How to become an elementary school teacher in California?

Question

I am currently a senior in college majoring in comparative religions. I was initially going to go on to grad school for psychology in order to become a school psychologist eventually but lately I have been thinking about teaching. Since it is too late now to change my major (I'm graduating in a semester), how would I go about becoming an elementary or middle school teacher in California if I have a BA in something other than teaching? Also, is it any different to become a teacher in a Catholic or private school? I am open to public or private, really, I just would like to know how to go about this. I am willing to do whatever more school is necessary for it, although ideally I would like to work sooner rather than later if there is a way of expediting the process and not having to go through an extensive amount of extra school for this. I'm a little burnt out on college right now and would like to get into the working world, but if it is necessary I would definitely do more school.

Answer 1

The first poster's advice as she mentions is negative but accurate, just didn't answer your question.  Private schools/Catholic schools would want you to be of the faith that school represents, but that would likely be your best bet in California.  With your degree as is, you will still need to complete CBEST/Praxis and become a certified teacher (Link below).  

In California, a Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach a specific subject in a departmentalized class (grades K–12); this credential is primarily used in middle and secondary schools (grades 7–12). A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential enables the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom (grades K–12); this credential is used primarily in elementary schools (grades K–6). An Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to teach any subject to students in grades K–12 with the specific disability or impairment noted on the document.

Answer 2

Keep in mind that with the state of the current California budget, most districts are laying off many teachers, not hiring a lot of new ones.  I don't want to be hopelessly negative, but unless you are bilingual or a math/science teacher, this is a very bad time to be looking into teaching in California.