Teacher training in California involves completing a bachelor's degree and a state-approved teacher program. All teachers must be state-certified.
Essential Information
Two different groups of individuals might be interested in the requirements for becoming a teacher in California. Both brand-new teachers and teachers who have already been credentialed in other states will need to follow credentialing guidelines to become certified to teach in California. The requirements include a bachelor's degree, training, and state teacher licensure or certification.
| Required Education | Complete a bachelor's degree program and a state-approved teacher training program |
| Licensure and Certification | State teacher credential is required |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 4% for kindergarten, elementary school, middle school teachers, and high school teachers |
| Mean Annual Salary (May 2020)* | $85,110 for elementary school teachers in CA; $81,940 for middle school teachers in CA; $86,900 for high school teachers in CA |
Source: *United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information
Teacher training in California falls into four distinct categories. They are: elementary teachers (multiple subject teachers), secondary teachers (single subject teachers), special education teachers and vocational teachers.
Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean teacher salary in California for elementary school teachers was $85,110, while the mean teacher salary for high school teachers was $86,900 as of May 2020. These numbers may not reflect all increases paid for continuing education.
Education Requirements
Elementary, secondary and special education teachers are required to have a bachelor's degree and have completed a state-approved teacher training curriculum of the appropriate type. Vocational and career teachers must have at least a high school diploma and five years of experience in the field.
Certification Requirements
All teachers who teach in public elementary and secondary schools in California must be certified by the state. Certifications for single-subject, multiple-subject, and special education are divided into Preliminary and Clear certification. After Preliminary credentialing, the teacher is allowed five years to complete the requirements for Clear credentialing. The requirements for this credential include both university classes and experience-related activities. Requirements may be met by equivalent experience outside the state.
Exam Information
State licensing for teaching may require licensing tests. In California, these tests are required for all elementary and secondary teachers, as well as for special education teachers. These tests include the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP) and the CSU Placement Examinations.
Teachers in California can opt to be certified to teach a single subject, multiple subjects, or special education. The certification is a two-step process. After preliminary credentialing teachers are allowed up to five years to complete Clear credentialing, which involves completing classes and practical experience.