Have you considered becoming a teacher in California? Whether you’re an out-of-state teacher looking to relocate, an aspiring graduate eager to step into the classroom or an educational aide aiming to advance your career, the Golden State offers excellent opportunities for growth and personal fulfillment, with high demand and competitive salaries for educators.
Teaching in California can enrich both your career and personal life, providing long-term stability and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of your students. This guide will help you navigate flexible certification options, comprehensive training programs and the growing demand for educators. Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), can elevate your career by unlocking leadership roles, higher salaries and greater classroom success. Get ready to take the next step toward making your teaching career in California a reality.
Benefits of Teaching in California
As a teacher in California, you’ll enjoy competitive pay, excellent healthcare and solid retirement benefits through the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS).
The state’s strong support for education means you’ll also have access to valuable professional development opportunities. Plus, California’s natural beauty and active lifestyle create a perfect environment for balancing work and personal life so you can grow both professionally and personally.
Here’s a closer look at some of the advantages of teaching in the Golden State:
- Competitive salaries: Public school teachers in California earn an average salary of $95,160, with significant increases for those with more experience or proper credentials.
- Excellent career outlook: Strong projections show that teachers in California enjoy significant benefits, especially after achieving tenure, which provides long-term stability and peace of mind for your career.
- Professional growth: Ongoing mentorship, training programs and openings to pursue advanced degrees ensure continual career growth.
- Retirement and healthcare: CalSTRS provides teachers with a robust package that includes long-term financial security through monthly retirement income, disability and survivor benefits, in addition to post-retirement healthcare options.
Types of California Teaching Credentials
To teach in California, you need the right credentials tailored to the grade level and subject you plan to teach. These credentials ensure you’re fully equipped for the classroom so you can provide the best educational experience for your students:
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (elementary education): This credential is for teaching across all subjects in K–5 classrooms and is earned through a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, interdisciplinary majors, a 120-hour internship, a state-approved school district internship or private school teaching experience.
- Single Subject Teaching Credential (secondary education): This credential focuses on teaching specific subjects such as math, English or science in grades 6–12, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree in the subject area.
- The Special Education Teaching Credential (education specialist): This credential equips teachers to support students with special needs, offering opportunities to work with students facing visual impairments or communication challenges. You can earn this credential through an undergraduate degree program, a college or university internship or an internship within a public school district.
8 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in California
Whether you’re just starting in education or considering a career change, teaching in the Golden State offers a chance to make a lasting impact while supporting your personal and professional growth. Follow these eight steps to navigate California’s credential requirements and advance your career.
Determine if teaching is right for you
Taking the time to reflect on becoming a teacher is an invaluable first step. Teaching is a profound career that demands patience, resilience, empathy and a genuine passion for shaping young minds and creating new opportunities. By considering your motivations and readiness, you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding journey ahead.Ask yourself these fundamental questions to better assess your readiness:
- Am I willing to serve? Teaching is a service-oriented role that requires dedication to students’ well-being and success, often extending beyond standard work hours.
- Am I a continual learner? Successful educators continuously adapt their teaching strategies and embrace lifelong learning to meet evolving student and classroom needs.
- Can I accept the salary and challenges of the profession? Teacher compensation can vary, but it is important to assess whether the salary and associated challenges align with your long-term goals and personal circumstances.
Choose your area of teaching
California’s education system is diverse, innovative and well-supported. Teachers work in multicultural classrooms, utilize modern resources and take advantage of numerous professional development opportunities all while making meaningful contributions and advancing their careers. When considering a teaching career in California, find where you can have the most impact and fulfillment. Ultimately, the goal is to align your interests and strengths with the students you teach.
Fulfill the California teacher education requirements
To meet the California teacher education requirements, you must complete a bachelor’s degree and an accredited teaching program. The specific credential you pursue depends on the level and subject you want to teach.
- Elementary teachers: Obtain a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential to teach all subjects in grades K–5. This typically requires a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies or a related field, alongside a teacher preparation program that covers broad instructional strategies.
- Secondary teachers: If you wish to focus on one subject, such as math or science, you’ll need a Single Subject Teaching Credential for grades 6–12. After completing a bachelor’s degree in your chosen subject, you’ll go through a state-approved teacher preparation program.
- Special education teachers: You’ll need to earn an Education Specialist Credential to support students with special needs. This involves additional training focused on individualized instruction and accommodations.
Complete 600 hours of student teaching
One of the key achievements in becoming a teacher in California is completing 600 hours of classroom instruction. This practical experience enables you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, working closely with a mentor teacher to manage lessons, navigate classroom dynamics and respond to students’ needs. It’s a chance to gain confidence, hone your strengths and uncover areas for growth. Your student teaching experience will include:
- Classroom management: Craft your lesson plans, engage students in learning and develop techniques for managing classroom behavior. These experiences will help you understand how to create an environment that fosters learning while addressing wide-ranging student needs.
- Collaboration: Student teaching is a team effort. You’ll collaborate with experienced educators who offer valuable feedback on your teaching methods, classroom management and lesson planning. It’s also an excellent opportunity to build your professional network, connecting with fellow teachers and education professionals.
- Special education: If your focus is special education, you’ll gain hands-on experience in specialized classrooms through supervised fieldwork. You’ll work with students who have unique learning needs, develop tailored strategies to help them succeed and learn how to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for a rewarding teaching experience.
Fulfill the California Teacher Testing Requirements
Another benchmark in becoming a teacher in California is completing the necessary testing and coursework. These requirements are designed to build a solid foundation for your teaching career, ensuring you meet general education standards and demonstrate expertise in your chosen subject.
To establish yourself as a highly qualified teacher in California, proving your subject matter competence is a key milestone. Passing the required exams demonstrates your expertise and readiness to become a teacher in California classrooms. Depending on the credential you’re pursuing, you’ll need to meet specific subject requirements:
- California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST): This is required for basic skills in reading, writing and math.
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential: For those looking to teach at the elementary level, passing the CSET exams is crucial as is the Multiple Subject Teaching Exam (MSTE). These tests cover a range of subjects, including math, science and reading, ensuring you’re well-rounded in the areas elementary students need to comprehend.
- Single Subject Teaching Credential: If your goal is to teach a specific subject, such as math or English at the middle or high school level, you’ll need to pass the CSET for your chosen subject. This demonstrates that you have deep expertise and are ready to help students master these topics.
For elementary and special education teachers, proficiency in reading instruction is vital. You’ll also need to pass the California Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) to demonstrate your ability to teach reading effectively.
In certain cases, there are alternative methods to meet the basic skills requirements:
- CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP): A program for California State University students to meet the basic skills requirement.
- CSU placement exams: These exams provide another option for meeting the requirements.
Pass a background check
Once you’ve completed your testing, a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the California Department of Justice is required to ensure the safety and security of school environments.
Obtain your teaching license
Congratulations, you’re ready for your teaching license! This milestone marks your transition from student teaching to becoming a full-fledged educator. Here are six bonus steps to follow if you’re eager to start teaching in California:
- Meet educational and exam requirements: Be sure you’ve completed all required coursework and exams to demonstrate your subject expertise. This isn’t just a formality — it shows you’re fully prepared for the classroom and confident in your abilities. This not only confirms your qualifications but also helps set you up for success.
- Demonstrate subject mastery: Passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) showcases your expertise in the subjects you’ll be teaching. Alternatively, you may satisfy this requirement by completing approved coursework or a blend of coursework and exams tailored to your specialization. This positions you well for teaching in California classrooms.
- Personal and program endorsement: Once your educational requirements are met, your training program sponsor will provide a recommendation attesting to your readiness to teach. You’ll submit a personal evaluation and undergo live scan fingerprinting, which is crucial for background checks.
- Apply online: Submit your application through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The process is straightforward, but allow approximately 50 days for processing. The application fee is typically under $100.
- Receive preliminary credential: Your preliminary teaching credential, valid for five years, allows you to start teaching. During this time, you’ll need to engage in professional development by completing an approved teacher induction program or earning certification through the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards to earn your clear credential.
Apply for jobs
With California’s growing demand for teachers, now is the perfect time to leverage your student teaching experiences and professional development contacts to explore job possibilities. The state offers a fulfilling career journey where you can make a difference while benefiting from long-term growth and advancement opportunities.
Alternative Paths to Teaching in California
If you’re exploring a non-traditional route to becoming a teacher in California, several alternative options are designed to fit around your current commitments. These flexible approaches provide support and practical experience, making it easier for career changers or those already working in education to transition smoothly. Whether through a teacher residency program, an internship or a specialized program for school staff, these routes offer a structured and adaptable journey to success.
Teacher residency programs
These programs are operated in partnership between university teacher preparation
programs and school districts.
- As a resident, you will work alongside seasoned teachers and earn a full year of clinical, hands-on training.
- The bonus here is that teacher residents in California often receive a stipend while completing the program, allowing them to focus on building their teaching skills without financial strain. This track is ideal if you want to teach in California as you gain valuable experience.
District intern programs or university internship programs
These internships allow aspiring educators to teach in California while completing their
teacher preparation coursework.
- Candidates hold intern credentials, which they maintain until they meet the requirements for a preliminary credential.
- It’s a direct and immersive way to become a teacher in California while progressing academically, offering a balance of practical classroom experience and ongoing learning.
California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program
Designed for school staff members who aspire to become a teacher in California, this program provides financial aid and academic guidance to help employees earn their teaching credentials. If you’re already working in education, this program helps you easily transition into a certified teaching role, building on your experience and offering the support you need to advance your career.
Options for out-of-state teachers
If you already hold a teaching certification in another state, you may qualify for a smoother transition thanks to reciprocity agreements, which generally allow California to recognize out-of-state teaching credentials, simplifying the process of becoming a teacher here.
You must meet California’s Basic Skills Requirement within your first year of teaching. Teachers can often receive credit for previous coursework when applying for or switching to a master’s program.
Private school
Private schools in California often have more flexible credentialing requirements. While not always required, earning a California teaching credential can increase your competitiveness in the job market. Requirements may include a bachelor’s degree, prior teaching experience and a teaching credential, depending on the specific school’s standards.
Do California Teachers Need a Master’s Degree?
The short answer is no — earning a master’s degree isn’t required to become a teacher in California. However, it can dramatically increase your career prospects and salary potential. If you’re aiming to sharpen your teaching skills, boost earning potential or assume leadership roles, pursuing an M.Ed. or MAT can be a smart move. A master’s degree distinguishes you from other educators and paves the way for long-term career growth and financial stability.
Master’s degree options:
- Master of Education (M.Ed.): This degree is ideal for those moving into leadership roles, curriculum design or administration. An M.Ed. provides you with advanced expertise and positions you to make an impactful contribution to the school system.
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Perfect for educators passionate about teaching in California, the MAT strengthens classroom strategies and instructional techniques, improving student outcomes and your effectiveness as an educator.
The Impact of a Master’s Degree in Teaching
Earning a master’s degree elevates both your hireability and classroom effectiveness. With advanced qualifications like an M.Ed. or MAT, you’ll distinguish yourself from other educators, unlocking access to leadership roles and higher salaries. Additionally, many California school districts prioritize teachers with advanced degrees, making this an investment that boosts both your career and your student’s success.
Benefits of a master’s degree include:
- Enhanced teaching techniques: Develop innovative strategies to create more engaging and effective classrooms.
- Career mobility: Transition smoothly into leadership roles, expanding your influence within the school system.
- Salary growth: Many California districts offer higher salaries for teachers with advanced degrees.
- Improved student outcomes: Teachers with master’s degrees are more likely to help students reach their full potential.
Why Get Certified as a Teacher in California?
Earning your teaching certification in California is more than just a smart move — it’s your gateway to leadership roles, higher salaries and ongoing professional development. The state’s commitment to investing in its educators ensures that this process is rewarding and strategic for your career. By getting certified, you’re bolstering your qualifications and positioning yourself for long-term success in California’s supportive and forward-thinking educational system.
Benefits of California certification include:
- Leadership potential: Becoming certified opens gateways for growth into administrative or leadership roles.
- Increased salary: Certification makes salary growth attainable as school districts often prioritize highly qualified teachers.
- Professional development: You gain access to advanced professional development programs to keep your skills updated and relevant.
Salary and Job Outlook for Teachers in California
If you’re considering becoming a teacher in California, it’s important to know that the demand for qualified educators is increasing. This need is driven by a growing student population, teacher retirements and the commitment to reducing class sizes. As noted by the Employment Development Department, teaching in California provides stability and a wealth of job prospects across all educational levels, making it a highly appealing career choice.
Competitive Salaries
Teaching in California offers competitive salaries, among the highest in the country. Here
are the salary figures for different teaching roles, as reported from the California Department of Education:
- Elementary school teacher (beginning salary range): $51,352–$58,553
- Elementary school teacher (highest annual salary range): $103,442–$119,489
- High school teacher (beginning salary range): $51,260–$62,635
- High school teacher (highest annual salary range): $100,643–$128,982
- Average salary of public school teachers in 2022-2023 in California: $95,160
The state’s commitment to recruiting, training and retaining teachers guarantees continued growth in career evolution. California’s diverse student population also provides unique teaching experiences and avenues for personal and professional development.
Elevate Your Teaching Career With a Master’s Degree From USD
Teaching in California provides numerous alternatives for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re starting your career or advancing to the next level, the state’s commitment to education, diverse student population and vigorous support for teachers create an ideal environment for success. By earning your teaching credential, you’ll have access to professional development, career mobility and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the classroom in a state whose investment in its educators provides a solid foundation for long-term success.
Pursuing a master’s degree, such as an M.Ed. or MAT, further boosts your career prospects, improving your “hireability” and overall performance. A master’s degree prepares you for leadership roles and higher salaries, but it also magnifies your teaching methods and amplifies the impression you leave on your pupils. Programs like the University of San Diego’s Master of Education provide flexible options for working educators, enabling you to expand your skills while continuing your career. With many school districts prioritizing teachers with advanced degrees, this path can lead to long-term success and a deeper connection to your purpose.
