For any individual looking to become a teacher in the United States, gaining your teaching license is a core requirement.
The quality of your teaching licensure program is of the utmost importance. The better the instruction teachers receive, the higher quality instruction their students will get in return. In other words, the quality of teaching licensure directly translates into the classroom.
While online teaching credentials are often seen as non-traditional when compared to in-person instruction, the model of education is changing. Online credential programs are rapidly closing the gap in terms of quality and outcomes, and California teaching credential programs online are leading the charge.
Let’s take a look at what is required to become a teacher in California and how an online teaching credential can help you reach your career goals.
How to Become a Preschool Teacher in California
If you are interested in becoming a Pre-K teacher in California, you must achieve a Child Development Permit from the Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
The Child Development Permit has different application requirements depending on the level of permit you are applying for. The CTC offers six levels within the Child Development Permit. Each level determines the type of services the permit-holder may perform in childcare.
The Child Development Permit levels are as follows:
- Child Development Assistant Permit
- Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
- Child Development Teacher Permit
- Child Development Master Teacher Permit
- Child Development Site Supervisor Permit
- Child Development Program Director Permit
Alternatively, California educators that hold a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and approved education and experience requirements are also eligible for preschool teaching. See “How to Become an Elementary School Teacher” section for a more detailed description of how to achieve this credential.
It’s important to note that you should always contact your desired preschool, early childcare center, or employer to determine their prerequisites for employment.
How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in California
The requirements for California elementary school teachers are outlined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), and they stipulate several things:
- First, it is necessary to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally-accredited college in order to become an elementary school teacher. This can be a bachelor’s in early childhood education or a master’s in education.
- Before you apply to a program that grants a CA teaching credential online or in person, it’s crucially important to ensure that this institution is on the CCTC list of programs approved to meet the appropriate quality standards.
- It’s especially important to ensure that the program is approved when utilizing an online credential program. Quality California teaching credential programs online will broadly advertise their accredited status. For example, the Pacific Oaks College teacher credentialing programs are not only listed in the CCTC list of approved programs, but they also state their accreditation and license examination passage rates clearly on their website.
- Upon completion of an approved, accredited teacher licensure program, all that’s necessary is to take the appropriate examination. In the case of elementary schools in California, this exam will fall under the category of a “Multiple Subject Teaching Credential” exam, and fall into one of several categories explained here.
Remote education has arrived (and is here to stay) and today’s elementary school teachers can feel confident in their ability to find a quality CA teaching credential online.
How to Become a Secondary School Teacher in California
Becoming a middle or high school teacher in California requires candidates to achieve the CCTC’s Single Subject Teaching Credential.
According to the CCTC, “The Single Subject Teaching 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.”
After determining the subject you’d like to teach and at what level, take the following steps to achieve the necessary credential:
- Hold at least a B.A. from an accredited college or university.
- Satisfy CCTC’s “basic skills requirement” by choosing one of the methods outlined in the following form.
- Verify subject matter competency through achieving a passing score on subject matter exams or completing a subject-matter teacher credentialing program. These programs must be verified and can be done through an approved California college or university.
- Complete a Commission-approved educator preparation program. This can be done as a stand-alone program or “blended” in conjunction with your undergraduate degree.
- After completing the aforementioned requirements and obtaining a formal recommendation from the educator preparation program, you are able to hold a Single Subject Teaching Credential.
How to Become a School Administrator in California
A school administrator works to mentor teachers, guide curriculum, and handle public relations in a school system. If you are interested in pursuing an administrative or other leadership position within a school system, the first step is achieving a preliminary teaching credential and a master’s degree in education.
Pacific Oak’s graduate-level programs in education are offered in Pasadena, San Jose, and online. They include an M.A. in Education for Special Education and Elementary Education, specifically.
Next, you must grow your teacher credentials with the CCTC’s Administrative Services Credential.
Teacher Credentialing Programs in California
Teacher credentialing programs are a critical component of credentialing and licensure in the state of California.
Aspiring educators can complete these teacher credentialing programs through a variety of sponsoring institutions, such as:
- Colleges
- Universities
- School Districts
- County Offices of education
- And more
These programs are now offered both in-person and online. There is also a growing opportunity for blended programs, which combine undergraduate degrees in education with an approved preparation program. This allows educators to work towards their degree and credential at once.
With a huge global shift to online learning, education credentialing is also turning remote. With approved online programs like those offered by Pacific Oaks, educators can kickstart their careers without sacrificing other elements of their lives.
Learn more about Pacific Oaks College
If you would like to learn more about the academic programs available at Pacific Oaks, fill out the form below to request more information, or you can apply today through our application portal.
