California teaching jobs are highly competitive. Increasing your odds of being hired by these districts is going to take some planning, and quite a bit of preparation. In this guide for aspiring teachers, I’m going to cover the steps you should take at the bachelor’s level to become a california teacher.
how to become a california teacher
You’ve recently discovered that you have what it takes to become a California teacher. Do you know how to become a professional teacher in California? If the answer is no, this blog post tells you what you need to know. Everything in one place, plus my most helpful hints.
In order to become a Substitute Teacher in California, you must take AND pass the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test). I paid for study materials, as well as the fee to take the test. Through the CTC, the fee to take the CBEST test in 2020 was $102.00. You can find study materials on the CTC site, as well as order different books or even take online classes to help you prepare for the CBEST. I took it and passed on the first try, but it did require quite a bit of studying and using the practice tests in the CBEST CliffsNotes book.
Letter of Interest
Depending on your school district, you may be required to submit a Letter of Interest along with your application to the Human Resources Department.
Resume
You will need to have a current and updated resume available to submit with your application to the Human Resources Department in your School District. Be sure to proofread it and ensure that it is current and includes up-to-date information. You can find many resources online that can help you put together a professional looking resume.
Letters of Recommendation
For my school district, I was required to submit three letters of recommendation. Make sure the letters are NOT from family members, but rather are from individuals you have previously worked with or for, as well as individuals who currently work or who have worked in the field of education.
Application
When I applied to become a Substitute Teacher with our school district, I was also required to fill out an application. Even though you will have attached proof of passing the CBEST and other documents, you may be asked for some of the same information in the actual application.
TB Test
Upon hire, you may be required to show proof of a negative TB test. You can obtain these results from your doctor or local testing sites. I found a local medical center to do my TB test and the fee was $20.
Valid Identification
Upon hire, you will also need to provide a valid identification, such as a driver’s license. You will need to know your social security number as well when filling out employment forms for your school district.
When I applied to be a Substitute Teacher, I had to do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions to find out what needed to be done and how much things cost. I hope you find this helpful if you’re looking to become a Substitute Teacher in California.
We hope this article serves as a helpful guide for those trying to become a California substitute teacher or for those who are simply looking for ways to become a substitute teacher in other states throughout the country. Becoming licensed is an important first step to becoming a successful teacher, and the time to do it is now!
