One-Year Teacher Credentialing Programs in California
Prospective educators who have a desire to teach can now enroll in one-year credential programs. There are a number of one-year programs available in California through which you can qualify as a teacher. Alongside a bachelor's degree, there are a number of other testing requirements.
Overview of One-Year Teaching Credential Programs in California
Educators must complete a teaching credential program prior to their employment in California. Individuals who have already completed their bachelor's degree in a non-teaching setting can potentially complete a one-year credential program. Read below to learn what is entailed in these programs.
<table border="1"><tr><td> Required Degrees</td><td> Bachelor's degree required; field-based programs, preferred; master's degree, optional</td></tr>
<tr><td> Testing Requirements</td><td> CBEST, CSET Subject, RICA (Elementary school exam required for California educators)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Certifications</td><td> Multiple-subject training (Elementary School); Single-subject training (Middle School and Secondary School); Valid for five years</td></tr>
<tr><td> Annual Mean Salary for Teachers in California (2018)</td><td> $80,100 (Elementary School), $75,600 (Middle School), $80,510 (High School)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Projected Job Growth (by 2028)</td><td> 3% (Elementary School), 3% (Middle School), 4% (High School)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Teacher-Certification.com, ***Teach.org
</i></p><h2 id="section---BenefitsOfChoosingAOneYearProgram">Benefits of Choosing a One-Year Program</h2><p>The one-year credential program offers specific training and courses designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree. The traditional teacher preparation program requires students to practice teaching during fieldwork assignments, including student teaching. Individuals can choose their own route: a shorter 'certification-only' route, or an in-depth master's degree plan. They also have the choice of working from either on-site or online programs and choose whether to be a full-time or part-time student.
</p><h3 id="section---StudentTeachingAndFieldwork">Student Teaching and Fieldwork</h3><p>In addition to completing at least 36 units of coursework over a variety of topics, prospective teachers are required to complete fieldwork projects (observation components) and a student teaching assignment. Aspiring educators will be placed in classrooms specific to the credential they pursue, where they will work one-on-one with a mentor teacher, who offers helpful advice and tracks a student's progress as they lead the class, prepare lesson plans, and complete additional tasks. The mentor will then provide a written assessment of the individual's performance, which will remain under review until completion of the credential program.
</p><h3 id="section---Examinations">Examinations</h3><p>Prospective teachers are required to complete a number of exams before they are able to apply for their license;
</p><ul><li>CBEST: Students must earn a minimum scaled score of 41 in three sections (reading, writing and mathematics).
</li><li>CSET (For Multiple-Subject Teaching Credentials): Students must earn a minimum scaled score of 220 during three subtests.
</li><li>CSET (For Single-Subject Teaching Credentials): If students didn't complete a Commission-approved subject matter education program, then they must take the appropriate Commission-approved subject matter examination. Students must earn a minimum scaled score of 220 on the proper subject test in order to earn their credentials in that subject.
</li><li>RICA (For Multiple-Subject Teaching Credentials): Students pursuing an elementary teaching credential must earn a minimum scaled score of 220 covering reading skills, educational problems, instructional tasks, and one case study.
</li></ul><h3 id="section---Licensing">Licensing</h3><p>After completing an approved education program, prospective teachers must complete a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting and apply for a Certificate of Clearance. Then, they must apply for their California teaching credential with the Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service (Form 41-4). The application requires the following:
</p><ul><li>Official college transcripts listing a bachelor's degree, proof of completing the California-approved teacher preparation program, and a list of completed course requirements
</li><li>Photocopies of examination scores
</li><li>Copy of completed Request for LiveScan Service
</li><li>Application fees
</li><li>Signed Oath and Affidavit
</li></ul><h3 id="section---RenewalRequirements">Renewal Requirements</h3><p>The initial credential license is valid for five years, during which time, teachers must meet the requirements for a Clear Credential. To obtain this credential, teachers must have a valid initial license, and either complete a one-year Commission-approved General Education Induction Program or become certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standard (NBPTS).
</p><p>Teachers who fail to complete the requirements for the Clear Credential can apply for a one-time extension, valid for another five years. To apply, teachers must apply for the initial license, pay the fee, provide a letter explaining the reasons for the extension, and present proof of employment by a school.</p>