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Links to Key Organizations – Becoming a California Teacher

Below are key organizations' Web sites that can help you become a teacher. Find more helpful links on our Resources page!

Featured Websites Brief Description
California Center on Teaching Careers
The Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) was awarded the 2017 California Center on Teaching Careers (The Center) grant to provide collaborative leadership on a statewide level through seven regional satellite centers (County Offices of Education from Tulare [Lead], Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sonoma, Ventura, and Shasta) dedicated to increasing the teacher workforce, particularly in the recruitment of ethnically diverse/bilingual math, science, and special education teachers. The mission of the Center is to elevate the teaching profession through attracting new and existing talent to impact teaching and learning in California's 21st Century classrooms. The Center helps prospective teachers learn more about the profession and career pathways, and hosts virtual job fairs.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing - Approved Teacher Preparation Programs
For educators prepared in California, completing a Commission-approved educator preparation program is required to earn a credential or authorization. This page includes a list of all approved programs.
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
The CTC is the California state agency that governs all teacher preparation and credentialing matters. Visit the site for more detailed information on the various pathways and requirements for obtaining a California teaching credential.
California Department of Education - Become a Teacher
Resources for individuals considering a career in teaching, including information about career exploration, California's college systems, financial support, and credentialing requirements.
California Educator Credentialing Assessments
Hosted by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, this site provides information about California educator credentialing assessments, including how to register, prepare, and get results for the CalAPA, CalTPA, CBEST, CPACE, CSET, CTEL, RICA, NES, and WEST.
California Schools' Mobile Application - Directory Information and More
Learn more about the California Department of Education’s new mobile application for Apple and Android phones. Find information about local schools, including physical location, maps, photos, statistics and more.
CBEST Preparation Materials
General information and preparation materials for the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test), including sample questions and tutorials. Provided by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
College Navigator at the National Center for Educational Statistics
Find the right college for you on this U.S. Department of Education funded Website. Search by college name, state, program/major, level of award, and type of institution.
Computer Science Teachers Association
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science and other computing disciplines. CSTA provides opportunities for K-12 teachers and students to better understand, teach, and learn in the computing disciplines.
EnCorps - Transition from industry to teaching
EnCorps empowers STEM professionals to transform public education by teaching in high needs schools. The EnCorps STEM Teaching Fellowship is a rigorous on-ramp and exploration of a teaching career -- offering teaching fellows the field experience, knowledge and connections to ensure they thrive. Through a selective application process, qualified professionals from science, technology, engineering and math industries are accepted into EnCorps and supported as they become California credentialed teachers in high needs schools.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): Education, Training, and Library Careers - Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
Find information about duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for various teaching careers, including special education, high school, elementary, middle school, teacher assistants. Compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this resource is based on the latest U.S. Census data.
TEACH Los Angeles Regional Collaborative
The mission of the Teach Los Angeles Regional Collaborative (Teach LARC) is to engage in developing successful teacher preparation programs by facilitating access to strategies, tools and resources that can boost the number and diversity of students entering the education field