Teaching Math in California

Teaching opportunities in California are as diverse as the state itself. The public education system serves a heterogeneous mix of students: half of California students come from low-income families, and more than one-fourth are non-native English speakers. The challenges facing California teachers are great, but so are the opportunities.

California offers landscapes and cities for everyone. Those seeking a metropolitan lifestyle can find opportunities in San Francisco or Los Angeles, while those longing for something more laid back might be drawn to schools in Napa or Santa Cruz. Regardless of where you want to teach, the job market for teachers in California is very competitive. Teacher salaries are significantly higher than the national average, and many individuals are drawn to the beautiful scenery of California. Public funding and budget issues have resulted in significant job losses for teachers.

On the bright side, computer science and mathematics are still listed as shortage areas in California – so there is opportunity for those with STEM backgrounds to find the job of their dreams in California. In addition, California offers several different alternative certification routes designed to attract highly-qualified individuals.

Math Teacher Certification in California

Math Teaching Qualifications

California requires teachers to complete prerequisite coursework and meet state testing requirements.

Credentials & Exams

There are two main types of teaching credentials in California:

• Single Subject Teaching Credential (typical in middle and high schools), and
• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (used in most self-contained classrooms in elementary schools).

There are two levels for each of these credentials. Level I credential is a preliminary credential earned after meeting the basic requirements and is valid for five years. A Level II credential is earned once a teacher has completed all credential requirements and must be renewed every 5 years.

All teachers must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

California offers several alternative certification routes for qualified individuals:

• The first is the District Intern Certificate.
• The second alternative is the Eminence Credential. This credential is available to those who have shown excellence in their field, which includes recognition by one’s peers as a distinguished contributor.
• A third option is the Early Completion Internship, which is available to those who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking a faster route to certification. Candidates must meet the basic skills testing requirement, pass the Teaching Foundations exam, complete a course on the U.S. Constitution (or pass a Constitutional exam), demonstrate subject knowledge by passing the relevant content examination and be enrolled in a district intern program.
• A fourth option is the Sojourn Certificated Employee Credential, a program for non-native English speakers who wish to teach foreign language and ESL classes. Candidates do not need a bachelor’s degree, but need at least 90 semester credits of college-level work and are required to complete at least six semester credits per year toward a bachelor’s degree.
• The final option is the University Intern Credential. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, meet the basic skills testing requirement and obtain approval from the teacher’s union of the employing school. This program is offered through approved universities and offers teaching certification within one-to-two years through the internship program.