HOW TO BECOME A TEACHER IN CALIFORNIA

YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING A TEACHING CREDENTIAL
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Table of Contents

What are the advantages of

becoming a teacher in california?

By considering a career in teaching, you are considering an invaluable, impactful career that offers you the opportunity to change lives and shape the future generation. Facing a national shortage of well-prepared teachers, passionate well-prepared teachers are needed more than ever, especially in the state of California.

Job growth for teachers is expected to hold strong over the next ten years. With a growth rate of 5 percent (which is about as fast as the national average for all occupations), you will enter a career with strong job prospects and the promise of long-term stability. Many states are eager for well-prepared new teachers as veteran teachers retire or advance out of the classroom.

01

STEPS TO BECOMING A TEACHER —

REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDENTIALING

THERE ARE FIVE CRITICAL THINGS YOU NEED TO COMPLETE BEFORE YOU WILL BE QUALIFIED TO BECOME A TEACHER AND WORK IN A CALIFORNIA CLASSROOM:

Steps To Becoming A Teacher

02

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TEACHING CREDENTIAL

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDENTIAL OPTIONS

California’s credential system aims to meet the increasing need for specialization and deeper knowledge as students advance through middle and high school.It also reflects the necessity of training teachers to work with children and young adults with disabilities.

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ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

It is important to know what you want to teach and what age range you would like to teach as you begin the process of exploring how to become a teacher in California. Without this self-knowledge, you will have a hard time choosing which credential to pursue.

  • Am I interested in teaching in private or public schools?
  • Which age groups or ranges would I enjoy working with?
  • Am I interested in early childhood education, elementary education, or middle school/high school education?
  • Am I interested in general or special education?
  • What subject areas am I interested in teaching?

CREDENTIALS AND AUTHORIZATIONS IN SPECIFIC FIELDS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND

Consider selecting an area of authorization or credential specialization to enhance your job opportunities. Currently, California is facing teacher shortages across all subjects, but the state is particularly in need of teachers who are skilled in STEM (California is projected to need more than 33,000 mathematics and science teachers over the next decade), special education, and bilingual studies (for Spanish and other languages).

Choosing a credential in a high-demand field improves your job offer choices and negotiations.

CREDENTIALING IS A GRADUAL PROCESS

Once you have successfully completed all the requirements for credentialing, you will be issued a Preliminary or Level I Credential, which is valid for up to five years and allows you to begin teaching. Think of this as your probationary credential; in order to graduate to a Clear or Level II Credential, you have to submit additional specific requirements depending on your specialty, preparation pathway and the accompanying documentation.

03

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM

As a future leader in the field of education, you owe it to yourself to choose the right teacher preparation program that matches your goals and interests. Here is what you need to know about finding and choosing the right program for you.

WHICH TEACHER PREPARATION APPROACH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

It is possible to do a teacher preparation program quickly and cost-effectively (even while obtaining a bachelor’s degree), and this could be a suitable choice for individuals — depending on life circumstances and overall professional goals.

It is critically important to view your teacher preparation program as a chance to invest in your long-term happiness and professional success. A program that has a reputation for excellence will be rigorous, but a quality program will also serve as a launching pad for your ideal career.

Your success as a teaching professional depends on how well you have been prepared to navigate the education field, how effectively you can work with students and others, and how committed you are to a vision of education that is both practical and full of hope for the changing future.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CALIFORNIA TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM

Not all teacher preparation programs are created equal — you will need to exercise your best judgment when picking a program. It is possible to weed out the substandard programs from the strong ones by evaluating programs.

Here are the questions you should have on your mind as you look for the best teacher preparation program that will support your long-term goal — to become the best possible teacher you can be.

CLASSROOM ICON

DOES THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE EXTENSIVE CLASSROOM TIME OR FIELDWORK?

Just like your future students will need dedicated time in your classroom, you need lots of dedicated time in various learning environments - learning experientially what it means to teach effectively and practice good management skills.

The teacher preparation program you choose should place a strong emphasis on getting you into the classroom setting as a student teacher in conjunction with your required coursework. This will allow you to bring the experiential lessons you are learning back into the discussions taking place through your coursework and vice versa. Make sure the program you choose will be able to place you for student teaching and help you make the most of this crucial type of learning.

FACULTY ICON

DOES THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE STRONG SUPPORT FROM MENTORS AND FACULTY?

One of the many reasons why extensive fieldwork is so important is because of the mentoring that takes place when you teach under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Make sure the program you choose is led by faculty who are accessible to students and who will take time to support your learning needs.

For example, the teacher credentials and Teacher Residency Program offered at the University of San Diego (USD) are programs with stAg community connections. Our long-standing relationships with local schools mean that students in our programs get to teach alongside either USD alumni or teachers with proven relationships who want to mentor and support USD students. The Teacher Residency Program especially allows prospective teachers to gain first-hand experience and put classroom theory into practice.

LEADERS ICON

DOES THIS PROGRAM EMPHASIZE THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS AS LEADERS IN THE EDUCATION SETTING?

Evaluate the language the program uses to describe itself and think about the context of the program. Is it offered by a school that encourages excellence and leadership? Does the program talk about itself primarily as a means to an end? While a teacher preparation program should be practical and focused on getting you in the classroom, it should also be able to help you grow holistically. Teaching is both a rigorous and fulfilling career.

As you prepare to become a teacher, think about the values you will promote in your classroom, the kind of role model you want to be for students, and how you will use your gifts and talents to lead and create change within your school and the world of education.

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DOES THIS PROGRAM HAVE A HISTORY OF SUCCESSFUL TEACHER PLACEMENT?

The program you choose should have a history of successful placements for past students and should be ready and willing to talk about their placement record with you. If a program has a strong track record of placement, it is an excellent indication the program is reputable. In fact, the school's reputation for excellence may give you an advantage over other applicants when the time comes to find your teaching dream job.

Learn more about where USD graduates are working — both in schools locally and across the nation.

DIVERISTY ICON

DOES THIS PROGRAM PRIORITIZE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION?

There are two reasons why diversity and inclusion is an important quality in a teacher preparation program. First, a school that internally manifests diversity in its faculty and student body demonstrates a commitment to thoughtful conversation and social justice.

Second, a program that models diversity and inclusion will prepare you to serve in culturally and linguistically diverse school settings. The program should have comprehensive learning objectives that include universal design, and inclusive teaching and learning theories and practices. Your future students will benefit from being taught by someone who knows how to model actions, teach inclusively, and lead conversations about social justice and respect for all persons.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES ICON

DOES THIS PROGRAM USE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO LEARN AND COMPLETE PROJECTS?

Although it is possible to learn on the job, a good teacher preparation program should incorporate emerging education technologies in its classrooms and help you learn how, when, and why you should bring these tools into your own classroom. This will prevent you from encountering the frustration and confusion that many new teachers experience when asked to use new technology and methods while also settling into teaching more generally

04

LEARN ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO’S TEACHING CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS

At the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Educational Sciences (SOLES), we offer future educators three program pathways to obtaining a teaching credential in California. These pathways include a Preliminary Credential Only Programs, an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with Credential(s), and a Bilingual Authorization with Spanish Emphasis.

With regards to our Preliminary Credential Only Programs, you can choose from three types of teaching credentials:

With regards to our MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with Credential(s), you can choose from the following:

One Credential Track

  • Elementary, Multiple Subject (K-6)
  • Secondary, Single Subject (7-12)
  • Special Education (Mild to Moderate)
  • Teacher Residency Program*

Dual Credential Track

  • Elementary, Multiple Subject (K-6) & Special Education (Mild to Moderate)
  • Secondary, Single Subject (7-12) & Special Education (Mild to Moderate)
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*In our new Teacher Residency Program, MEd students are paired with a mentor teacher and will work in the San Diego Unified School District. Students will also earn a stipend while completing student teaching. This program is designed specifically for candidates selected by the school district and living and working in San Diego.

The most recent addition to USD’s teaching pathways is our a Bilingual Authorization, Spanish Emphasis. The authorization allows teacher candidates to teach in a dual language instruction setting.and it is taken concurrently with the preliminary multiple subject credential.

PURSUING A DUAL CREDENTIAL (IN MULTIPLE OR SINGLE SUBJECT & SPECIAL EDUCATION)

USD was one of the first institutions to recognize the needs and benefits of obtaining two credentials. Its unique and innovative Dual Credential Program meets all state requirements for becoming a general education and mild-to-moderate special education teacher. By combining general education and special education credential requirements, you do not have to take parallel courses for each credential. Instead, you will leave our program with both credentials and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction.

Dual Credential Programs help prospective teachers increase their chances of being hired and expand their employment opportunities. Earning more than one credential increases your ability to apply for more job openings and to transition schools and career trajectories more easily. Since special education is a high-need subject area in California, these candidates are highly sought by school districts throughout the state.

It is important to note that because special education teachers are in high demand, candidates who pursue the Dual Credential Program may be asked to fill these roles first. As you become established within a school district, you will be able to pursue various opportunities in general education and special education. Therefore, future teachers who are passionate about serving diverse populations across general and special education are the ideal candidates for Dual Credential Programs.

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HEAR FROM USD STUDENTS PURSUING A DUAL CREDENTIAL:

 

What are the BENEFITS of getting a dual credential?

Benefits

  • Increase marketability
  • Sharpens skills and increase knowledge
  • Expands opportunities for employment
  • Enables transitioning to other schools easier
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05

The Value of Adding a Master’s Degree in Education to Your Teaching Credential

As long as the field of education is evolving, your career in teaching can evolve too, allowing you to take on new challenges and grow professionally.

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential is the first step to getting into the classroom environment. However, individuals aspiring to advance their careers in education generally require a master's degree. With a master’s degree, you will have the confidence that you have the marketable skills needed to go on to work in school administration, curriculum development, special education, research and academia, and more.

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ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

When you get a master’s at the beginning of your teaching career, you tap into a higher earning tier from year one and reap the benefits of that higher salary throughout your career.

Upon graduation, teachers with master’s degrees earn an average of $5,300 more than those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree. This means over the span of a career, teachers with master’s degrees earn over $160,000 more than those with a bachelor’s. With regards to salaries for teachers in California specifically, teachers can expect a more sustainable salary compared to the national average. The average salary of public school teachers in 2020–21 for the state of California was approximately $85,000, which is nearly $20,000 more than the national average for teachers.

Further, depending on the area of expertise, level of experience, and specific school setting, teachers in San Diego can expect to earn approximately $75,000. School administrators working in San Diego can expect an average salary of $90,000. In short, earning a master’s degree from the outset provides both immediate and long-lasting financial benefits, making it a valuable investment for educators seeking to maximize their career potential and stability in the field.

A Master’s Degree Makes You More Prepared as an Educator

Getting your master’s in education while pursuing a credential is not only a smart financial and career decision, but it also means you are better prepared to enter the classroom. 

With a master’s degree in education, you will:

  • Acquire deeper insights into the theoretical and practical applications of education theory
  • Develop leadership skills applicable to the classroom and school site
  • Conduct research about teaching practices
  • Experience a higher earning potential
  • Establish yourself as a true leader in the field of education
06

TAKE THE FIRST STEP IN ADVANCING YOUR TEACHING CAREER; CONNECT WITH UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO SOLES

Our goal at USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences is to create an academically rich environment, engage our students in contemporary and innovative research-based practices, and develop leading teachers who embrace a global perspective guided by our mission: to address the needs of all learners with a culture of care.

Ready to learn more about navigating the world of financial aid for your graduate education? Learn more here. 

USD SOLES is committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of America’s best teachers. To learn more about our teacher preparation programs and the credentialing options available here at SOLES, check out our website.

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