basic skills testing requirements. This may be done through completion of the C-BEST, the CSET, the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement exam. All of these test basic skills in reading, math, and writing. Specific subject matter competence is tested through the content tests of the CSET. California used the Praxis exam in the past for certification purposes; so, if an applicant’s Praxis test scores are less than 5 years old, those can be accepted instead.

California Teacher Salary and Jobs

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Pepperdine University: Pepperdine is a prestigious private university located on the shores of Malibu, CA. The university is home to the Graduate School of Education and Psychology that offers graduate degrees in Education, Learning Technologies, Administration, Organizational Change, Organizational Leadership, and Educational Leadership. Each program has its own unique set of admissions criteria with most program requiring official transcripts, professional recommendations and a statement of purpose. Some programs require graduate testing while others do not. Many of the programs have several different pathways and can be completed while working full time. Many of the programs, including the Master of Art in Education can be completed in as little as one calendar year. Pathways for the MA in Education include Educational Psychology, Literacy, and STEM.

California Teacher Interviews

Interview with Vanessa Escobar, California Kindergarten Teacher

Interview with Michelle Griffo, California Kindergarten Teacher

Interview with Joanne Becker, President of the California Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

School Programs for Becoming a Teacher in California

Request free information from the following schools to learn more about your options for choosing a teacher degree program. We recommend you: Request information from one or more of these schools

University of Phoenix

Popular Programs:

• M.A. in Education/Early Childhood Ed.
• M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
• M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
• M.A. in Education/Administration and Supervision
• And more...

Brandman University Online

Popular Programs:

• MA in Education (Leadership in Early Childhood Education)
• BA in Early Childhood Education
• MA in Educational Leadership and Administration (Tier 1)
• MA in Education with Instructional Technology Emphasis
• And more...

California Baptist University

Popular Programs:

• Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Online Teaching and Learning
• Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Early Childhood Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies
• Autism Spectrum Disorders Added Authorization Certificate (ASDAA)
• And more...

Western Governors University

Popular Programs:

• M.A. Teaching (K-8)
• Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program (K-8)
• B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)
• M.A. Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
• And more...

Concordia University Online

Popular Programs:

• B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Birth - 5 Years)
• M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Curriculum & Instruction: Early Childhood Education
• Special Education (Early Childhood/Elementary)
• Educational Administration: (EDD)
• And more...

Student Review: “I was very impressed with the education that I have received and I am currently receiving at Grand Canyon University. I was able to enter the M.Ed program after completing my BFA in Interior Design, but they made the transition from an art field easy. We have learned numerous practices that are vital content for teaching such as curriculum design, instructional practice, assessment strategies, and best pedagogical practice. The professors are currently in the field and are able to offer a great deal of relevant advice. My teachers also strive to provide feedback in a timely manner and they individualize the comments to help us target our personal weaknesses. I have also been able to explore contemporary teaching and technology ideas that interest me as independent studies, such as in my current class: Critical Thinking for the 21st Century Learner. I like how GCU lets me step out of the traditional reading, testing, essay-writing format of most online teaching programs to allow me to expand my own digital literacy and skill-set. I know it makes the work harder to grade but it gives me authentic opportunities to use my abilities. The teaching practicum is also excellent. I was allowed to choose the grade level and my supervisor made on-site visits to witness my performance. I would highly recommend the program to anyone seeking a teacher training program that cares about developing outstanding future professional educators.” -Dawn B., student at Grand Canyon University

Student Review: “I chose to attend Ashford University classes online because I have been recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism and due to an unfit environment at my last job can not handle the social demands of traditional university classes. I was a little anxious, at first, because of the stigma attached to online learning, and the fact that I have issues seeing things through. To my relief, Ashford has been exactly what I need to get my degree and hopefully find my place in this world. The classes are challenging and fast paced, and it’s very self-directed learning. If you aren’t motivated to learn, or you want to be spoon-fed your education, Ashford probably isn’t a good choice for you. If you want professors to guide you while you teach yourself, Ashford is perfect! You can work ahead if you like, (I try to stay at least one week ahead at all times), and you can take the courses at any time of the day. The admission officers are friendly, and help you figure out the paperwork and first class as well.” -Shayna G., student at Ashford University

Student Review: “When I first enrolled in Ashworth I was excited that I could go to college and still hold my full time job. And, even though the tuition was cheap, I still thought the class descriptions showed a promising curriculum. What I experienced from that point on was a bit disappointing. While I wouldn’t say Ashworth is a ‘diploma mill’ I would say that it was not challenging for anyone who had the intelligence of a freshman in high school. You merely read a chapter in a book and complete a related multiple choice quiz for each lesson. That was it, an open book quiz. No essays to write, not activities or research required. Even though I was looking for a reasonably priced education, I was expecting there to be an actual education. I did receive my diploma and it is legitimate, however, there is no substance behind the degree.” -Megan W., student at Ashworth College

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Teacher in California

Question: How do I become a science teacher in California?

Answer: To become a science teacher in California, you must first show competency in the subject. This means taking the required courses and exams at a university or college. You must also enroll in a teacher preparation program and take all required courses and participate in a student teaching experience.

Question: How do I become a substitute teacher in California?

Answer: Each district has its own requirement for hiring substitute teachers, so contact the human resources department of the districts to which you want to apply. To make yourself more marketable as a substitute, you can get a substitute teaching permit through the state of California. It allows you to work in any position for 30 days. To get this permit you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and have met the basic skill requirement for teaching in California.

Question: How do I become a substitute teacher in Los Angeles?

Answer: To work as a substitute teacher in Los Angeles, you must apply through the district’s human resources department. The district prefers substitute teachers to be fully credentialed through the state of California. To apply, you must fill out an application. If you are credentialed, you must also supply references, student teaching evaluations, transcripts, and verification of being Highly Qualified according to the No Child Left Behind law.

Question: How do I become a math teacher in California?

Answer: To become a math teacher in California, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in math, or show competency in the subject by taking a test. You must also complete a teacher preparation program, which includes taking all the appropriate courses and completing a portion of student teaching.

Question: What are the requirements to become an elementary school teacher in California?

Answer: To be an elementary teacher in California, you need to earn an elementary teaching certification through the state. The first step towards the certificate is to complete a teacher preparation program at an approved university or college. You must also meet the basic skills requirement by passing a test and also pass tests in the subject areas you will be teaching. Finally, you must complete a reading assessment.

Question: What are the California preschool teacher requirements?

Answer: To work as a preschool teacher in California, you must hold a child development teacher permit. To be qualified for the permit, you must complete at least an associate’s degree in early childhood education or in child development or 24 credit hours in related coursework as well as 16 general education credit hours. In addition to coursework, you must also complete field experience to be eligible for the permit.

Question: How do I become a high school teacher in California?

Answer: To become a high school teacher in California, you need to earn a college degree and complete a teacher preparation program. After completing your education, you must pass a subject area test to show competency in the subject you hope to teach. You must also complete courses in reading, technology, and the US Constitution. When these requirements are met, you can apply to the state for certification and then interview for jobs.

Question: How do I become a high school math teacher in California?

Answer: To be a high school math teacher in California, you must have a bachelor’s degree. You also need to complete a teacher preparation program and include courses in reading, the principles of the U.S. Constitutions, and technology. Once you have finished those programs, you need to take and pass a math subject test and then apply to the state for your certificate.

Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in California

Allan Hancock College
800 S College Dr
Santa Maria, CA 93454-6399
(805) 922-6966
www.hancockcollege.edu/Default.asp?Page=1027

Alliant International University
10455 Pomerado Road
San Diego, CA 92131-1799
(858) 635-4000
www.alliant.edu/admissions

Antelope Valley College
3041 West Ave K
Lancaster, CA 93536-5426
(661) 722-6300
www.avc.edu/apply_register/index.htm

Azusa Pacific University
901 E. Alosta Ave., PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
(626) 969-3434
www.apu.edu/admissions/

Bethany University
800 Bethany Dr
Scotts Valley, CA 95066-2898
(831) 438-3800
www.bethany.edu/admissions/index.php

Cabrillo College
6500 Soquel Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 479-6100
www.cabrillo.edu/services/ar/

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
One Grand Ave
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
(805) 756-1111
admissions.calpoly.edu/

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
3801 W Temple Ave
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 869-7659

California State University-Chico
First and Normal Sts
Chico, CA 95929-0150
(530) 898-6116
em.csuchico.edu/admissions/

California State University-Dominguez Hills
1000 E Victoria St
Carson, CA 90747-0005
(310) 243-3300

California State University-Fresno
5241 N Maple Ave
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-4240

Student Review: “While the teaching credential program at Fresno state was fairly well put together there were a lot of issues that I ran into. The first semester of the three semester program was mostly review or re-teaching everything I had learned as a liberal studies major. Often times the professors did not communicate with one another and assignments would either contradict one another or have nothing to do with one another. Often times professors were disorganized and would either repeat a lesson or have nothing but review to do for that class period. The second “phase” would probably be the most fun/beneficial. I learned quite a bit on how to settle issues I may come across in the classroom and was able to further my knowledge about child development and teaching. The final phase seemed to be the most challenging and frustrating. We often had huge case studies to do on our students, but would not have access to those types of students (require studying a 4th grader, when we were in k-3 classrooms). A lot of the assignments in this phase seemed either pointless or redundant. The professors would “test” us on things that either would have nothing to do with the curriculum or counteracted everything we had been taught previously. I’m not sure if my experience with the credential program being so negative was just because I had the professors that I did, or not. I do know that other students had similar issues with their professors, which were different from mine. Overall, I think that the program was a good program, but it needed some massive organization and communication between the professors, students, and master teachers.” -Courtney C., student at California State University-Fresno

California State University-Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90840-0115
(562) 985-4111
www.csulb.edu/about/

California State University-Los Angeles
5151 State University Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000

California State University-Sacramento
6000 J St
Sacramento, CA 95819-2694
(916) 278-6011
www.csus.edu/admissions/

California State University-San Bernardino
5500 University Pky
San Bernardino, CA 92407-2397
(909) 537-5000

Cerritos College
11110 Alondra Blvd
Norwalk, CA 90650-6298
(562) 860-2451
cms.cerritos.edu/admissions-and-records

Chaffey College
5885 Haven Ave
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737-3002
(909) 987-1737
www.chaffey.edu/admissions/index.shtml

Chapman University
One University Dr.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997-6815
www.chapman.edu/admission/

City College of San Francisco
50 Phelan Ave
San Francisco, CA 94112-1898
(415) 239-3000
www.ccsf.edu/AR

Claremont Graduate University
150 E Tenth St
Claremont, CA 91711-6160
(909) 621-8000
www.cgu.edu/pages/102.asp

College of the Canyons
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355-1899
(661) 259-7800

College of the Sequoias
915 S Mooney Blvd
Visalia, CA 93277-2214
(559) 730-3700
www.cos.edu/view_page.asp?nodeid=2823&parentid=2864&moduleid=1

College of the Siskiyous
800 College Avenue
Weed, CA 96094
(530) 938-5555
www.siskiyous.edu/apply/

Student Review: “The College of the Siskiyous Early childhood Education Program was an enlightening and rewarding experience. They offer hands on training working in the daycare center located directly on campus. This allowed the students to directly practice the techniques they have learned. The instructors were direct, patient, and knowledgeable, and helped to foster a comfortable and rewarding learning environment. The curriculum that the program uses picks authors that are authoritative and easy to understand, with a lot of hands on practice. However the program was a female dominated (I was on of only 2 males there), but I suppose this is to be expected in this career. I was not made to feel uncomfortable or left out due to my gender however, and the instructors never showed any bias. I disliked the limit of the program though, only offering limited degrees, and limited areas in child psychology.” -Nathan R., student at College of the Siskiyous

Cosumnes River College
8401 Center Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95823-5799
(916) 688-7344

Cypress College
9200 Valley View
Cypress, CA 90630-5897
(714) 484-7000
www.cypresscollege.edu

Dominican University of California
50 Acacia Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901-2298
(415) 457-4440
www.dominican.edu/admissions.html

El Camino Community College District
16007 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrance, CA 90506
(310) 532-3670

Fresno City College
1101 E. University Ave
Fresno, CA 93741
(559) 442-4600

Fresno Pacific University
1717 S Chestnut Ave
Fresno, CA 93702-4709
(559) 453-2000
www.fresno.edu/admissions/

Fullerton College
321 E Chapman Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832-2095
(714) 992-7000
admissions.fullcoll.edu/

Gavilan College
5055 Santa Teresa Blvd
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 848-4800

Hartnell College
411 Central Avenue
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 755-6700
www.hartnell.edu/admissions/registration/index.html

Holy Names University
3500 Mountain Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619-1699
(510) 436-1000
www.hnu.edu/admissions/index.html

Hope International University
2500 E Nutwood Ave
Fullerton, CA 92831-3199
(714) 879-3901

Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
(707) 826-3011

John F Kennedy University
100 Ellinwood Way
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-4817
(925) 969-3300
www.jfku.edu

La Sierra University
4500 Riverwalk Parkway
Riverside, CA 92515-8247
(951) 785-2000
www.lasierra.edu/admissions

Lake Tahoe Community College
One College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 541-4660

Lancaster Beauty School
44646 N 10th St W
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-1672

Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-1000
www.llu.edu/apply/

Los Angeles Mission College
13356 Eldridge Avenue
Sylmar, CA 91342-3245
(818) 364-7600
www.lamission.edu/admissions/

Los Angeles Southwest College
1600 W Imperial Hwy.
Los Angeles, CA 90047-4899
(323) 241-5225
www.lasc.edu/students/financial_aid/applying_for_financial_aid.html

Loyola Marymount University
One Lmu Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659
(310) 338-2700

Student Review: “I believe that Loyola Marymount University (LMU) has two main strengths: its Jesuit tradition of service-learning and its size. LMU provides countless opportunities to make positive contributions and to learn more about the many issues the world faces with a view to actively contributing to improving others’ lives. For anyone really interested in activism or development, LMU is a good place to gain a variety of hands-on experiences. Additionally, LMU has a small population, which makes for a closer knit community and more personal interactions with both students and faculty. Although this may be seen as a disadvantage when compared to bigger colleges like USC and UCLA, students here have the opportunity to connect with people at different levels of adminstration, gain close friends and mentors, and generally have a more personalized and nurturing experience.” Ebehi I., student at Loyola Marymount University

Mills College
5000 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94613
(510) 430-2255
www.mills.edu/admission/index.php

MiraCosta College
One Barnard Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056-3899
(760) 757-2121

Mission College
3000 Mission College Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95054-1897
(408) 988-2200
www.missioncollege.org/admissions/admis.html

Monterey Institute of International Studies
460 Pierce Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-4100
www.miis.edu/admissions.html?catid=144

Mt San Antonio College
1100 N Grand Ave
Walnut, CA 91789-1399
(909) 594-5611
www.mtsac.edu/pathways/

Mt. San Jacinto Community College District
1499 N State St
San Jacinto, CA 92583-2399
(951) 487-3002

National University
11255 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037-1011
(800) 628-8648
www.nu.edu/Admissions.html

Notre Dame de Namur University
1500 Ralston Ave
Belmont, CA 94002-1908
(650) 508-3500
www.ndnu.edu/admissions/

Orange Coast College
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92628-5005
(714) 432-5072

Pacific Union College
One Angwin Ave
Angwin, CA 94508-9707
(707) 965-6313
www.puc.edu/enrollment

Pasadena City College
1570 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91106-2003
(626) 585-7123
www.pasadena.edu/admissions/

Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90263
(310) 506-4000
www.pepperdine.edu/admission/

Point Loma Nazarene University
3900 Lomaland Dr
San Diego, CA 92106-2899
(619) 849-2200
www.pointloma.edu/admissions

Porterville College
100 E College Ave
Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 791-2200
www.portervillecollege.edu/Admissions/index.html

Sacramento City College
3835 Freeport Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95822-1386
(916) 558-2111

Saddleback College
28000 Marguerite Pky
Mission Viejo, CA 92692-3635
(949) 582-4500
www.saddleback.edu/ss/ar/

Saint Marys College of California
1928 Saint Marys Road
Moraga, CA 94556
(925) 631-4000
www.stmarys-ca.edu/admissions-and-aid/undergraduate-admissions/index.html

San Diego City College
1313 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101-4787
(619) 388-3400
www.sdcity.edu/admissions/default.asp

San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego, CA 92182
(619) 594-5200
arweb.sdsu.edu/es/admissions/

San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Ave
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 338-1111

San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave
Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 954-5151
www.deltacollege.edu/dept/ar/admissions/admissions.html

Santa Ana College
1530 W. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706-3398
(714) 564-6000
www.sac.edu/apps/Page.asp?Q=AdmissionsRecords

Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053
(408) 554-4000
www.scu.edu/prospective/

Shasta College
11555 Old Oregon Trail
Redding, CA 96003
(530) 242-7500
www3.shastacollege.edu/admin/

Simpson University
2211 College View Drive
Redding, CA 96003-8606
(530) 224-5600
www.simpsonu.edu/Pages/Admissions/index.htm

Taft College
29 Emmons Park Drive
Taft, CA 93268
(661) 763-7700
www.taftcollege.edu/newTC/StudentServices/admissions.html

The National Hispanic University
14271 Story Rd
San Jose, CA 95127-3823
(408) 254-6900
www.cs.utep.edu/DeptCS/courses/

University of California-Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8678
(530) 752-1011
www.ucdavis.edu/admissions/

University of California-Irvine
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-5011

University of California-Los Angeles
10920 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 825-4321

Student Review: “UCLA, honestly, has been the best experience of my life. Smack dab in the heart of Los Angeles, with a population of 20,000+, it has to be one of THE most exciting places in the world. The academic community is top-notch, the faculty is top-notch, and best of all, the food is top-notch. Overall rating… you guessed it, top-notch. You’ll meet tons of like-minded intelligent individuals, get hands on experiences no matter what major (there’s such a great variety of majors at UCLA) you choose. I most certainly would recommend UCLA to anybody. The teachers are super friendly and helpful. If you’re thinking about UCLA, choose it! You won’t go wrong.” -Juan R., student at University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Riverside
900 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521
(951) 827-1012
www.ucr.edu/future/

Student Review: “I would like to think that UCR’s teaching program made me in to the teacher I am today. What impressed me was that we were finally able to move away from theory and into the realm of application. Our only textbook was Harry Wong’s excellent ‘The First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher.’ From the very beginning, instruction was given in very small groups and cohorts – ten students were assigned to each instructor, and then we would meet as a larger group about once a week. Each instructor was also a veteran teacher, each with well over 30+ years in the classroom as well as a variety of other occupations within the field of education (reading specialists, RSP teachers, speech pathologists, administrators, just about any position on campus we had covered). The instructors continually challenged us and expected a higher caliber of instruction than what I think the teachers were producing whose classrooms we were observing/instructing in. They challenged us to create lessons and innovate within the current state standards that most teachers wouldn’t even have time for these days. Once a month the university would invite graduates to come and talk to all of the prospective new teachers. That was quite an eye-opener. Teachers of every subject at every grade level came and shared stories, techniques, materials and insights on how to be successful. We also were given opportunities to experience a variety of teaching locations. By the time my student teaching was finished, I had spent time teaching just about every level of elementary school, from kindergarten to sixth grade, from special education to gifted and advanced classes, and just about everything in between. I always heard horror stories from other teachers about when they first started teaching- how hard it was, how bad things went, how tough they had it. I never once felt that way I’m happy to say, and it was all due in part to how thorough UCR’s teaching program was.” -Nathan G., student at University of California-Riverside

University of California-San Diego
9500 Gilman Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 534-2230
www.ucsd.edu/prospective-students/undergrad.html

University of Redlands
1200 E. Colton Ave
Redlands, CA 92373-0999
(909) 793-2121
www.redlands.edu/x19.asp

University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton St
San Francisco, CA 94117-1080
(415) 422-5555
www.usfca.edu/undergraduate/

University of Southern California
University Park
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(213) 740-2311
www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/

University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Ave
Stockton, CA 95211-0197
(209) 946-2011
web.pacific.edu/x14983.xml

West Hills College-Coalinga
300 Cherry Lane
Coalinga, CA 93210
(559) 934-2000
www.westhillscollege.com/coalinga/admission/index.asp

William Jessup University
333 Sunset Blvd.
Rocklin, CA 95765-3707
(916) 577-2200
www.jessup.edu/admission

Page edited by Charles Sipe.