How much does a high school English teacher earn per year & what is the shortest route to become said teacher?

Question

I need to know what kind of pay do teachers make here in 2008... preferably in California, and what would be the quickest way to becoming a high school English teacher?

Answer 1

The BA program would be the best route.  Many schools will you get the masters degree since it's a requirement.  You'll save money that way.  The average teacher salary is probably around $28,000 to $40,000.  After ten years, it will go up to around $35,000 to $55,000.  This depends on where you teach.  Also, work on getting a national board certification when you start teaching.  It is a hard thing to achieve, but will be good for credentials and salary.  If you want to teach anywhere, you will make more in the south.  They are in high demand for good teachers, espescially bilingual in english and spanish!

Answer 2

Depends on the district.  Most will have a link to a salary schedule on their district web page somewhere.

Quickest route to being said teacher would be to get bachelor's degree with a teaching credential, then you could hopefully jump right into the school.  HOWEVER, with the No Child Left Behind legislation, all teachers must be "highly qualified."  This means that, if you don't have one, within your first three years of teaching you MUST obtain a Masters in Teaching/Education (of some kind), or a Masters in your subject area in order to be considered highly qualified.  

What this means is that, while you can get into the schools faster by just getting your BA and a teaching credential, it is easier for you and the schools in the long run for you to get your BA, then try and find a Masters program so that you when you get your job, you're already highly qualified.  Also, California is very hard up for teachers, so they are usually able to emergency certify teachers and give them time to get what they need.  This does, of course, pay less.  But still.  Hope this helps!