r/CaliforniaTeachers

I'm sure this has been asked loads of times but I haven't found a clear answer.

As a background, I have a BS in molecular biology, a master's in biotechnology, and 10 years experience in biotech.

So I know I need the CBEST and CSET. Would passing these be the first step? Do I need both the general science and chemistry CSET?

Then I think is credentialing. Are there options where I can do the classwork while I'm still employed? I don't think I can quit my job before taking a teaching position.

Is student teaching required? Again, I worry about completing this without quitting my current job. I'm sure I can't work while student teaching, but are there paid options or student loans I can take?

So CBEST, CSET, credentialing, in that order? Am I missing anything else?

I’ve finally decided to get my sub permit in California I have a B.A and I’m not too sure if the CBEST is still a requirement (often read it’s still waived but not sure) I know we can meet requirement with coursework however my math classes (I’ve always been terrible) I passed with a C and I think it has to be a B or higher to qualify. Can I take a course at my community college and hope that’ll cover the coursework for it?

So I applied and clicked mild mod, but i thought i would get to also teach mod sev just in case. i am so confused by this whole process, CA is especially confusing. anyway i have 9 years teaching life skills and 3 years teaching mild inclusion students. i also have a masters in sped. how do i go about getting dual authorization in MM and Mod Sev?

Is it worth getting your multiplier subject teaching credentials?? Is the pay better? Currently working at a private school $25 an hour

Do in‑house or already‑in‑district employees get priority over outside candidates when districts hire?

I’ve applied to several teaching positions in SoCal (I’m currently out of state but recently earned my CA credential), and it feels like every job is going to people who already work in the district.

Is there still a realistic chance for someone like me to get hired? My cert is in a high needs area and I have 4 years of teaching experience in Arizona.

Hello everyone! I was just accepted into the Kern High Teacher Residency program in partnership with CSUB in Bakersfield, CA. I currently have a Biology waiver for the CSET but really want to get credentialed in at least Earth Science as I was previously a Geology Major (but missed the 20 unit minimum to avoid CSET by 6 units) and Chemistry and am open to Physics as well. I am fine teaching any of them but Earth Science is my favorite. I have basically nothing going on this summer while waiting on the program to start as all of my bachelors level courses are completed and was contemplating getting the CSETS out of the way even though I won't have a preliminary credential until later. Has anyone knocked out the CSETs over the summer before doing a program? Additional piece of information, this is the second time I will be doing the classwork portion of a teaching program as I completed everything but the Licensing component last year right before we had to move back to California from Maine. Would getting those subject tests out of the way help me or hurt me at this point? I am worried about waiting until I am done with the program and or teaching a class to take the CSETs as it will be a lot for me in the first couple years.

CSET Science II: Earth Science
CSET Science II: Chemistry
CSET Science II: Physics

CSET Science II: Biology- WAIVER by Degree (includes Foundations level sciences/ CSET: Science I)

If anyone has recommendations on CSET prep materials I have been trying to access the CTC Right Step materials for Earth Science for over a week now and it's saying theres a problem. Are the physical books worth it? The Prep courses? What do you recommend?

I NEED HELP! I need some guidance on my credentials. I currently have a teacher associates permit? Aiming for me multiplied subject credentials? I have a BA. I’ve submitted my application. But I have so many other small questions. I don’t know if I’m doing this right. When do I take the test? Do I need to reapply to the college I graduated from, like a separate application? Also how do I know if my work place is accepted for “credential hours”? How many hours do I need to complete. I’m trying to look for a form that tells me all the different credentials and hours etc. I remember seeing it in a class.. Also is it worth getting my teaching credentials ? Is the pay better? I work at private school with a pay of $25.

Has anyone in CA gotten any part of the Multiple Subject CSETS waived? What was your major?

I have a BA in Psych and an AA in Liberal Studies, and I’m trying to understand the AB 130 rules and transcript evaluations. I keep seeing that coursework can count now instead of having to take all 3 subtests, but I’m confused on how it actually works. Thanks in advance!

I'm just finishing my 25th year. I would like to use the Willie Brown act to teach half-time but cannot see how to afford anything past required bills if I only received half pay.

Any teachers come up with creative ways to teach halftime, get paid half-time, but still be able to live comfortably? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi everyone! Concerned (and slightly stressed) husband here 😅

My wife recently earned her Master's in Speech-Language Pathology and is currently working as an SLP at Elk Grove Unified School District. We have one daughter and are planning to try again this winter, so I'm trying to get ahead of the maternity leave conversation now while I have some downtime. Planning is very important in our family.

We've already heard from a colleague that she may be required to pay for a substitute SLP out of pocket, which honestly caught us off guard. At her previous employer, she received approximately 8 months of leave (roughly 2 of which were unpaid), and her leave was covered through California's SDI (State Disability Insurance) and PFL (Paid Family Leave/Bonding). When she returned, she did have to cover our health insurance — around $400–$500/month, totaling about $4K. We're trying to understand if EGUSD operates similarly or very differently, especially since school districts sometimes opt out of SDI.

A few things we're trying to figure out:

• What does maternity leave actually look like at EGUSD?

• Is the substitute SLP cost common, and is there any way around it?

• Does EGUSD participate in SDI/PFL, or does the district handle leave compensation differently?

• She's not currently in the union — could joining before the next academic year make a difference?

• Are there any benefits consultants or advisors who specialize in helping educators navigate this?

She plans to speak with HR directly, but we want to go in as informed as possible.

Any insight from current or former EGUSD employees — especially SLPs — would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi! I have a question for the Prek-3rd teachers in California, what did programs/ degree did you have to obtain in order to become a kindergarten teacher and teach in the state of California? I’m wanting to move back to California in a year or two , while also in the process of becoming a kindergarten teacher! I’m debating on taking my general education classes at a CC and then transferring to a university in Cali when I move. I’ve seen a some information about you needing to hold a multiple subject credential and that you don’t need another bachelors nor do you need a masters degree. Is this true?
Is this program the best program to start in California to become a kindergarten teacher? I’d love to hear your thoughts/ experiences if you have taken this approach to teaching elementary in California! Thank you !☺️

[https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl561c.pdf?sfvrsn=7aab1162\\\_14\](https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl561c.pdf?sfvrsn=7aab1162\_14)

[https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/reports/data/approved-institutions-and-programs\](https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/reports/data/approved-institutions-and-programs)