Answers to Common Questions
CDE/SED Top 10 FAQ
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 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 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 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 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 Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) 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 Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), 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?
A: Log on to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing Web site’s “Frequently Asked Question” section at www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CAW-FAQ.html
