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?

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.

Teach California
(College Student)

Take a look at the information below to learn more about pathways and options. Then check out the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved teacher preparation programs website to find a program that fits you.

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Approved Teacher Preparation Programs

Mapping Out the Path to a Career in Education

In order to know which credential you need, you first need to determine what you will teach. Choose a teaching subject or grade level that aligns with your strengths and interests boosts job satisfaction, enhances student engagement, and supports a sustainable career. Check out What Grade Level is Right for You? to help you decide.

Each type of credential has its own set of requirements. The steps outlined below give the basic overview of the steps you need to complete. In addition, the guide to Choosing a Credential Program can also assist you in selecting a credential and a credential program that best fits you.

Integrated Credential + Degree

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Integrated degree/teacher preparation program - coursework and field experience (student teaching)

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Subject Matter Competency Requirement

AND

U.S. Constitution coursework or qualifying examination. This is typically met during undergraduate general education coursework.

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Teaching Performance Assessment

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Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

First page of the PDF file: IntegratedCredential072524

Print or Download Flyer

TIPS

The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) has changed! Many teacher candidates used to take the CBEST. Now a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution eliminates this requirement for most credentials.
If your degree is from outside the US, you must have your transcripts evaluated by an approved agency. See sdcoe.net/credentials If you hold a credential from out-of-state/country.
You may or may not need to take California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). CTC - Subject Matter Competency Requirement
Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
SDCOE has free test prep!
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

Multiple Subject Credential

Self-contained classroom - typically elementary but can be preschool-12, or in classes primarily for adults

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Bachelor’s Degree

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Teacher Preparation Options
(Choose one)

A. Traditional - Includes coursework and student teaching.
B. Internship program - Complete preservice coursework, obtain intern position with a school/district, and then complete credential courses while working as a paid teacher
C. Residency - Includes coursework and a full school year with a mentor teacher. May also include a grant-funded stipend
D. Integrated - Includes a credential and degree in one program

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Subject Matter Competency

AND
▼

U.S. Constitution coursework or qualifying examination.

This is typically met during undergraduate general education coursework.

▼

Teaching Performance Assessment

▼
Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

First page of the PDF file: MultipleSubjectCredential072524

Print or Download Flyer

TIPS

The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) has changed! Many teacher candidates used to take the CBEST. Now a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution eliminates this requirement for most credentials.
If your degree is from outside the US, you must have your transcripts evaluated by an approved agency. See sdcoe.net/credentials If you hold a credential from out-of-state/country.
You may or may not need to take California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). CTC - Subject Matter Competency Requirement
Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
SDCOE has free test prep!
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential

The PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained general education classroom setting in grades preschool through grade three, including Transitional Kindergarten

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Bachelor’s Degree

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Subject Matter Competency (Choose one)

A. Possession of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a degree major in one of the following fields: Child Development; Child and Adolescent Development; Human Development; Early Childhood Education; Child and Family Studies; Early Childhood Studies; Family Science; Human Development and Family Science; or Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies
B. Completion of 24 semester units or 36 quarter units of non-remedial, degree-applicable coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in early childhood education and/or child development

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Teacher Preparation Options
(Choose one)

A. Traditional - Includes coursework and student teaching.
B. Internship program - Complete preservice coursework, obtain intern position with a school/district, and then complete credential courses while working as a paid teacher
C. Residency - Includes coursework and a full school year with a mentor teacher. May also include a grant-funded stipend
D. Integrated - Includes a credential and degree in one program

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Teaching Performance Assessment

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Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

First page of the PDF file: PK_3Credential072524

Print or Download Flyer

TIPS

If your degree is from outside the US, you must have your transcripts evaluated by an approved agency. See sdcoe.net/credentials If you hold a credential from out-of-state/country.
Keep in mind that not all teacher preparation options may be available in your region of CA at this time.
SDCOE PK-3 Intern Credential Program
Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

Single Subject Credential

The Single Subject Teaching Credential is used for departmentalized classes, such as those in most middle schools and high schools or in classes organized primarily for adults. It is also found in lower grades, particularly for subjects such as physical education or visual & performing arts (VAPA) subjects.

START
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Bachelor’s Degree

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Teacher Preparation Options
(Choose one)

A. Traditional - Includes coursework and student teaching.
B. Internship program - Complete preservice coursework, obtain intern position with a school/district, and then complete credential courses while working as a paid teacher
C. Residency - Includes coursework and a full school year with a mentor teacher. May also include a grant-funded stipend
D. Integrated - Includes a credential and degree in one program

▼

Subject Matter Competency

AND
▼

U.S. Constitution coursework or qualifying examination.

This is typically met during undergraduate general education coursework.

▼

Teaching Performance Assessment

▼
Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

First page of the PDF file: SingleSubjectCredential072524

Print or Download Flyer

TIPS

The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) has changed! Many teacher candidates used to take the CBEST. Now a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution eliminates this requirement for most credentials.
If your degree is from outside the US, you must have your transcripts evaluated by an approved agency. See sdcoe.net/credentials If you hold a credential from out-of-state/country.
You may or may not need to take California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). CTC - Subject Matter Competency Requirement
Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
SDCOE has intern credential programs and free test prep!
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

Education Specialist (Special Education) Credential

Holder conducts educational assessments related to student’s access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals, provide instruction, and Special Education support. Specialties include Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Visual Impairment, Physical and Health Impairments, Early Childhood Special Education, and Language and Academic Development.

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Bachelor’s Degree

▼

Teacher Preparation Options
(Choose one)

A. Traditional - Includes coursework and student teaching.
B. Internship program - Complete preservice coursework, obtain intern position with a school/district, and then complete credential courses while working as a paid teacher
C. Residency - Includes coursework and a full school year with a mentor teacher. May also include a grant-funded stipend
D. Integrated - Includes a credential and degree in one program

▼

Subject Matter Competency

AND
▼

U.S. Constitution coursework or qualifying examination.

This is typically met during undergraduate general education coursework.

▼

Teaching Performance Assessment

▼
Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

First page of the PDF file: EducationSpecialist_SpecialEducation_Credential072524

Print or Download Flyer

TIPS

The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) has changed! Many teacher candidates used to take the CBEST. Now a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution eliminates this requirement for most credentials.
If your degree is from outside the US, you must have your transcripts evaluated by an approved agency. See sdcoe.net/credentials If you hold a credential from out-of-state/country.
You may or may not need to take California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). CTC - Subject Matter Competency Requirement
Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
SDCOE has intern credential programs and free test prep!
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential professionals include school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and child welfare and attendance providers. Each PPS credential specialization has its own credential program and often also includes and/or requires a masters degree in the subject. Consult the university credential program you are interested in attending for important details before beginning a master's degree prior to entering a PPS credential program.

A PPS credential authorizes the holder to perform services in the specialization(s) named, as described below, in grades 12 and below, including preschool, and in programs organized primarily for adults.

School Psychologist

Provide services that enhance academic performance; design strategies and programs to address problems of adjustment;
Consult with other educators and parents on issues of social development, behavioral and academic difficulties;
Conduct psycho-educational assessments for purposes of identifying special needs;
Provide psychological counseling for individuals, groups and families; and
Coordinate intervention strategies for management of individual and school-wide crises

School Counseling

Develop, plan, implement and evaluate a school counseling and guidance program that includes academic, career, personal and social development;
Advocate for the higher academic achievement and social development of all students;
Provide school-wide prevention and intervention strategies and counseling services;
Provide consultation, training and staff development to teachers and parents regarding students' needs; and
Supervise a district-approved advisory program as described in Education Code Section 49600.

School Social Work

Assess home, school, personal and community factors that may affect a student's learning;
Identify and provide intervention strategies for children and their families including counseling, case management, and crisis intervention;
Consult with teachers, administrators and other school staff regarding social and emotional needs of students;
Coordinate family, school and community resources on behalf of students;
Facilitate prevention, early identification, and intervention through direct and indirect learning support services to students, families, and school personnel; and
Maintain and provide linkages with school and community based resources to ensure that students and families access needed educational, health, and mental health services.

Child Welfare and Attendance

Access appropriate services from both public and private providers;
Provide staff development to school personnel regarding state and federal laws pertaining to due process and child welfare and attendance laws;
Address school policies and procedures that inhibit academic success;
Implement strategies to improve student attendance;
Participate in school-wide reform efforts; and
Promote understanding and appreciation of those factors that affect the attendance of culturally-diverse student populations.

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Bachelor’s Degree

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Post-baccalaureate degree in an approved preparation program for the desired specialization that includes coursework and a practicum with school-age children. Programs frequently include a master's degree.

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(Optional)
Added Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA): Minimum of 150 clock hours of supervised school-based field experience engaging in supervised practice in the following areas: student attendance, student enrollment and discipline, educational records, parent engagement, and legal and ethical compliance related to pupil services.

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Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

First page of the PDF file: PupilPersonnelServicesCredential072524

Print or Download Flyer

TIPS

If your degree is from outside the US, you must have your transcripts evaluated by an approved agency. See sdcoe.net/credentials If you hold a credential from out-of-state/country.
Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before you begin your practicum experience.
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

Speech-Language Pathology Services

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Bachelor’s Degree - typically in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Sciences and Disorders or equivalent. Check with your desired MA and credential institution for their specific requirements.

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Master’s degree or higher in speech-language pathology from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

The master’s degree program must be accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council on Academic Accreditation.

AND
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Credential preparation program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)

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Certificate of Clearance
(fingerprinting/background check)

▼
Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

First page of the PDF file: SpeechLanguagePathologyServices112724

Print or Download Flyer

Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential

Sometimes known as vocational education, these courses prepare students, middle school to adult, for specific trades in 15 industry sectors. Teachers pursuing a CTE credential come directly from those industry areas. They teach students the academic and technical content that provides them with the knowledge and skills to enter an occupation, or continue on to college.

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High School Diploma
(or equivalent)

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3 years/3000 hours of Industry experience and education combined
(up to 1000 can be education)

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Offer of employment in a CTE position for a school/district + an English Language Waiver

AND

Certificate of Clearance
(Fingerprinting/background check)

▼
While you are teaching you will also complete the following

Credential coursework
CPR for infant, child and adult certification
U.S. Constitution coursework equivalency or exam
Health education
English Language Waiver

First page of the PDF file: CareerlTechnicalEducation_CTE_Credential072524

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CTE Industry Sectors include:
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Arts: Media, and Entertainment
- Building Trades and Construction
- Education, Child Development, Family Services
- Energy and Utilities
- Engineering and Design
- Fashion and Interior Design
- Finance and Business
- Health Science and Medical Technology
- Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing and Product Development
- Marketing, Sales and Service
- Public Services
- Transportation
The school/district will assist you with the English Language Waiver.
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

Adult Education Credential

Adult Education programs offer their communities both state-supported general education courses and community education fee-based classes. The credential authorizes the holder to teach the subjects named on the credential in courses organized primarily for adults.

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Bachelor’s Degree for academic subject credentials
High School Diploma or equivalent for non-academic subjects

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3 years of experience and/or
education in the credential subject

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Offer of employment in a school/district

AND

Certificate of Clearance (Fingerprinting)

▼
While you are teaching you will also complete the following

Credential coursework
CPR for infant, child and adult certification
U.S. Constitution coursework equivalency or exam
Health education

First page of the PDF file: AdultEducationCredential072524

Print or Download Flyer

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Community education courses are varied and developed to meet the needs of particular communities. State-supported adult education areas include:
- Elementary Basic Skills
- English as a Second Language
- High School Subjects
- Citizenship
- Parent Education
- Health & SafetY Education
- Adults with Disabilities
- Career Technical Education
- Older Adult Programs
- Home Economics Education
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

Substitute Teacher

The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit authorizes the holder to serve as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom in California, including preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. You may serve as a substitute every day. "30-days" refers to the maximum number of days you may work in the same general education classroom in a year.

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Bachelor’s degree

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Fingerprinting/background check

www.sdcoe.net/credentials

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30-Day Permit Application

www.sdcoe.net/credentials

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Apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

First page of the PDF file: Emergency30DaySubPermit072524

Print or Download Flyer

TIPS

Substitute teaching is a great way to better determine if teaching is the career for you as well as allowing you to get to know a school/district.
30-day substitute teacher permit allows the holder to serve as a substitute for no more than 30 days for any one teacher during the school year or no more than 20 days in a school year for a special education teacher.
The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) has changed! Many teacher candidates used to take the CBEST. Now a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution eliminates this requirement for most credentials.
If your degree is from outside the US, you must have your transcripts evaluated by an approved agency. See sdcoe.net/credentials If you hold a credential from out-of-state/country.
SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our Linda Vista campus and in San Marcos.

Classroom Instructional Aide

Provides student assistance under the supervision and direction of a faculty member - K-12

START
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High School Diploma or equivalent
(College units or Associates Degree may be
required by some schools/districts)

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Certificate of Clearance or Fingerprinting may be required

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Apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

▼
Competency assessment may be required by some schools/districts

First page of the PDF file: ClassroomInstructionalAide072524

Print or Download Flyer

TIPS

Many people become an Instructional Aide as a way to start working in schools before they complete their bachelor’s degree and teaching credential program.
Positions are often part time, making it easier to also attend classes and/or maintain other personal and family obligations.
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

Expanded Learning Staff

Includes before-school, after-school, and summer school programs

START
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18 years or older AND High School Diploma or equivalent

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District qualifications for Instructional Aide

College units or Associate Degree and competency assessment may be required by some schools/districts
- Required for K-8 Expanded Learning Programs
- May be required for 9-12 Expanded Learning Programs

▼
Depending on the school/district, applications may be processed
through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district

Community-based organizations/program providers (i.e. YMCA, Boys
& Girls Club, etc), may handle the application process on behalf of the school/district

▼
Special Conditions of Employment

Background check and drug screening
Clear TB Test
CPR and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire
Certificate of Clearance or Fingerprinting may be required

First page of the PDF file: ExpandedLearning072524

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TIPS

Working in Expanded Learning is a way to start working in schools before completing a Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Credential Program.
Positions are often part time, making it easier to also attend classes and/or maintain other personal and family obligations.
The school/district will let you know what level of clearance and type of fingerprints are required. SDCOE has fingerprinting services on our main campus and in San Marcos.

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.

CTC Teaching Credential Requirements

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.

LevelUp!

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!

Recruitment and Resources

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

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College Undergrad

Mapping Out the Path to a Career in Education

Integrated Credential + Degree

TIPS

Multiple Subject Credential

TIPS

PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential

TIPS

Single Subject Credential

TIPS

Education Specialist (Special Education) Credential

TIPS

Pupil Personnel Services Credential

TIPS

Speech-Language Pathology Services

Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential

TIPS

Adult Education Credential

TIPS

Substitute Teacher

TIPS

Classroom Instructional Aide

TIPS

Expanded Learning Staff

TIPS