Over the past ten years, Gov. Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers have invested significant amounts of state funding into various grants and initiatives aimed at recruiting, training, and retaining teachers to address the ongoing teacher shortage in the state. Furthermore, in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, lawmakers have made permanent adjustments to the teacher credentialing requirements to facilitate the process of becoming a teacher.
Aspiring teachers in California have several pathways to choose from when pursuing a teaching career. They can opt for the traditional route of attending a teacher preparation program and completing student teaching. Alternatively, they may participate in residency, apprenticeship, or internship programs that enable them to fulfill required coursework while gaining practical teaching experience.
Residency programs involve prospective teachers applying through a university teacher preparation program in collaboration with school districts. During the residency, candidates work alongside experienced teachers for a year of clinical training and typically receive a stipend for their work. Internship programs, on the other hand, allow teacher candidates with bachelor’s degrees to teach while completing their teacher preparation coursework. Interns are usually the primary teachers in the classroom and hold intern credentials until they meet the requirements for a preliminary credential.
Apprenticeship programs provide another avenue for aspiring teachers to work as paid members of school staff while gaining clinical experience and completing their bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program. Although most apprenticeship programs in California focus on early childhood education, the state is in the process of developing a registered apprenticeship program for K-12 teachers to enhance access to such opportunities.
Moreover, California offers the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program, which supports school staff in completing an undergraduate degree and earning a teaching credential. This program provides financial assistance and academic guidance to eligible staff members within awarded school districts.
When it comes to selecting a teaching credential, most California teachers hold one of three basic credentials – multiple-subject, single-subject, or education specialist. Additionally, a new PK-3 early childhood education specialist instruction credential has been authorized to address the demand for qualified teachers specializing in preschool through third-grade education.
Before obtaining a clear credential, all teachers must first earn a preliminary credential and complete a two-year induction program that offers additional training and mentorship during their 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 earn a preliminary teaching credential in California, teachers 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.
Traditionally, teachers in California were required to take the California Basic Educational Skills Test to demonstrate basic skills before entering a teacher preparation program. However, recent legislative changes have allowed candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher to bypass this requirement. Similarly, teacher candidates must show subject-matter competence by passing the appropriate tests, completing coursework, or holding a degree in the subject area they wish to teach.
Furthermore, special education candidates must meet the basic requirements for teachers and complete specialized training in areas such as mild to moderate support needs, extensive support needs, deaf and hard of hearing, visual impairments, or early childhood special education to earn a credential in that field.
Teachers relocating to California must submit their college transcripts, out-of-state teaching license, fingerprints, and proof of teaching experience to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. To expedite the application process, the commission recommends submitting out-of-state basic skills test scores and evidence of teaching experience.
Ultimately, aspiring teachers in California have a range of options and resources available to help them navigate the requirements and pathways to becoming an educator in the state. By understanding the various programs, credentials, and assessments involved, individuals can pursue their teaching career goals with clarity and confidence.
