I'm from CA an have BS in biology. I want to teach high school/ middle school science. What do I need to do?

Question

10 points to best answer!

Answer 1

I got my first job in a private school.  They don't have the same bureaucratic requirements, smaller classes, higher demands (of both teachers and students), and I got some wonderful mentoring.  

I learned far more from my colleagues than I ever did in school.

Answer 2

Apply to a graduate program at any CSU, as well as their credential program for secondary education. The two of them coincide. You can typically choose between two program lengths- a three semester program or a two semester program. Two semester of course is extra stressful! Either way, you will sacrifice a lot of your time. Working will become difficult. These programs offer a ton of personal support through what is a very stressful process.

You can also go through places like National University that are private, offer evening courses, but are SUPER expensive.

There are other programs like Project Pipeline that stick you right into a school teaching full time with pay. Downsides: Friday night and all day Saturday classes, and very little support/help.

You will need to pass a subject matter proficeincy test (the English one had three parts), or take a handful of college courses to prove proficiency in your subject matter. You can get into and be working on your credential while taking/passing these tests, but you must have them done before your credential program is complete.