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How do you get a teaching credential?
I want to teach elementary school. I am double majoring in Psych and Liberal Studies. How do I get my teaching credential? Do I have to teach in the state that I got the credential in?
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Muhammad’s Answer
Hi Lucy!
I hope you are fine and healthy and doing lots of great stuff to greet yourself.
Regarding your question, to obtain teaching credentials in Sacramento, California, you will need to follow the process set forth by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Here's a general outline of the steps you'll need to take:
1. **Earn a Bachelor's Degree**: Ensure you have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since you are double majoring in Psychology and Liberal Studies, it's essential to verify that your majors align with the requirements for teaching credentials in California.
2. **Teacher Preparation Program**: Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This program may be integrated into your undergraduate studies or pursued as a post-baccalaureate program. Ensure that the program covers the necessary coursework and includes a student teaching component.
3. **CBEST**: Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). This test assesses basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.
4. **CSET**: For multiple-subject teaching credentials (such as for elementary school), you'll need to pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subjects test. This exam evaluates your subject matter competence in English, math, social science, science, and physical education.
5. **Certificate of Clearance**: Obtain a Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This process involves a background check to ensure you meet the character and fitness requirements for teaching.
6. **Submit Application**: Complete the online application for your teaching credential through the California CTC website. Be prepared to provide all required documentation, including transcripts, test scores, and any other relevant information.
7. **Pay Fees**: There will be fees associated with the application and credential processing. Make sure to pay these fees as required.
8. **Fingerprinting**: You will need to get fingerprinted as part of the background check process.
9. **Mandated Reporter Training**: Complete the Mandated Reporter Training, which is a requirement for all California teachers to ensure they understand their role in reporting child abuse and neglect.
10. **Document Review**: The CTC will review your application, transcripts, and other documents. If everything meets the requirements, you will be issued a preliminary teaching credential.
11. **Induction Program (Optional)**: After obtaining your preliminary credential, you have the option to participate in an induction program. This program provides support and guidance during your early years of teaching.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and process for obtaining teaching credentials in California may change over time, so it's recommended to visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website or contact their office directly for the most up-to-date information. The website provides detailed instructions and resources for prospective teachers seeking credentials in the state. I hope this answers your question.
I hope you are fine and healthy and doing lots of great stuff to greet yourself.
Regarding your question, to obtain teaching credentials in Sacramento, California, you will need to follow the process set forth by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Here's a general outline of the steps you'll need to take:
1. **Earn a Bachelor's Degree**: Ensure you have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since you are double majoring in Psychology and Liberal Studies, it's essential to verify that your majors align with the requirements for teaching credentials in California.
2. **Teacher Preparation Program**: Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This program may be integrated into your undergraduate studies or pursued as a post-baccalaureate program. Ensure that the program covers the necessary coursework and includes a student teaching component.
3. **CBEST**: Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). This test assesses basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.
4. **CSET**: For multiple-subject teaching credentials (such as for elementary school), you'll need to pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subjects test. This exam evaluates your subject matter competence in English, math, social science, science, and physical education.
5. **Certificate of Clearance**: Obtain a Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This process involves a background check to ensure you meet the character and fitness requirements for teaching.
6. **Submit Application**: Complete the online application for your teaching credential through the California CTC website. Be prepared to provide all required documentation, including transcripts, test scores, and any other relevant information.
7. **Pay Fees**: There will be fees associated with the application and credential processing. Make sure to pay these fees as required.
8. **Fingerprinting**: You will need to get fingerprinted as part of the background check process.
9. **Mandated Reporter Training**: Complete the Mandated Reporter Training, which is a requirement for all California teachers to ensure they understand their role in reporting child abuse and neglect.
10. **Document Review**: The CTC will review your application, transcripts, and other documents. If everything meets the requirements, you will be issued a preliminary teaching credential.
11. **Induction Program (Optional)**: After obtaining your preliminary credential, you have the option to participate in an induction program. This program provides support and guidance during your early years of teaching.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and process for obtaining teaching credentials in California may change over time, so it's recommended to visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website or contact their office directly for the most up-to-date information. The website provides detailed instructions and resources for prospective teachers seeking credentials in the state. I hope this answers your question.
Updated
Becky’s Answer
If you are still in college or are on your way to college the least expensive route both in time and money may be to add a minor in elementary teaching. This will give you the required educational background needed in any state to apply for a teaching certificate. There are some states that offer alternative certification routes if you do not hold the required coursework out of college. This site may be helpful in answering any more questions you may have around that https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/alternative/#:~:text=States%20that%20specifically%20recognize%20alternative,Pennsylvania%2C%20South%20Carolina%2C%20Washington%2C
Each state does have it's own certification. With that said, you may also want to think about teaching for the DoDEA (Students who are part of a family living on a U.S. Military base either in the United States or abroad). The requirements for a teaching/counseling/psychology position can be found here https://www.dodea.edu/Offices/HR/requirements/teaching-categories-and-requirements.cfm
Here's wishing you all the best on your exciting journey towards becoming an elementary teacher!
Each state does have it's own certification. With that said, you may also want to think about teaching for the DoDEA (Students who are part of a family living on a U.S. Military base either in the United States or abroad). The requirements for a teaching/counseling/psychology position can be found here https://www.dodea.edu/Offices/HR/requirements/teaching-categories-and-requirements.cfm
Here's wishing you all the best on your exciting journey towards becoming an elementary teacher!
Updated
Taj’s Answer
Yes you need to get the credentials from the state that you want to work in. You have to get the CBEST, then check the following link as an example of type of credential you need to get https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/req-teaching. This link is to receive credentials to teach in california