The great state of California stretches along the Pacific coast line with millions of residents populating the state. With so many people in California, it would be fitting that their certification process would not be a set standard across the entire state. For prospective teachers who are attending an accredited college or university with an approved teacher preparation school, the credentialing process will take place through that particular school. Having said that, however, there are basic standards that all teachers must meet before obtaining a Preliminary Credential in the state of California.

The Preliminary Credential is issued for a maximum of five years. All of the following steps must be completed during this five year period:

• Complete a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Fulfill the basic skills requirement.
• Complete an accredited teacher preparation program including student teaching.
• Get a passing score on the appropriate subject matter examination.
• Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
• Satisfy the Developing English Language Skills by completing a reading instruction course that includes the following: the systematic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language and comprehension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques.
• Complete two semesters or three quarters of college coursework in the U.S. Constitution.
• Complete computer technology coursework that includes general and specialized skills in the use of computers in the educational setting.

In addition to these requirements, the teacher who completes the appropriate teacher preparation program and obtains the five-year Preliminary Credential must also get a Clear Credential. The options for successfully completing this requirement are found here.

There is currently a teacher shortage in California and the California Department of Education is making an effort to recruit qualified teachers. The California Teacher Recruitment Program was in effect last year for Los Angeles and San Francisco. The San Diego Unified School District is the second largest district in California and keeps its rich history of success focused on high standards which include programs such as the Striving Readers and an initiative for technology in middle school science classrooms. Pioneer High School in San Jose was just named as a 2007 California Distinguished School.

Once you have found your job in the state of California and have completed your Preliminary Credential, you will receive a Professional Credential. These credentials last for five years, and California does not require any additional coursework or service requirements for renewal of the Professional Credential. You can take advantage of online renewal to streamline this already simple process.