California Teacher Education Resources

Teacher in a school serving students from low-income families
Special education teacher
Teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education
in other shortage areas in the state

If a borrower is eligible for teacher cancellation under any of the categories, up to 100% of the loan may be canceled for teaching service.

California Teachers Association (CTA) Scholarships

Ed Romeo Student CTA Scholarship

Three scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $300 each to undergraduate students at a 4-year university. Applicants must be a member of Student CTA.

Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Two scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $250 each to undergraduate students at a 4-year university. Students must be an ethnic minority member of Student CTA.

The Future Educator CTA Scholarship

Five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $200 each. This scholarship is for students attending community college. The students must be a member of Student CTA.

L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Schloarship

Up to three $3,000 scholarships are awarded. Only 20 applications are received per year, so consider applying!

Teacher Shortage Areas

English/Language Arts
Mathematics
Music
School Counselor
Special Education
Speech Language Pathologists

Getting Certified

Prerequisite Coursework

All states require that certified teachers at a minimum have a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states have undergraduate credit hour requirements for certification in specialty areas. Prerequisite coursework for teaching in California varies depending on different teacher preparation programs and credentials; however, most programs do not have specific undergraduate credit hour requirements.

Teacher Preparation

Teacher preparation includes the completion of an accredited teacher education program. Typically teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often includes instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.

Teacher Salary

Average Elementary Teacher Salary – $63,010

Average Secondary Teacher Salary – $64,860

Teacher salary vs. state avg. – The average teacher in California makes 145% of the salary of the average worker in California.

Vacation weeks per year – 15 weeks

Year to tenure – States continually revise their tenure policies in reaction to teacher concerns and recommendations. Please check with your state’s educational board for the most current information.

Required Tests

In order to become a certified teacher, you must satisfactorily complete the Basic Skill Test requirement and any Subject Area Competence assessments needed for your desired area of instruction.

Basic Skills Test: Calfiornia Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
CSET Multiple Subject Plus Writing Skills Examination
CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations

Subject Area Competence: California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)

Teacher Certification Information & Links

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Page updated: 09/2022