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Resources for Aspiring Teachers in California

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Outreach Materials

Are you recruiting new teachers into California classrooms?

View outreach materials here.

Photo of TEACH California brochures.
Resource Title Brief Description
A Special Education Teacher’s Real-World Lessons Will Inspire You
Sadie Guthrie, a special education teacher at Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco, uses a mobile coffee cart to teach her students real world skills and an entire school about compassion. Make a difference in a child's life. Become a teacher.
Association for Science Teacher Education
The mission of the ASTE is to promote excellence in science teacher education worldwide through scholarship, collaboration, and innovation in science teacher education. Provides some science educator awards.
Bachelor's Plus Early Pathway
The Bachelor's Plus Early Pathway: Multiple Subject Program (BPEP: MS formerly the Fast-Track or Blended Program) is a coordinated effort between the Liberal Studies Program and the Department of Teacher Education to assist students in simultaneously attaining both their Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Become a Special Education Teacher
View this video to see some teachers are making a huge difference in the lives of children with special needs. Bring your life experiences and become a special education teacher. Learn more at the TEACH California Web site, http://www.teachcalifo...Icon indicating a URL to an external Web site
California Association of Science Teachers (CASE)
The CASE seeks to promote and support all aspects of effective science teaching; encourage the natural curiosity of learners at all levels; increase scientific literacy and the application of science to everyday life; promote science as a vehicle for lifelong learning for all citizens; and assume a leadership role in advocating for science education and creating an understanding of the value of science.
California Career Resource Network
The California Career Resource Network (CalCRN) distributes career information, resources, and training materials to middle school and high school counselors, educators, and administrators, in order to ensure that middle schools and high schools have the necessary information available to provide a pupil with guidance and instruction on education and job requirements necessary for career development. CalCRN is a program within the California Department of Education.
California Center on Teaching Careers
The Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) was awarded the 2017 California Center on Teaching Careers (The Center) grant to provide collaborative leadership on a statewide level through seven regional satellite centers (County Offices of Education from Tulare [Lead], Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sonoma, Ventura, and Shasta) dedicated to increasing the teacher workforce, particularly in the recruitment of ethnically diverse/bilingual math, science, and special education teachers. The mission of the Center is to elevate the teaching profession through attracting new and existing talent to impact teaching and learning in California's 21st Century classrooms. The Center helps prospective teachers learn more about the profession and career pathways, and hosts virtual job fairs.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
The CTC is the California state agency that governs all teacher preparation and credentialing matters. Visit the site for more detailed information on the various pathways and requirements for obtaining a California teaching credential.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing - Approved Teacher Preparation Programs
For educators prepared in California, completing a Commission-approved educator preparation program is required to earn a credential or authorization. This page includes a list of all approved programs.
California Department of Education - Become a Teacher
Resources for individuals considering a career in teaching, including information about career exploration, California's college systems, financial support, and credentialing requirements.
California Department of Education-External Resources
Links to Web sites for organizations, universities, museums, archives and libraries with source materials related to History, Geography, Government and Economics assembled by the California Department of Education.
California Educator Credentialing Assessments
Hosted by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, this site provides information about California educator credentialing assessments, including how to register, prepare, and get results for the CalAPA, CalTPA, CBEST, CPACE, CSET, CTEL, RICA, NES, and WEST.
California School Directory
Do you want to learn more about California public schools, private schools (including nonpublic nonsectarian schools), school districts, and county offices of education? Use this nifty search tool to find the information that you seek.
California Schools' Mobile Application - Directory Information and More
Learn more about the California Department of Education’s new mobile application for Apple and Android phones. Find information about local schools, including physical location, maps, photos, statistics and more.
California Science Teachers Association-Student Chapters
Student chapters are separate from, but affiliated with, the California Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and are a means to connect student or pre-service teachers of science with each other, with resources and activities in their college or university, and with their statewide science teacher organization.
Career Exploration
There are several resources in California that offer information for those interested in a career in the teaching profession, for high school students, those graduating from high school, and even adults who have been in another career. Check out this page to learn about career exploration possibilities: https://www.cde.ca.gov...Icon indicating a URL to an external Web site
CBEST Preparation Materials
General information and preparation materials for the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test), including sample questions and tutorials. Provided by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Center for Engineering, Science and Mathematics Education (CESAME) - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
California Polytechnic State University's Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESAME) has model teacher education and professional development programs, such as the Science Teacher and Researcher (STAR) summer research internship program for aspiring and early career science and mathematics teachers; Cal Poly’s Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) and Scholarship program; the Learn By Doing Laboratory, a local preschool to senior year in college, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiative; and various professional development programs for local science and mathematics teachers.
College Navigator at the National Center for Educational Statistics
Find the right college for you on this U.S. Department of Education funded Website. Search by college name, state, program/major, level of award, and type of institution.
College Resources
Are you looking for information about California's college systems? Here's a helpful list from the CA Department of Education.
Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE)
The Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE) was formed in 1979 to protect the lawful educational rights of children with disabilities by fostering the fair and just implementation of IDEA and state special education law.
Computer Science Teachers Association
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science and other computing disciplines. CSTA provides opportunities for K-12 teachers and students to better understand, teach, and learn in the computing disciplines.
CSET: Mathematics Preparation Materials (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing)
General information and preparation materials for the CSET: Mathematics exam, including sample questions and tutorials. Provided by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
CSET: Science Preparation Materials (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing)
General information and preparation materials for the CSET: Science exam, including sample questions and tutorials. Provided by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
CUE (originally Computer Using Educators)
CUE’s mission and vision is to inspire innovative learners by fostering community, personalizing learning, infusing technology, developing leadership, and advocating educational opportunities for all.
EdJoin
Looking for a teaching job in California? The EdJoin website, sponsored by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA), provides information about career fairs and enables users to apply online for teaching and other education-related jobs.
EnCorps - Transition from industry to teaching
EnCorps empowers STEM professionals to transform public education by teaching in high needs schools. The EnCorps STEM Teaching Fellowship is a rigorous on-ramp and exploration of a teaching career -- offering teaching fellows the field experience, knowledge and connections to ensure they thrive. Through a selective application process, qualified professionals from science, technology, engineering and math industries are accepted into EnCorps and supported as they become California credentialed teachers in high needs schools.
Every Kid Needs a Champion
Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don’t like.” A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.
Exploratorium: Mathematics
Discover mathematics through online resources, videos, and hands-on activities from the Exploratorium.
Financial Support
An undergraduate degree and completion of a teacher preparation program are required in order to become a credentialed teacher, and both demand sufficient funds to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses. Having financial support can often mean the difference in a student’s ability to become a teacher. Identifying sources of financial support and publicizing their existence are important ways the California Department of Education assists future educators realize their career aspirations.
Flyer: How Can I Teach Mathematics?
A downloadable flyer for electronic distribution, which answers the question: "I have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. How do I get my teaching credential?"
Flyer: How Can I Teach Science?
A downloadable flyer for electronic distribution, which answers the question: "I have a bachelor’s degree in science. How do I get my teaching credential?"
Flyer: How Can I Teach Special Education?
A downloadable flyer for electronic distribution, which answers the question: "How can I become a special education teacher? I have a bachelor’s degree."
Flyer: Out-of-Country Teachers
A downloadable flyer for electronic distribution, which answers the question: "I have a teaching credential/license from outside the United States. How can I teach in California?"
Flyer: Out-of-State Teachers
A downloadable flyer for electronic distribution, which answers the question: "I’m a credentialed teacher from out of state. How can I teach in California?"
Flyer: What help is available to support new teachers?
A downloadable flyer for electronic distribution, which answers the question: "What help is available to support new teachers?"
Fulbright US Student Program
This website lists the types of grants available and what is required to apply for them. Aimed at students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, teaching in elementary and secondary schools and English Teaching Assistant Programs worldwide.
Getting Credentialed and Finding a Job
The CDE website has some helpful information about the requirements for becoming a teacher and finding a teaching job in California.
Illuminations (NCTM)
Lesson plans, interactives, games, brainteasers, and more teaching tools from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
IRIS Center
The IRIS Center is a national center dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities birth through age twenty-one, through the use of effective evidence-based practices and interventions. It has recently released two new resources.
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) awards Teaching Fellowships to those individuals who have earned, or are in the process of earning, a degree in science, mathematics or engineering from a recognized institution of higher education. Fellowships are offered for individuals committed to teaching high school mathematics, physical sciences, or biological sciences.
Math and Science Teacher Initiative - CSU Channel Islands
The California State University Channel Islands Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative provides information about MaST partnerships, pathways to becoming a secondary (middle or high school) math or science teacher, financial aid opportunities, teacher support, and more.
Math and Science Teacher Initiative - CSU Chico
The Center for Mathematics and Science Education provides resources for strengthening K-14 teaching practices in mathematics and science by helping undergraduates enter the teaching profession as competent and confident facilitators of math and science content knowledge, providing professional development for practicing teachers and supporting K-12 outreach activities of the College of Natural Sciences.
Math and Science Teacher Initiative - CSU Los Angeles
CSU Los Angeles' Math & Science Teacher Initiative seeks to increase the number of competent credentialed math & science teachers graduating from CSULA by building a clear pathway to expedite the degree/credential procedure, by providing financial and social support for students aspiring to be math and science teachers, and by building bridges with local high-schools and community colleges to encourage students to become high-school math or science teachers.
Math and Science Teacher Initiative - CSU Northridge
California State University Northridge has one of the largest math and science education credentialing programs in the state of California and offers specialized instruction in the teaching of math and science, rather than just the generalized teaching methods taught at many institutions.
Math and Science Teacher Initiative - CSU San Francisco
San Francisco State University's Center for Science and Mathematics Education awards the CSME Teaching Fellowship (formerly known as the MSTI Teaching Fellowship) to support students pursuing careers in K-12 mathematics or science teaching.
Math and Science Teacher Initiative - Humboldt State University
The Humboldt Science and Mathematics Center offers programs and professional support for future teachers, as well as practicing professionals. The Center is formally partnered with a number of California State University programs.
Math Forum: Internet News
Weekly newsletter from the Math Forum highlighting best practices in mathematics teaching, professional development opportunities, grants and awards, and general inspiration.
Math Teacher Edu
Math Teacher Edu offers resources for aspiring and practicing math teachers. The website includes information about experience requirements, job duties, and salary expectations, and is designed to help with career advancement.
Mathematics Association of America (MAA): High School Teachers
MAA provides high school teachers with resources for improving math teaching and learning including articles, competitions, and problem solving activities aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M).
MathTeaching.org
This site is a gateway to becoming a math educator, with searchable information on schools, scholarships, and credential requirements.
National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)
The National Association of Biology Teachers empowers educators to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
A professional organization that supports teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through broad national leadership in matters related to mathematics education. (California Department of Education)
National History Education Clearinghouse
Teachinghistory.org is designed to help K–12 history teachers access resources and materials to improve U.S. history education in the classroom. With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the Center for History and New Media (CHNM) has created Teachinghistory.org with the goal of making history content, teaching strategies, resources, and research accessible.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
NSTA is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. Guiding principles: model and value scientific excellence; champion science literacy; embrace diversity, equity, and respect; enhance teaching and learning through research; collaborate with partners; and exemplify a dynamic professional organization.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): Education, Training, and Library Careers - Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
Find information about duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for various teaching careers, including special education, high school, elementary, middle school, teacher assistants. Compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this resource is based on the latest U.S. Census data.
Poster
A full-color poster to recruit new teachers to the profession
Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP)
The Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) project provides assistance to schools focused on implementing, sustaining, and scaling up evidence-based inclusive practices. They have created a helpful list of distance learning resources, which can be found here https://www.sipinclusi...Icon indicating a URL to an external Web site.
TEACH Los Angeles Regional Collaborative
The mission of the Teach Los Angeles Regional Collaborative (Teach LARC) is to engage in developing successful teacher preparation programs by facilitating access to strategies, tools and resources that can boost the number and diversity of students entering the education field
Teach Math (Brochure)
A guide to becoming a math teacher in California
Teach Science (Brochure)
A guide to becoming a science teacher in California.
Teach Special Education (Brochure)
This brochure features information about becoming a special education teacher in California, including the areas of specialization, how long it takes to become credentialed, the credentialing requirements, and more!
The Connectory
Find STEM related youth programs and volunteer opportunities that can help you gain experience in the field.
The Four Cs of the 21st Century
A video that answers the question, "How will you teach 21st Century Learning Skills?"