Teach
MCOE Teacher PSA
1:36
Paths to Teaching
Are you interesting in a teaching career? Check out CTC's Roadmap to Teaching.
I want to go
back to school
One
Enroll in community college or a 4-year university to earn a Bachelor's Degree
Two
Accepted to Teacher Preparation Program
Three
Graduate and receive California Teaching Credential
This is the most traditional route to teaching. It ends in an individual receiving a teaching credential. Time to completion varies based on individual circumstances
I have an
Associate's Degree
One
Enroll in a 4-year university to earn a Bachelor's Degree
Two
Accepted to Teacher Preparation Program
Three
Graduate and receive a Bachelor's Degree and California Teaching Credential
Designed for anyone looking to become a teacher who has an Associate's Degree. Completion usually takes around 2 years but can vary based on individual circumstances.
I graduated college with a Bachelor's Degree or higher
One
Accepted to
Teacher Preparation program
Two
Complete mentored internship, work under emergency permit while working and going to school, or completing teacher program full-time
Three
Complete program and receive California Teaching Credential
This path is designed for school staff with a Bachelor's Degree or higher who are looking to become a teacher. This path can take 1 to 2 years on average to complete but can vary based on individual circumstances.
Questions about the path to becoming a teacher?
Need information on colleges, financial aid or credentials?
Visit our Prospective Teachers section below.