How to become an Secondary School Teacher in California

In California, the appropriate credential to teach a special subject in a departmentalized classroom, such as Math or English at the middle school or high school level, is the Single Subject Teaching Credential. This credential authorizes public school teaching in a departmentalized classroom in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 through 12, and classes organized primarily for adults.

Candidates for the Single Subject Teaching Credential who complete their teacher preparation through a Commission-accredited program in California must be recommended for the credential through their college or university credentials office. Programs will vary slightly from college to college, but all programs will include specific requirements established by the Commission. The sequence of requirements is diagrammed below.

Chart of CSU Credential Programs by campus

Although program selection criteria can vary from campus to campus, the following items need to be completed by all students:

• Complete an approved undergraduate program
  Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university

• Pass the SSAT(Single Subject Assessment for Teachers).

• Pass the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test).
  All students regardless of undergraduate major must pass the CBEST. Because the CBEST tests students on Math and English and Reading skills, it is best to take it after completing General Education for transfer.

• Grade point average of approximately 2.8 or above.

• Satisfaction of the U.S. Government and Constitutions Requirements

• Verify subject-matter competence by one of the following methods:
  
  a. achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s)
  
  b. complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an accredited program.

• Completion of 35 hours of verifiable, supervised experience with children in an instructional setting.