Changing Careers to Teaching? The Best California K-12 Credential Pathways
If you are interested in a career change to teaching, you may find the transition both exciting and challenging as you navigate the credentialing process. Fortunately, you do not have to start over or earn another bachelor’s degree in education when you want to break into teaching.
Can You Become a Teacher in California Without an Education Degree?
Learning how to become a teacher in California without an education degree begins with understanding that a bachelor’s degree in education is not generally required. Candidates must hold an eligible bachelor’s or higher degree, complete a teacher preparation program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and satisfy the requirements for their chosen credential.
A post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program is designed for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree. It combines education coursework with supervised classroom experience and ensures candidates meet state credential requirements.
Learn more about how to earn a teaching credential in California.
Choosing a California K-12 Teaching Credential
A teaching credential is the state authorization that allows an educator to teach particular students or subjects. California offers different credentials because teaching several subjects in an elementary classroom requires different preparation than teaching a single subject in a high school or providing specialized instruction to students with disabilities.
The three credential pathways most relevant to many K-12 career changers are the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Single Subject Teaching Credential, and Education Specialist Instruction Credential.
|
Credential |
What or Whom You teach |
Common School Setting |
Strong Fit for Career Changers Who… |
How Previous Experience May Help |
Relevant NDNU Pathway |
|
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential |
Several subjects to the same group of students |
Self-contained elementary classrooms and some self-contained middle school settings |
Want to work closely with one group of students and teach across the curriculum |
Experience working with children, families, youth programs, or community organizations may support the transition |
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential |
|
Single Subject Teaching Credential |
One designated subject, such as English, mathematics, science, or social science |
Departmentalized middle school and high school classrooms |
Want to apply deep academic or professional knowledge in a particular subject |
A related degree, college coursework, or career experience may help establish subject knowledge and inform classroom instruction |
Single Subject Teaching Credential |
|
Education Specialist Instruction Credential |
Students who require specialized instruction and support |
Public or private special education classrooms, resource programs, and inclusive settings |
Want to support students with disabilities and collaborate with families, teachers, and service providers |
Experience in healthcare, behavioral services, counseling, advocacy, case management, or disability services may provide a useful perspective |
Education Specialist Credential and MA in Special Education |
What Are the Best California Teacher Preparation Pathways for Career Changers?
Which teaching credential pathways are best for career changers aiming to teach K-12? The strongest choice depends on many factors. Those factors include their previous education, the grade level they want to teach, and their ability to complete clinical teaching requirements.
California-prepared teachers must complete a program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Approved programs may be sponsored by a college, university, school district, or county office of education.
Candidates can learn more by reading the Commission’s Pathways to Credentialing.
Traditional Student Teaching Pathway
In a traditional pathway, candidates complete teacher preparation coursework and supervised teaching experiences before becoming full-time teachers. The clinical portion usually includes classroom observations and student teaching under the direction of a seasoned educator.
This pathway gives future teachers time to develop lesson-planning and instructional skills under close supervision. It’s a strong option for those who want to receive regular feedback and observe how an experienced teacher responds to everyday classroom situations.
The main consideration for working adults is scheduling. Student teaching generally takes place during the school day and may make it difficult to maintain full-time employment outside education.
University or District Intern Pathway
An intern pathway allows eligible candidates to become teachers of record while completing credential coursework and receiving support from a preparation program and an employer. Intern teachers earn a salary while completing the approved program.
A university internship program is sponsored by a state-approved college or university, such as Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU). The university recommends and supervises the intern in partnership with the employing school or district.
A district intern program is sponsored by a state-approved school district or county office of education. Candidates complete the preparation program through the sponsoring organization while working in a teaching position.
The opportunity to start earning an income sooner makes this route attractive. However, interns assume responsibility for their own classrooms while also completing courses and program requirements. They must prepare for the demands of managing both.
Teacher Residency Pathway
A teacher residency combines post-baccalaureate coursework with an extended clinical placement under an experienced mentor teacher. Residents generally work alongside a mentor for at least one full school year.
Residencies offer intensive classroom training and a close connection between coursework and daily teaching practice. Some programs also provide tuition support and other financial assistance.
This pathway may appeal to career changers who want a highly supported transition and can commit to the residency schedule. Many residencies are developed with a particular school district or other partner, so candidates should understand any employment expectations or service commitments before enrolling.
Change Careers to Teaching in California in 6 Steps
The details vary by credential and preparation program, but most career changers can begin with these six steps:
Decide What You Want to Teach
Candidates should consider whether they want to teach several subjects in a self-contained classroom, specialize in one academic area, or work in special education. The decision determines the credential and preparation program they should pursue.
Review Your Degree and Previous Coursework
Candidates should request a transcript evaluation to determine how their bachelor’s degree and earlier coursework relate to credential requirements. California candidates must demonstrate competency in the subjects they plan to teach, but that requirement may be satisfied through a qualifying degree, approved coursework, examinations, or a permitted combination of options.
Choose a CTC-Approved Preparation Program
Candidates should compare traditional, intern, and residency pathways and look closely at course schedules, clinical practice expectations, candidate support, program length, and whether the program offers their intended credential.
Complete Any Prerequisites and Preservice Requirements
Candidates may need to complete foundational coursework, meet subject matter requirements, undergo fingerprinting, obtain a Certificate of Clearance, or complete other program-specific steps. Intern candidates must complete the required pre-service preparation before becoming eligible for an intern credential.
Complete Coursework and Clinical Practice
Teacher preparation includes both academic study and classroom practice. Depending on the pathway, candidates may complete student teaching under a mentor, serve as an intern teacher of record, or participate in a yearlong residency.
Complete the Credential Recommendation and Next Steps
After a candidate finishes the program and satisfies state requirements, the preparation program recommends the candidate for the appropriate Preliminary Teaching Credential. The educator must later complete the requirements to move from a Preliminary Credential to a Clear Credential.
Online and Hybrid Teaching Credential Programs
Can candidates earn a California teaching credential while working full-time? In some cases, yes. Online or hybrid courses make it easier to schedule the academic portion of earning a credential around work responsibilities.
However, online coursework does not eliminate in-person teaching responsibilities. Candidates still must complete classroom observations, fieldwork, student teaching, intern teaching, or another approved form of clinical practice. Traditional student teaching may require substantial daytime availability. Intern pathways allow candidates to work full-time in the classroom, but they must also balance classroom responsibilities with university coursework.
Working adults should seek programs that explain both course schedules and clinical practice demands before enrollment. NDNU offers several options for candidates preparing to teach in California:
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Single Subject Teaching Credential programs at NDNU are post-baccalaureate programs that can allow full-time candidates to complete professional coursework and two student teaching experiences within a calendar year.
Start Your Teaching Career at NDNU
Choosing a credential pathway involves several decisions, but you do not have to navigate them alone. Notre Dame de Namur University offers a range of online and hybrid programs for aspiring teachers, along with personalized guidance and internship opportunities for eligible candidates.