California is addressing its teacher shortage by making changes to teacher credentialing requirements to attract and retain educators. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislators have invested heavily in grants and programs to recruit, train, and support teachers. These efforts aim to ease the persistent shortage of educators in the state.
One significant change in California’s approach to teacher credentialing is the introduction of various pathways for aspiring teachers. Teacher candidates now have the option to choose between traditional routes, such as attending a teacher preparation program and completing student teaching, or alternative pathways like residencies, internships, apprenticeships, or integrated undergraduate programs.
Residencies
Residency programs offer prospective teachers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the classroom while working alongside experienced educators. During their residency, candidates receive clinical training and are typically paired with mentor teachers for guidance. These programs, often offered through university partnerships with school districts, provide a stipend to candidates as they prepare for their teaching careers.
Internships
Internship programs allow teacher candidates with bachelor’s degrees to teach in classrooms while completing their teacher preparation coursework. Unlike traditional student teaching roles, interns take on primary teaching responsibilities and hold intern credentials until they fulfill the requirements for a preliminary credential. Both district intern programs and university internship programs offer candidates valuable real-world teaching experience.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programs provide aspiring teachers with the opportunity to work as paid members of school staff while gaining clinical experience and completing their bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program. These programs often offer free or reduced-price tuition to participants. While most apprenticeship programs in California focus on early childhood education, the state is developing a registered apprenticeship program for K-12 teachers to expand access to quality teacher training.
In addition to these pathways, California offers a Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program to support school staff members who wish to pursue a teaching career. This program provides financial assistance and academic guidance to employees in districts that have received state grants. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to complete an undergraduate degree and earn a teaching credential.
To become a certified teacher in California, individuals must obtain one of three basic teaching credentials: multiple-subject, single-subject, or education specialist. Each credential caters to specific teaching roles, with multiple-subject credentials designed for elementary school teachers, single-subject credentials for middle and high school educators, and education specialist credentials for special education teachers. A newly authorized PK-3 early childhood education specialist instruction credential is also available to meet the demand for qualified teachers in preschool through third grade.
Before earning a clear teaching credential, all educators in California must first obtain a preliminary credential and complete a two-year induction program. This program offers additional training and mentorship during the initial years of teaching. Teachers with preliminary credentials who are nationally board certified in early childhood or middle childhood are exempt from the induction requirement.
To qualify for a preliminary teaching credential, individuals must have a bachelor’s degree, complete an accredited teacher preparation program, undergo 600 hours of student teaching, pass a background check, fulfill required tests or coursework, demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, and receive a recommendation from their teacher preparation program. A preliminary credential is valid for five years.
California has updated its approach to testing requirements for teacher candidates, allowing them to use university-approved coursework or a college degree in place of traditional tests in many cases. The state has eliminated the California Basic Educational Skills Test for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher, streamlining the credentialing process for aspiring teachers.
Teacher candidates are still required to demonstrate subject-matter competence through tests, coursework, or a combination of both. The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) have traditionally assessed subject proficiency, but candidates now have more flexibility in meeting this requirement. Additionally, completion of a bachelor’s degree in the subject area of the credential sought can also fulfill this requirement.
Special education candidates in California must meet the same basic requirements as other teachers and complete additional instruction in specific areas to earn a credential in special education. Out-of-state teachers moving to California must submit their college transcripts, out-of-state teaching license, and fingerprinting proof to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for evaluation.
The application process for teacher credentialing in California is primarily done online through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s website. While application fees vary based on the document, most are under $100. The commission typically takes about 50 days to process applications, making it essential for aspiring teachers to plan ahead and submit their materials in a timely manner.
California’s commitment to improving teacher recruitment and training is evident in the various pathways and programs available to aspiring educators. By offering diverse options for teacher preparation and credentialing, the state aims to attract a new generation of dedicated and qualified teachers to meet the evolving needs of its educational system.