California Teacher Requirements

Requirements For Becoming an Elementary School California Teacher

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Completing the basic skills requirements
• Complete the RCIA exam
• Completion of a two-semester-unit course on the United States Constitution
• Finishing an approved multiple subject teacher preparation program
• Formal recommendation

Requirements For Becoming a Middle or High School California Teacher

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Meet the basic skills requirement
• Complete a state-accepted exam on your subject matter of interest
• Complete a two-semester-unit course on the United States Constitution
• Finish a teacher preparation program
• Attain a formal recommendation

Requirements For Becoming a Special Education Instructor

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Meet basic skills requirement
• Finish the RCIA exam and the Constitution course
• Complete a state-approved educator preparation program
• Formal recommendation

Options For Completing the Basic Skills Requirements Necessary For Attaining a Certificate

• Pass the CBEST exam
• Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects test
• Complete a CSU Early Assessment Program or CSU Placement Exam
• Appropriate SAT scores; these include 500 or higher on the Critical Reading section and 550 or more on the Mathematics segment
• Attain a 22 or higher on the ACT English exam and 23 or high on the Mathematics section

A Background

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has three separate protocols for prospective teachers. These include separate segments for those who wish to teach in elementary schools, those who will work in middle or high schools, and people who want to teach special education students.

Regardless of where you will go, you must meet the proper requirements for becoming a teacher. All applicants are also subject to a background check and the submission of a fingerprint card. Furthermore, an application processing fee is required among all participants.

How to Become an Elementary School California Teacher

You can attain a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential to become an elementary school teacher. The certification states that you can teach all subjects in a classroom environment.

You will attain a five-year preliminary teaching certificate at the start, which can be cleared to be a full certificate that you can renew later. In addition, you must earn a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university at the start. You must then satisfy the basic skills requirements in the state, which are listed lower in this report.

All teachers must complete an educator preparation program or subject matter program within the state. Furthermore, you can complete your studies at one of many colleges or universities in the state, including ones in the California State University and University of California systems. Additionally, the effort is about confirming your competence in a subject of value.

New teachers must complete the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment or RICA, and then a two-semester-unit course on the United States Constitution.

Finally, you require a formal recommendation from the sponsor of whatever program you have completed.

How to Become a Middle or High School California Teacher

Middle and high school teachers will need their Single Subject Teaching Credentials to work in the state. However, the certification is for teaching students in a specific subject. The work entails educating people in English, but you can also work in the ESL field.

You must attain a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet the basic skills requirement. You can pass an exam verified by the state.

All teachers must also complete a two-semester-unit course on the United States Constitution. They will also complete an approved teacher preparation program focusing on developing English-language skills, understanding instructional technology, and working on health education. A formal recommendation is also necessary for a certificate.

How to Become a Special Education Instructor

You may also qualify to become a special education instructor by completing a bachelor’s degree program and a preparation program focusing on special education needs. These include the need for educating students with physical, mental, or learning disabilities.

You must meet the basic skills requirements for your course and also pass the RICA test and the Constitution course. Applicants must also complete a state-sponsored education specialist credential program.

Basic Skills Requirements

All prospective teachers in California must meet the basic skills requirements posted by the state. Furthermore, you can satisfy the requirement through one of these efforts:

• Pass the California Basic Education Skills Test or CBEST; the test entails a review of reading, writing, and mathematics
• Pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects exam; a writing skills exam may appear here
• Attain a passing score on the California State University Early Assessment Program or Placement Exam
• Score a 500 or greater on the Critical Reading section of the SAT exam and a 550 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the SAT
• Score 22 or more on the ACT English exam and 23 or greater on the ACT Mathematics exam

Acquiring a Clear Credential

You must attain a clear credential to be eligible to renew your license to teach in California. Also, you cannot renew a primary license after it expires in five years. You can hold a clear credential, which will let you renew your license for five years. The clear point ensures you’ll have access to all your work needs while ensuring you can utilize all the advantages available for educational purposes.

The clearing process entails attending a new teacher induction program at an accredited college or university. As a result, it can take about two years to complete the program. The program entails reviewing how well you can educate students and plan your lessons and other features.

Renewing Your Certification

You will be eligible to renew your certification for five years after you clear your credential. The renewal process is to ensure all teachers complete the necessary work for study purposes. Besides, the CTC will help you with the renewal process.

Finally, you must complete a General Education Induction Program supported by the state. The program helps you recognize the newest trends in health education, teaching technology, and how to support English learners. You can check with the school that employs you to see what fits when you’re trying to handle your studies.