California needs educators. That's where you come in.

There have never been more opportunities than there are now to become an educator in California. What are you waiting for? To make this process as easy as possible, you can find links to everything you need to know about becoming an educator on this page.

 

The image shows five children sitting with their elbows propped up on a desk, smiling at the camera.

 

Don't know where to start?

The Find Your Career Path tool will help you learn more about what it takes to become a licensed educator in California, depending on the type of role you are interested in.

Find Your Career Path

Ready to teach? Select the option that best fits you.

Earning your first teaching credential in California.

If you have never completed a credentialing program before, are currently completing a California credentialing program, or have already completed one, this is the page for you! This is also a good place to start if you're asking any of these questions:

  • "Help! I don't know anything about credentialing. What's the process, from start to finish?"
  • "What is a credentialing program and how do I pick one?"
  • "Is there financial assistance for credentialing programs?"
  • "How long will it take for me to get my full credential?"
  • "How do I find a teaching job?"
  • "I've completed my program and obtained my Preliminary credential. How do I clear it?"
  • "I've obtained my Clear credential and have been teaching for a few years. How do I advance my career?"

Becoming a Teacher in California

Transferring your out-of-state teaching license to California.

If you've previously earned a teaching license from another state or are close to completing an out-of-state credentialing program, this is the page for you! This is also a good place to start if you're asking any of these questions:

  • "Is my teaching license transferable to California?"
  • "Will I have additional requirements to complete if I transfer my teaching license to California?"
  • "What do I need to provide in my application?"
  • "How long will it take for my application to be granted?"
  • "How do I find a teaching job?"
  • "I've completed my program and obtained my Preliminary credential. How do I clear it?"

Teaching in California - Prepared in Another State

Transferring your out-of-country teaching license to California.

If you've previously earned a teaching license from another country where you taught, this is the page for you! This is also a good place to start if you're asking any of these questions:

  • "Is my teaching license transferable to California?"
  • "Will I have additional requirements to complete if I transfer my teaching license to California?"
  • "What do I need to provide in my application?"
  • "How long will it take for my application to be granted?"
  • "How do I find a teaching job?"
  • "I've obtained my Preliminary credential. How do I clear it?"

Teaching in California - Prepared Outside the United States

Educational Opportunities Board

This page is where you can find information about teacher recruitment and hiring fairs, professional development, wellness resources, and contact information for employing agencies, county offices of education, and program sponsors across the state who are eager to connect with you. Your classroom is out there and your students can't wait to meet their favorite teacher!

Educational Opportunities Board

Substitute Teaching

If you're interested in substitute teaching, you're in the right place! This is also a good place to start if you're asking any of these questions:

  • "Should I consider becoming a substitute teacher?"
  • "What are the credential requirements for substitute teaching?"
  • "How do I find a substitute teaching job?"
  • "What's it like to work as a substitute teacher?"
  • "Can I make a career out of substitute teaching?"
  • "Can I substitute for a long-term assignment?"
  • "Can I transition from substitute teaching to full-time teaching?"

Substitute Teaching Certification Options Substitute Employment Opportunities

Tools for Credentialing

This page is where you can find many useful tools such as Find Your Career Path, Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) Calculator, and the Program Pathways Dashboard to assist you in the credentialing process.

Tools for Credentialing

We're here for you!

If you’re considering teaching as a career, we’ll get you started. We can explain the teacher preparation process, assist you in creating your plan to become a credentialed teacher, provide guidance if you’re coming from another state, and help you advance your career path. Take a look at the resources on this page and if you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at careerguidance@ctc.ca.gov or you can fill out the form below to connect with a member of our team.

Connect with us!
Updated August 14, 2023