If you are interested in becoming a teacher in the state of California, you must understand all of the requirements for teacher credentialing in order to ensure the process flows as smoothly as possible. After determining what grade level you would like to teach, there are a few fundamental steps in acquiring your teaching credential.
- The first thing you must do to begin the California teacher credentialing process is to complete at least your bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- The second requirement for the teacher credentialing process is to complete an approved teacher training program. These programs are available through universities and colleges, various community colleges, school districts, regional service centers, and other educational facilities. Those who earn their degree in California and seek a single-subject teaching credential or multi-subject credential will follow different requirements.
- Finally, all teachers looking to obtain California teacher credentialing must complete all of the necessary teacher certification tests needed for the grade level they hope to teach. Candidates for the California teacher credentialing program must pass the CBEST, CSET, and the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) to demonstrate competency in reading, writing, math, and other subject matters in order to teach it. These exams are required in order to be formally recommended for the credential by the program sponsor. The Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential candidates are required to complete the California Teaching Performance Assessments (CalTPA) in addition to the other exams.
Some teachers who have taken all of these steps to complete their bachelor’s degree, along with their California classroom teaching certificate, can add other classroom certification credentials by simply completing extra certification examinations for their areas of interest. This depends on which credential they currently hold and the one they wish to add. CTC.ca.gov outlines the additional educational requirements that may be necessary depending on the specialization.
As you can see, the credentialing process for becoming a teacher in the state of California does take a bit of time and dedication, but it is certainly worth the effort. Once you have acquired these degrees and certifications, you will have taken the steps to ensure your future and given yourself the opportunity to be employed in a variety of school settings just about anywhere in the state.
Once completed, you will quickly realize that this process was the best and most rewarding move you could have ever made for yourself and your career.
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