Looking for the cheapest teaching credential programs in California? You’ll be glad to know there are many low-cost options. Anyone that has ever considered a teaching career knows just how expensive it can get, especially if you include the cost of earning a masters in education. But not all of you have an MBA. And not all of you want to spend your life paying off massive student loans, even afterwards. That’s where the cheapest teaching credential programs in California come in handy.
The process of becoming a teacher is challenging. It requires a lot of work and dedication, but it is achievable for anyone with the right mindset. While it is understandable that teachers must attain certain credentials in order to satisfactorily perform their roles, the process can be an expensive one. It is, therefore, important that interested persons know their options when undertaking these programs. Read on to know more about Cheapest Teaching Credential Program In California, fast track teacher certification california, california teaching credential programs online, single subject teaching credential programs in california and what is credential program.
Most teachers must achieve a state-issued license in order to teach at public schools. While some states have less stringent requirements than others, all require teacher candidates to complete coursework and pass an exam before being issued a teaching certificate. The cost of these courses varies by institution and state, but can be as high as $2,000 per credit hour at some institutions.
In addition to paying for coursework, prospective teachers may also need to pay for licensing fees and examinations required by each individual state in which they wish to teach. In some cases, these fees can be quite high—as much as $300 per application—and may need to be paid every year or two depending on the requirements of each particular state’s department of education.
what is credential program
A credential program defines the education requirements that a producer is required to meet in order to attain or maintain an education credential. A credential program specifies the following:
-The types of producers that are eligible to fulfill the credential program.
-The number of units of credit required for completion of each course or combination of courses.
-Any other conditions and limitations that apply to fulfilling the credential program, such as any extra fees or administrative requirements.
how do you get a teaching credential in california
Becoming a teacher in California may seem like a confusing, daunting process, but getting the proper teacher training and California teaching credentials doesn’t have to be complicated. These seven steps will set you on the path to becoming a teacher.
STEP 1: Research what teaching is all about.
Teaching is a challenging yet rewarding profession that requires teachers to be lifelong learners. Before pursuing this profession, make sure you thoroughly research the occupation’s requirements, time commitment and pros and cons to determine if teaching is the right fit for you. In order to fully understand the commitment you are going to make, speak to any friends or family members who have experience teaching and learn about the latest trends in education through e-newsletters and other resources.
STEP 2: Assess your situation.
What type of education and work experience do you already have? Do you have teaching experience? Teachers come from a variety of backgrounds. Figure out which areas interest you the most and look through your résumé to see what work you’ve done in the past that involved the skills necessary for teaching. You could also speak with a USC Rossier Admissions Counselor who can help you review your experiences and explore your interests.
STEP 3: Choose what you want to teach.
Consider what type of students and which subject you’d like to teach. Do you want to teach in elementary school? High school? Special education? The Commission on Teacher CredentialingExternal link:open_in_new has separate steps and guidelines for teachers with different goals. You can change your mind later, but having an idea of where you want to end up allows for an easier, more seamless journey to obtaining your California teaching credentials.
STEP 4: Consider enrolling in a teacher preparation program.
If you want to teach in a K–12 setting, you may want to consider applying to a teacher preparation program where you can be recommended for a California teaching credential. Teacher prep programs such as USC’s Master of Arts in Teaching program or our MAT – TESOL program are offered online, allowing you to enroll in a top-ranked teacher prep program while gaining field experience in your community.
USC Rossier’s teacher preparation programs offer different content area focuses and additional certificates in Special Education or Gifted Education. The curriculum also provides a comprehensive look at pedagogy and combines theory and practice, fully preparing aspiring teachers to gain the confidence to be successful in the classroom. Our Admissions Counselors can help you determine how USC Rossier can best fit your future goals.
Take the Next Step
Become a teacher by earning a Master of Arts in Teaching and teaching credential online from USC.
STEP 5: Complete the Certification Process.
The next step to becoming a teacher in California is to meet the basic skills and subject matter competency requirements.
Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
Pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).
Pass the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP) or the CSU Placement Examinations.
Achieve a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT.
Achieve a qualifying score on the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations.
Pass a basic skills examination from another state.
Earn a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s).
Complete a subject-matter program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and obtain verification of completion.
Evaluations can usually be taken several times if you do not pass the first time; however, a fee is required each time. In the event that you are transferring to California from out of state, you may be exempt from testing if you hold a valid non-emergency teacher credential and meet other qualifications.
STEP 6: Gain Teaching Experience and Get a Formal Recommendation.
While learning in a teacher prep program is important, it is also essential to gain real-world experience teaching in a classroom. Our online Master of Arts in Teaching program allows students from around the world to gain hands-on teaching experience assisting a professional teacher in their area in addition to completing their teacher prep courses. Aside from meeting the basic skills and subject matter competency requirements, students must also obtain a Certificate of Clearance issued by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (PDF, 54 KB)External link:open_in_new and must test negative for tuberculosis prior to entering the classroom. Additional requirements may be necessary such as passing the Reading Instruction Competence AssessmentExternal link:open_in_new (RICA), in order to teach in a California elementary school.
Once you pass your teacher certification exams and meet student teaching and degree requirements, you will need to submit a formal recommendation for the credential from your college, university or teacher preparation program. Many students also put together a portfolio or ePortfolio to showcase their experience and readiness to teach.
STEP 7: Find a job.
The key to finding a job is to research vacancies and determine your ideal work environment. After completing a teacher preparation program and earning your credentials, you should have a very clear sense of where you want to teach as well as a network of colleagues in the education space. USC Rossier’s programs provide you with resources such as a career and credentialing advisor as well as the necessary resources to advance your teaching career, including fieldwork. Fieldwork can lead to full-time post-graduate employment, and USC Rossier graduates boast a 94 percent employment rate.1
Cheapest Teaching Credential Program In California
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La Sierra University’s BA in Liberal Studies is your affordable path to an initial California teaching credential in elementary education.
You will become a highly qualified teacher with a master’s degree in education, as well as a secondary teaching credential, by completing the program in four years.
This program is designed for students who have completed an associate degree and are seeking to become teachers. The program also allows you to complete your bachelor’s degree before entering the credential program.
You will get hands-on training from experienced educators who are experts in the field of education. They will help you develop your skills and prepare you for the classroom.
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Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in California
There are several different alternative pathways a candidate can take to achieve certification in California. These include study through a university internship program, a school internship program, teaching at a private school, or the Peace Corps. More information about each of these options can be found through the CTC website.
University Intern or District Intern Credential
Internship programs allow hopeful new teachers to work in the classroom, gaining practical experience while completing coursework in a teacher preparation program. Whether working through a state-approved university or public school (district) internship program, all credential-through-internship applicants must have already completed a bachelor’s degree, meet the basic skills requirement, and meet the fingerprinting and background clearance requirements. Candidates must typically pass the appropriate subject assessments for the subject(s) to be taught, and complete an appropriate course or exam in the US Constitution. Those pursuing this pathway are expected to complete all requirements for a professional certificate within two years; a one-time, one-year hardship extension may be requested.
Credentialing Through Private School Experience
Not all private schools require teachers to be certified through the state. Those with at least three years of experience in private school classrooms may apply for public school teacher credentialing with the state and have the student teaching component waived. Those candidates with six or more years of classroom experience may have the teacher preparation program requirement waived entirely.
Credentialing Through the Peace Corps
Applicants for California teacher credentialing who served at least 18 months in the Peace Corps may be eligible to teach while working towards meeting the teacher preparation program requirement. Candidates must have spent at least 50% of the Peace Corps experience in a classroom setting and must meet all other requirements for credentialing, including holding a bachelor’s degree, satisfying the basic skills requirement, meeting English language skills and reading requirements, and completing a course or exam in the US Constitution, as well as passing the appropriate subject matter exams. Once issued, the certificate is valid for up to five years as the candidate completes an approved teacher preparation program in order to qualify for a standard teaching license.
Sojourn Certificate
Individuals who are academically qualified to teach a foreign language or culture through completion of a college-level program in a foreign country may be eligible for the Sojourn Certificate. In addition to meeting education requirements, individuals must have taught within a foreign country within the past year, satisfy the basic skills requirement, receive an employment offer from a California school district, and pass a background check. If issued, the Sojourn Certificate allows the holder to teach a foreign language as they work towards meeting standard teacher certification requirements.
Transferring Teaching Licenses from Another State
For teachers holding an out-of-state certificate, there are options for reciprocity in California. These applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, meet California’s basic skills requirement, and have an active teaching credential that is considered comparable to California’s. For more information on reciprocity, see our guide to reciprocity or the CTC website.FIND SCHOOLS
Schools with Alternative Certification Programs in California
To qualify for an alternative educator’s license in California, you must complete an education program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The following school-based alternative preparation programs culminate in the award of a certificate or master’s degree and have been approved by the CTC:
- Alliant International University
- Antioch University
- Azusa Pacific University
- Bakersfield College
- Biola University
- Brandman University
- California Baptist University
- California Lutheran University
- California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Pomona
- California State University-Bakersfield, Channel Islands, Chico, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monterey Bay, Northridge, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Marcos, Stanislaus
- Chapman University
- Citrus College
- Claremont Graduate University
- Clovis Community College
- Concordia University Irvine
- Cuesta College
- Cypress College
- Dominican University of California
- Fresno City College
- Fresno Pacific University
- Gavilan College
- Hartnell College
- Holy Names University
- Humboldt State University
- Humphreys University
- La Sierra University
- Long Beach City College
- Los Medanos College
- Loyola Marymount University
- Mills College
- Mount Saint Mary’s University
- National University
- Notre Dame de Namur University
- Orange Coast College
- Pacific Oaks College
- Pepperdine University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- Reedley College
- Saddleback College
- San Diego State University
- San Francisco State University
- San Jose State University
- Santa Clara University
- Simpson University
- Sonoma State University
- St. Mary’s College of California
- Teachers College of San Joaquin
- Touro University
- University of California-Berkeley, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara
- University of La Verne
- University of Redlands
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of the Pacific
- Ventura College
- Whittier College
- Alliant International University
- Antioch University
- Azusa Pacific University
- Bakersfield College
- Biola University
- Brandman University
- California Baptist University
- California Lutheran University
- California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Pomona
- California State University-Bakersfield, Channel Islands, Chico, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monterey Bay, Northridge, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Marcos, Stanislaus
- Chapman University
- Citrus College
- Claremont Graduate University
- Clovis Community College
- Concordia University Irvine
- Cuesta College
- Cypress College
- Dominican University of California
- Fresno City College
- Fresno Pacific University
- Gavilan College
- Hartnell College
- Holy Names University
- Humboldt State University
- Humphreys University
- La Sierra University
- Long Beach City College
- Los Medanos College
- Loyola Marymount University
- Mills College
- Mount Saint Mary’s University
- National University
- Notre Dame de Namur University
- Orange Coast College
- Pacific Oaks College
- Pepperdine University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- Reedley College
- Saddleback College
- San Diego State University
- San Francisco State University
- San Jose State University
- Santa Clara University
- Simpson University
- Sonoma State University
- St. Mary’s College of California
- Teachers College of San Joaquin
- Touro University
- University of California-Berkeley, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara
- University of La Verne
- University of Redlands
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of the Pacific
- Ventura College
- Whittier College
california teaching credential programs online
More details coming up on california teaching credential programs online, single subject teaching credential programs in california and what is credential program.
Open the Door to New Possibilities
Cal State East Bay’s Online Single Subject Teaching Credential program is especially designed for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become middle and high school teachers.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn the necessary pedagogical skills to effectively teach adolescents, acquire an understanding of adolescent learner psychology, develop proper attitudes towards teaching, and become a self-confident educator.
Best in the West
Selected as a “Best in the West” college by The Princeton Review
Faculty Excellence
Taught by educational leaders in CSUEB’s Department of Teacher Education
One-of-a-Kind Training
Achieve the single subject teaching credential in a completely online format
Unique Training that Puts You on the Fast Track to Success
With a flexible learning format, the Online Single Subject Credential can be achieved in just one year and authorizes teaching specified subjects required for almost all high school and middle school teaching positions.
single subject teaching credential programs in california
Single Subject Credential Program (SSCP)
Continue to check the CSULB COVID-19 website for up-to-date information.
| Monday | Campus Closed – Memorial Day |
| Tuesday | 9am-12pm Zoom Advising1-4:30pm In-person & Phone Advising |
| Wednesday | 9am-12pm In-person & Phone Advising1-4:30pm Zoom Advising |
| Thursday | 1-4:30pm Zoom Advising |
| Friday | Closed for Staff Professional Development |
(CLOSED 12-1pm for lunch daily)
Campus Closure Days:
- Monday, May 30, 2022 (Memorial Day)
- Monday, July 4, 2022 (Independence Day)
For In-person Advising:
- Visit the Education Building Room 67. NO appointment needed.
- Students must be wearing a mask at all time in the building and be prepared to show a green checkmark from student pre-screening.
For Phone Advising:
- Call 562-985-1105
Program Overview
The Preliminary Single Subject Credential Program (SSCP) at CSULB prepares candidates to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized schools. This is commonly done in California high schools, junior high and middle schools. However, a teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized fields at any grade level: kindergarten and grades one through twelve. Completion of the program lead to issuance of the Preliminary Single Subject Credential from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Subject Area Program Options
The Single Subject Credential Program is comprised of nine SSCP Subject Programs:
- Art Education
- English Education
- Health Science Education
- World Languages (LOTE)
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education
- Physical Education
- Science Education
- Social Science Education
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