Q:Are most California public schools
experiencing an immediate demand for teachers? What subject areas and/or
grade levels are experiencing the greatest demand for teachers?
A: Over the next
decade, California public schools will need to hire 195,000 new teachers.
Class size reduction (enabling districts to reduce classroom enrollment
to 20 in K-3 and some 9th grade classes), rising student enrollment
and projected teacher attrition have all contributed to the growing
demand for teachers. In general, most school districts throughout the
state are experiencing a high demand for elementary school teachers
as well as teachers of the following subject areas: special education,
English as a second language, math, science and bilingual education.
Large urban school districts (with a student enrollment population
of 50,000 or greater) and rural school districts are experiencing a
high demand for new teachers at all grade levels and subject areas.
Q:I want to be a teacher and am now
enrolled at a community college. Are there courses here that I can
take that count towards becoming a teacher?
A: Many community
colleges offer teacher preparation courses that are transferable to
teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities. Check with
an academic counselor at your college for more information. In addition,
over half of the community colleges have Teacher Development and Reading
Partnership (TRDP programs that offer courses and provide classroom
experience as tutors.
Q:How do I become a credentialed teacher
in California?
A: To become a
credentialed teacher, you will need to have a bachelor´s degree
or higher from a regionally accredited university, meet the basic skills requirement, complete coursework and have
classroom experience. California universities and school districts
with programs approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
offer various teacher preparation routes including:
1. Blended Program
These special programs combine the classes you need for your bachelor´s
degree with the coursework and experience you need for teacher training.
2. Post-baccalaureate
Teacher Preparation Program
These programs involve two or three semesters of coursework and student
teaching after you have received your baccalaureate degree. At some
universities you may even earn a master´s degree at the same
time.
3. District/County Office
of Education Internship Program
District/County Office of Education Intern Certificates are issued
to program candidates by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
and are valid for two years. During this two-year period the interns
are required to complete training, inservice, professional development
and experience requirements as specified in the school district´s
professional development plan. All of these requirements are fulfilled
on-site at the sponsoring school district. At the end of the two years,
the district´s governing board recommends to the Commission that
the intern be granted a professional clear credential, if appropriate.
4. University Internship
Credential
University Internship Credential programs are administered by California
colleges and universities in partnership with local school districts.
They are designed to provide participants with classroom experience
while they complete course work requirements for the preliminary or
professional clear credential over a one- two year period. Employment
during the internship is restricted to the district that has a partnership
with the university administering the program.
Q:What is the CBEST and how long does
it remain valid?
A: The CBEST stands
for the California Basic Educational Skills Test. As required by law,
this test is used to assess and verify proficiency in mathematics,
reading, and writing skills. For registration materials, go to the
nearest college/university in your area and pick-up a bulletin from
the department of teacher education or call 916-928-4001. Their website
is www.cbest.nesinc.com. The CBEST does not have an expiration date.
Q:What kind of salary can I look forward
to as a new teacher?
A: According to
the American Federation of Teachers 2002, the average salary for teachers
in California is $52,480 and new legislation supports a new minimum
beginning salary of $34,000. The average starting salary in the state
is $33,121. Because teacher salaries are established by each school
district, contact a school district directly for more specific information
regarding teacher salary schedules and benefits.
Q:I have a bachelor's degree and I
am halfway done with my Master's in the same field, but I do not want
to teach this subject. Do I need to get a degree in the subject area
that I want to teach?
A: No. Prospective
teachers who can not demonstrate subject matter competency from their
undergraduate major can take the California Subject Examinations for
Teacher (CSET) before entering a teaching preparation program. For
detailed information, please seek advice from a teaching program advisor
at an accredited university.
Q:What is an alternative certification
program?
A: Alternative
certification programs include internships targeting individuals who
have related work experience and subject matter preparation or are
seeking to change careers. Contact the California Commission on Teacher
Credentialing (CCTC) at (916) 445-7256 for a complete listing of alternative
credentialing programs, call your local college or university, or search
the TEACH California Web site for intern programs.
Q:What is an "approved teaching preparation
program" and where are they?
A: Approved teaching
preparation programs are programs that have been approved by the California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), the state agency responsible
for credentialing teachers. A full listing of these programs can be
found by logging on to www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/approved-programs.html
Q:I want to teach in California but
I have an out-of-state credential. What do I need to do?
A: Recent legislation
has made it easier for you to teach in California. Factors that affect
what your next steps are include the number of years you taught in
your home state, whether you have passed the CBEST, and if you have
National Board Certification.
Q:Do you have more questions about
obtaining your credential?
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