Skip To Main Content

Header Top

Header Utility

Search

Header Bottom

Breadcrumb

College Undergrad

Now is the time to begin thinking about a career after college. If you are thinking about the teaching profession, there are things you can do now to meet some of the prerequisites for entering a teacher preparation program. Perhaps you are not sure you want to be a teacher?

Pathways road illustration

While still in college, there are opportunities to work part-time in a school district, exposing you to working in an educational setting. Districts hire tutors, classroom assistants, and many other positions that provide opportunities to work with students. Considering the various teaching credentials and many grade levels, it may help to get a sense of what and where you want to teach so that you can address the prerequisites while still completing undergraduate work.

Education Career Pathway Flowcharts

Each type of educator has its own set of requirements. The steps outlined below give the basic overview of the steps you need to complete, whether you would like to be a classroom instructional aide (paraprofessional), an elementary teacher, secondary teacher, substitute teacher, or special education teacher (Education Specialist). You'll even see a description for those who are interested in a program where you can earn your bachelors and teaching credential through the same program (combined bachelors + credential). 

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires evidence of basic skills and subject area competencies. One option for demonstrating these competencies is by successfully passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) and California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). There are FREE tools available to prepare you for these exams. 

Learn more about the requirements to becoming a teacher based on the credential you are interested in attaining by visiting the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website below.

Be sure to also take a look at our LevelUp! event, to help you learn more about educator preparation programs at local San Diego institutions.

Wish you had more information about how to apply for jobs?  Prepare for job interviews?  Complete your EdJoin profile?  Or perhaps you just want to learn more about recruitment events.  Check our recruitment events and resources!
triangle SDCOE emblem

Would you like updates based on your interests? Click on the "Keep me updated!" link.

Keep me updated!

If you can't find your answers or need clarification, please reach out! We're happy to help.

EducatorPathways@sdcoe.net