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)

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

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

START
▼
Bachelor’s Degree

▼
Basic Skills Requirement
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or Alternative

▼
Traditional prep program or paid internship program (1-2 yrs)

▼
Traditional Teacher Prep Program - coursework followed by student teaching

OR
▼
Obtain an intern position with a school/district

▼
Internship Program - coursework while you are also a teacher of record

AND

▼
Subject Matter Competency Requirement

Guide: Subject Matter Competency: Applicable Majors and California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Equivalents

▼
Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)

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

First page of the PDF file: Multiple Subject Credential

Print or Download Flyer

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
▼
Bachelor’s Degree

▼

Basic Skills Requirement
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or Alternative

▼
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

▼
Subject Matter Competency Requirement

Guide: Subject Matter Competency: Applicable Majors and California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Equivalents

AND

Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)

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

Image of single subject credential flowchart document for print or download

Print or Download Flyer

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.

► 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
▼
Bachelor’s Degree

▼

Basic Skills Requirement
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or Alternative

▼
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

▼
Subject Matter Competency Requirement

Guide: Subject Matter Competency: Applicable Majors and California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Equivalents

AND

Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)

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

First page of the PDF file: SpecialEducationCredential

Print or Download Flyer

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.

► 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

START
▼

Basic Skills Requirement
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or Alternative

▼
Combined Teacher Prep/Bachelor’s Degree Program - coursework followed by student teaching

▼
Subject Matter Competency Requirement

Guide: Subject Matter Competency: Applicable Majors and California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Equivalents

AND

Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)

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

First page of the PDF file: Combined Bachelors plus Credential

Print or Download Flyer

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
▼
Bachelor’s Degree

▼

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

Print or Download Flyer

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
▼
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

First page of the PDF file: Career Technical Education Credential

Print or Download Flyer

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
▼
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

▼
Basic Skills Requirement
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or Alternative

▼
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

First page of the PDF file: Adult Education Credential

Print or Download Flyer

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
▼
Bachelor’s Degree

▼
Basic Skills Requirement
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or Alternative

▼
Fingerprinting: www.sdcoe.net/credentials

▼
30-Day Permit: www.sdcoe.net/credentials

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

First page of the PDF file: Substitute Teacher

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.

► 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

First page of the PDF file: Classroom Instructional Aide

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.

► 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

First page of the PDF file: ExpandedLearningProgramStaff

Print or Download Flyer

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.

PASS Americorps Information and Application

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.

FREE Test Preparation
(CBEST, CSET, and RICA)

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

Header Top

Header Utility

Search

Header Bottom

Logo

Navigation

Menu

Breadcrumb

College Undergrad

Education Career Pathway Flowcharts

Multiple Subject Credential

TIPS

Single Subject Credential

TIPS

Education Specialist (Special Education) Credential

TIPS

Combined Bachelors + Credential

TIPS

Pupil Personnel Services Credential

TIPS

Career Technical Education (CTE) Credential

TIPS

Adult Education Credential

TIPS

Substitute Teacher

TIPS

Classroom Instructional Aide

TIPS

Expanded Learning Staff

TIPS

PASS Americorps

Overview

Qualifications