Becoming an elementary school teacher in California is a process that includes a combination of education, experience and certification. However, if you are interested in teaching at the elementary school level, you will need to first gain a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. You can then complete an approved program for teacher preparation and become certified by passing the appropriate exams. Before applying for an elementary teaching position, you must complete the required number of hours in student teaching and pass the state’s certification exam.
1) Get your bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in one of these subjects: English language arts, history, mathematics, science, or a foreign language.
2) Complete all the requirements for your degree. This includes general education courses and any other requirements specific to your major. If you don’t know what those requirements will be yet, don’t worry! You can find out by talking with a career counselor at the school where you plan to study.
3) Take the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), which tests your knowledge of reading comprehension and math skills. Passing this test makes it much easier for you to apply for teaching jobs in California public schools—it also helps when applying for jobs outside of California!
4) Apply for jobs! It’s important that you check out as many openings as possible because different schools have different needs for teachers.
How To Become Elementary School Teacher In California
Aspiring elementary school teachers need to hold a bachelor’s degree and complete a teacher certification program. They must pass several specific examinations to obtain California’s Multiple Subject Teaching Credential for elementary teachers. Find out more details below.
| Education Required | Bachelor’s degree with an approved teacher education program; US Constitution course |
| Exams Required | The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST); The California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET); Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) |
| License Validity Period | 5 years |
| Advancement Requirements | A clear credential that must be renewed every five years |
| Annual Mean Wage (2018)* | $80,100 (California elementary school teacher) |
| Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)* | 7% (elementary teachers, nationwide) |
Source: *US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Requirements
The minimum requirement for an individual to become an elementary school teacher is to have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Students with a bachelor’s degree in another subject can also become elementary school teachers by completing a teacher education program and obtaining the relevant certification. Teacher education programs include a student teaching assignment, the duration of which is typically one semester. California also requires that the teacher education program selected includes approved courses in English language skills, reading and instruction in computer technology, and health education.
Candidates are also required to complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the US Constitution or pass an examination at a regionally-accredited college or university. Finally, candidates must obtain a formal recommendation by the program sponsor.
Testing Requirements
Prospective elementary teachers in California must successfully pass the following exams:
California Basic Assessment Educational Skills Test (CBEST): This exam tests proficiency in some basic skills such as reading, mathematics, and writing. To pass the CBEST, individuals must score 41 points in each of the three sections: reading, mathematics, and writing. A score of 37 may be allowed as well.
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): These exams verify subject-matter competency. They are comprised of three subtests that consist of multiple-choice and constructed-response items. The three subtests measure skills and knowledge in the following subjects and domains: Science, Mathematics, Reading/Language/Literature, History/Social Science, Physical Education, Human Development, and Visual and Performing Acts. The passing score is 220 points on each subtest. The CSET exams have been modified to include an assessment of basic writing skills. If completed successfully, the CSET: Writing Skills examination fulfills the California basic skills requirement.
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA): Individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program including a student teaching assignment, are exempt from this requirement.
Certification Requirements
Successful candidates that meet the above requirements earn a preliminary credential for five years. To get a clear credential, individuals must either complete a Commission-approved Teacher Induction Program or are certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in one of the qualifying subjects of Early Childhood (ages 3 – 8)/Generalist or Middle Childhood (ages 7 – 12)/Generalist. The clear credential must be renewed every five years.
Salary and Job Growth Projection
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2018), the annual mean wage for elementary school teachers in California, except special education was $80,100. The projected job growth for elementary school teachers nationally as reported by BLS is 7% growth nationwide between the years of 2016-2026.
