Teaching in California can be a rewarding and challenging career. With the right credentials, individuals can pursue a teaching career in this state.
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) offers alternative routes to obtaining a teaching credential, such as university internships, private school experience, the Peace Corps, and transferring a teaching license from another state.
This article will provide an overview of the requirements and types of alternate routes available for teaching in California.
Requirements for Alternative Certification
Having met the basic skills requirement and verified subject matter knowledge through exams such as CBEST or CSET, applicants may pursue alternative certification. In California, this is done through university internship programs, school internships, teaching in private schools, the Peace Corps, and the Sojourn Certificate.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification, and coursework in the subject can substitute for the exam requirement in some cases. Transferring teaching licenses from another state is also possible through reciprocity options.
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website provides more information on requirements and resources.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in California
In California, there are various types of alternative teaching credentials available. These include university internship programs, school internships, teaching in private schools, the Peace Corps, and the Sojourn Certificate. These credentials provide teachers with the opportunity to gain experience and certification without having to complete a traditional teaching program.
Benefits of these credentials include:
- Flexibility to pursue teaching without a traditional program
- Opportunity to gain experience
- Ability to transfer credentials from another state
- Access to additional resources for teaching degrees, careers, and teaching resources
University Intern or District Intern Credential
For those interested in pursuing a University Intern or District Intern Credential, they must possess a bachelor’s degree, demonstrate basic skills proficiency, and satisfy fingerprinting and background clearance requirements. Additionally, subjects assessments and a US Constitution course/exam must be completed as part of the credential process. Internship programs provide practical experience while completing coursework and all requirements for a professional certificate must be met within two years.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Preferably in a teachable subject |
| Basic skills | Reading, writing, and mathematics |
| Subject assessments | CBEST or CSET |
| US Constitution | Course/exam |
| Fingerprinting | Background clearance |
Credentialing Through Private School Experience
Private school teachers with three years of experience can apply for public school credentialing. Those with six or more years of experience may have the preparation program requirement waived. Credentialing through private schools offers a unique path to certification, allowing teachers to bypass some of the traditional requirements.
Requirements include:
- Verification of subject matter knowledge
- Fingerprinting and background clearance
- US Constitution course/exam
- Completion of all requirements for a professional certificate within two years
Credentialing Through the Peace Corps
| Those who served at least 18 months in the Peace Corps may be eligible for credentialing, provided they have a bachelor’s degree and meet all other requirements. This includes basic skills assessment, fingerprinting, and background clearance. In addition, the candidate must have 50% of their Peace Corps experience in a classroom setting and have completed a US Constitution course/exam. Upon successful completion of all requirements, the certificate is valid for up to five years. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subject Assessments | US Constitution Course/Exam | Fingerprinting |
| Basic Skills Assessment | Background Clearance | 50% of Experience in a Classroom |
Conclusion
Alternative routes to teaching in California offer a variety of options for prospective teachers. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing provides various pathways for certification, including university internships, private school experience, the Peace Corps, and transferring a teaching license from another state.
Each pathway has its own set of requirements for obtaining a teaching credential, which must be met in order to become a certified teacher in California.
