Find the Right Preparation Program

Subject Matter Programs

You may hear about “subject matter programs” which are different from teacher preparation programs and not the same as majoring in a subject. Successful completion of a subject matter program Page opens in new window

is one of two ways (the second is the CSET exam) in which prospective teachers can demonstrate subject matter competency.

Step 1: Research the types of teacher preparation program.

There are three different types of teacher preparation programs:

"Blended" Programs
Some colleges and universities have programs that combine course work for the bachelor’s degree and credential. Designed for individuals who know, early on, that they want to teach, these options are generally more intense than traditional programs but enable you to become a teacher faster. Some community colleges have become part of the blended program package.
Post-baccalaureate Programs
Many colleges and universities offer state-approved courses for college graduates. This "fifth year" approach involves two or three semesters of coursework and student teaching and sometimes includes a master's degree.
Alternative Certification or Intern Programs
Once you have your bachelor's degree and have met subject matter competency requirements, you may choose to work while you learn how to teach through a district or university alternative certification program. These specially designed programs put you in the classroom as a teacher (under supervision) while you complete coursework on teaching theory and techniques.

Step 2: Factors to Think About

Type of Program Offered

Consider this: Not all colleges and universities offer all the types of programs. Do you have experience teaching? Do you need to work while enrolled in a teacher preparation program?
Tip: If you are a high school student and know you want to become a teacher, consider enrolling in a blended program.

If you need to make money while becoming a teacher, or you can handle the pressure of being a student AND teaching at the same time, look into alternative/intern programs.

If you have no teaching experience, you might want to enroll in a traditional program.

Cost

Consider this: Tuition and fees differ greatly, even for campuses within the same education system (California State University or University of California).
Tip: Although the tuition for private colleges/universities is higher than state-supported universities, private colleges sometimes offer bigger scholarships that can offset the cost.

Location

Consider this: Many teacher preparation programs offer some of their courses online, potentially reducing the number of times you have to go to campus for class.

Time Classes Are Offered

Consider this: Are you going to have to work while you take classes, or do you have family responsibilities that will limit the time you are available to attend class?
Tip: Many teacher preparation programs offer some of their courses online or during the evening, which might make it easier for you to enroll in their program.

Length of Program

Consider this: Blended programs start in the undergraduate years and extend beyond the traditional 4 years of coursework because they include student teaching. Other programs last 2-3 semesters.
Tip: A shorter program will probably be less costly, but the pace of the courses will probably be a lot faster. Also, not all colleges and universities offer all the types of programs or all the time options for each type of program.

Step 3: Find Teacher Preparation Programs

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is California’s teacher licensing agency, and it maintains the most up-to-date list of teacher preparation programs Page opens in new window

There are three basic ways to search this database:

If you know the type of program in which you are interested, go to the pull-down menu at the top left of the page. Select the type of program in which you are interested.
If you are more interested in looking at institutions within a particular system, select the system (CSU, UC, Private, Districts, Counties and other Entities) of the program in which you are interested.
If you want to know what programs particular institutions offer, scroll through the list and select the specific college/university in which you are interested.

Tip:At the top of each individual campus’ information, there is a link to “Contact information” which gives the campus street address and website, and contact information of administrators and staff involved with teacher preparation.
Tip:If you would like to read the latest accreditation report or accreditation decision, click on the link “Accreditation Reports and Status.”