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 roadmap below shows each step of becoming a teacher here in California. Take a look to see how to get started on your road to a career in education!

A road with the words

Start your journey to teaching 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?"

Becoming a Teacher in California

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Other Routes and Settings for Teaching 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

Career Technical Education

If you're interested in teaching Career Technical Education (CTE), you need a CTE credential. A CTE credential authorizes you to teach vocational subjects to students who want to learn the skills needed to work in a specific industry someday. CTE is vocational or trade education, which is different from the regular kind of academic education that is more commonly taught in public K-12 schools. You can learn more about how to earn a CTE credential here.

Career Technical Education (CTE) Quick Facts

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

Resources

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

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 June 04, 2024