Do You Need a Degree to Be a Teacher in California?

The short answer is yes, you do need a degree to become a teacher. However, the type of degree and the specific requirements can vary significantly depending on the state, and the grade level. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you need to know about becoming a teacher in California.

Aspiring teachers aiming to work in public schools are typically required to hold a valid teaching credential. This credential generally necessitates the completion of a bachelor's degree followed by a credential program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Private schools often have more flexibility in their hiring requirements. While many private schools prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree and teaching certification, it is sometimes possible to be hired with a degree in a specific subject area or even with significant professional experience in a related field. This can be especially true for specialized subjects or advanced courses.

Charter schools, which are publicly funded but operate independently of the traditional public school system, may have different requirements. These schools often look for innovative teaching methods and might accept candidates with varied educational backgrounds, including those who have completed alternative certification programs.

Teaching at the preschool level often requires at least an associate degree in early childhood education, though some positions may require a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, preschool teachers may need to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or another state-specific certification.

For teaching positions in higher education, such as at colleges and universities, the requirements are more demanding, typically requiring a master's degree or PhD. However, some adjunct or part-time faculty positions might only require a bachelor's degree.

In specialized education programs, such as Career Technical Education (CTE) or vocational education, the requirements for instructors can vary. Expertise in a specific field may allow individuals to teach with just a CTE credential. These special education programs often emphasize practical skills and real-world applications, and requirements for instructors in these settings may differ from those in traditional K-12 or higher education roles.

A bachelor’s degree prepares candidates for initial teaching licensure and provides the foundation for effective teaching practices. A Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching prepares students for a post-baccalaureate Multiple Subject Teaching program in a public elementary school. The Assembly Bill (AB) 130 has established that the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program satisfies the state of California's multiple subject competence requirement. However, the degree does not include the required Multiple Subject Teaching Credential; it provides the content necessary to then attain the credential to start teaching.

The teaching emphasis will allow students to gain knowledge in learning theories, instructional design, classroom management, and assessment techniques. They also complete a student teaching experience, which offers hands-on practice in a classroom setting under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher.

The above information applies only to elementary education. If you strive to teach middle or high school, your bachelor's degree will need to be earned in one of the subject areas approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), such as English, biology, or physics. Your specific degree will position you to pass the subject matter exams necessary to gain your teaching credential.

Within the MAE pathway at UMass Global, teachers can specialize in various areas such as:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Instructional Technology - Teaching the 21st Century Learner
• Educational Administration
• Educational Leadership
• Leadership in Early Childhood Education
• Teaching and Learning
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Those pursuing a Master of Arts in Special Education at UMass Global can pursue credentials for teaching and learning, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Autism for special education. These programs and certifications enable teachers to develop expertise in specific areas of neurodevelopmental disorders.

In pursuing a career in education, aspiring teachers can find a wealth of opportunities at UMass Global. With a diverse range of bachelor's and master's degree programs tailored to various teaching environments and specializations, UMass Global serves as a guiding light for those seeking to make a positive impact on the lives of students. Contact us or apply today to get started.