High School Student
It’s never too soon to plan for your career in education. There are so many opportunities to work in a school setting and get a sense of whether the education path is for you. High school students have a perspective of K-12 schooling that is reflective of their own recent experiences and can contribute positively in the K-12 educational setting whether it is as a classified or certificated employee. We invite you to consider the many options!
Trying to figure out if teaching is the right career for you? Do you want to learn more about what it is like? Answer these questions and more by checking out Teach California resources.
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).
- Multiple Subject Credential
- Single Subject Credential
- Education Specialist (Special Education) Credential
- Combined Bachelors + Credential
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential
- Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential
- Adult Education Credential
- Substitute Teacher
- Classroom Instructional Aide
- Expanded Learning Staff
- PASS Americorps
Multiple Subject Credential
Self-contained classroom - typically elementary but can be preschool-12, or in classes primarily for adults
START
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Bachelor’s Degree
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California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
or Alternatives to the CBEST
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Traditional prep program or paid internship program (1-2 yrs)
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Traditional Teacher Prep Program - coursework followed by student teaching
OR
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Obtain an intern position with a school/district
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Internship Program - coursework while you are also a teacher of record
AND
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California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or Approved Subject Matter Equivalency
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Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)
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Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district
TIPS
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
► If your degree is from outside the US, you’ll need a U.S. Constitution course or equivalency exam.
► Traditional = potential access to federal financial aid. Internship = paycheck, benefits, and retirement but no federal aid $. Other types of aid may be available for for traditional and intern program participants.
► SDCOE Special Education Internship program info at sdcoe.net/teacherprep
► Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
► Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
► SDCOE has free CBEST, CSET, and RICA 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.
Single Subject Credential
The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes, such as those in most middle schools and high schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.
START
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Bachelor’s Degree
▼
Traditional prep program or paid internship program (1-2 yrs)
▼
Traditional Teacher Prep Program - coursework followed by student teaching
OR
▼
Internship program with a school/district - coursework while you are also a teacher of record
▼
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or Approved Subject Matter Equivalency
AND
Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)
▼
Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district
TIPS
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
► If your degree is from outside the US, you’ll need a U.S. Constitution course or equivalency exam.
► Traditional = potential access to federal financial aid. Internship = paycheck, benefits, and retirement but no federal aid $. Other types of aid may be available for for traditional and intern program participants.
► SDCOE Special Education Internship program info at sdcoe.net/teacherprep
► Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
► Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
► SDCOE has free CBEST, CSET, and RICA 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.
START
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Bachelor’s Degree
▼
Traditional prep program or paid internship program (1-2 yrs)
▼
Traditional Teacher Prep Program - coursework followed by student teaching
OR
▼
Internship program with school/district - coursework while you are also a teacher of record
▼
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or Approved Subject Matter Equivalency
AND
Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)
▼
Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district
TIPS
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
► If your degree is from outside the US, you’ll need a U.S. Constitution course or equivalency exam.
► Traditional = potential access to federal financial aid. Internship = paycheck, benefits, and retirement but no federal aid $. Other types of aid may be available for for traditional and intern program participants.
► SDCOE Special Education Internship program info at sdcoe.net/teacherprep
► Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
► Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
► Some candidates may be required to take the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). SDCOE has free CBEST, CSET, and RICA 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.
Combined Bachelors + Credential
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Combined Teacher Prep/Bachelor’s Degree Program - coursework followed by student teaching
▼
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or Approved Subject Matter Equivalency
AND
Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)
▼
Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district
TIPS
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
► Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before student teaching.
► Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
► SDCOE has free CBEST, CSET, and RICA 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.
START
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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
▼
(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.
▼
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
or Alternatives to the CBEST
▼
Once you receive your credential, apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district
There are no resources or collections to display
TIPS
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
► Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting) is required before the practicum experieince.
► Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
► SDCOE has free CBEST test preparation!
► 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.
Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential
Career Technical Education (CTE) is one of the fastest growing areas of education. 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.
START
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High School Diploma
(or equivalent)
▼
3 years/3000 hours of Industry experience and education combined
(up to 1000 can be education)
▼
Offer of employment in a CTE position for a school/district + an English Language Waiver
AND
Certificate of Clearance
(Fingerprinting)
▼
While you are teaching you will also complete the following
- Credential Coursework
- CPR for Infant, Child and Adults Certification
- U.S. Constitution coursework equivalency or exam
- Health Education
TIPS
► 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.
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
Adult Education Credential
Adult Education programs offer their communities both state-supported general education courses and community education fee-based classes.
START
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Bachelor’s Degree for academic subject credentials
High School Diploma or equivalent for non-academic subjects
▼
3 years of experience and/or
education in the credential subject
▼
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 Adults Certification
- U.S. Constitution coursework equivalency or exam
- Health Education
TIPS
► 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.
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
Substitute Teacher
Day-to-day guest teacher in any classroom, including preschool, K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults
START
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Bachelor’s Degree
▼
Fingerprinting: www.sdcoe.net/credentials
▼
30-Day Permit: www.sdcoe.net/credentials
▼
Apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district
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.
► Information about California educator credentialing assessments at ctcexams.nesinc.com
► SDCOE has free CBEST, CSET, and RICA 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.
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
Classroom Instructional Aide
Provides student assistance under the supervision and direction of a faculty member - K-12
START
▼
High School Diploma or equivalent
(College units or Associates Degree may be
required by some schools/districts)
▼
Certificate of Clearance or Fingerprinting may be required
▼
Apply through Edjoin.org or directly through the school/district
▼
Competency assessment may be required by some schools/districts
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.
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
Expanded Learning Staff
Includes before-school, after-school, and summer school programs
START
▼
18 years or older AND High School Diploma or equivalent
▼
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
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.
► Videos to help you prepare for a teaching career at bit.ly/EDUcareervideos
PASS Americorps
PASS AmeriCorps Members provide intensive case-management for 30 at-risk youth (grades 3 through 12) in a designated school site. Students receive academic tutoring / support, character development lessons, and service learning opportunities throughout the school year. PASS AmeriCorps' 40 members are assigned, individually or in pairs, to one of 31 school sites in Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Escondido Union High, Valley Center-Pauma, or San Diego Unified School Districts for the duration of the school year.
Overview
- Full-time
- 10-month commitment
- 1,700 minimum hours
- Monday-Friday (40+ hrs/week)
- Some mandatory weeknights and weekend days/nights
- Term-of-Service: September to June
Qualifications
PASS AmeriCorps members must:
- Be 22 years of age or older
- Possess an Associate's degree or higher
- Be computer proficient
- Own a vehicle and have a valid driver's license
- Show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
- Have 1-2 years of experience working with youth (preferred)
- Spanish-speaking skills are a plus
Members will be required to complete SDCOE and AmeriCorps applications, fingerprinting / background check, reference check, TB testing, submit university transcripts, and sign a Term-of-Service contract.
Be sure to also take a look at our Level Up event, to help you learn more about educator preparation programs at local San Diego County 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!
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