I have my initial certification in NYS, but am moving to CA. Do I need to earn the BCLAD or CLAD to teach?

Question

If so, can I do that from New York before I move? Is it just a test or do I need to take classes?

Answer 1

You definately need CLAD. Don't waste your time on BCLAD. It will only add headaches to your employment. That fact of the matter is you need CLAD and connections. It is very hard to get a job in California unless you have an in. The exception to this is places like Los Angeles Unified and very large city districts which will bribe you to come over, but will not offer a salary that will allow you to have more than a minimal lifestyle.

Answer 2

You have to get a CLAD.  BCLAD isn't necessary.  You cannot teach in California without it, but some districts might give you a grace period to get it if you don't have it.  There is no equivalent.  California is very strict about this.

There is a teacher at our school from NY school and he almost got fired for not getting his CLAD during the grace period.  But he had an "in" with the principal, so they gave him extra time.

Another colleague of mine who didn't have an "in" with the principal failed her CLAD exam and was let go immediately.

So it depends on the district and the principal.

Answer 3

In order to be certified as NCLB compliant you must be either BCLAD or CLAD in California. The best thing to do is call the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing ( http://www.ctc.ca.gov/ ) and explain your situation. It may be that you have something similar from NY that will transfer. If you do have to get a BCLAD or CLAD credential, get the BCLAD. You will be much more marketable, particularly if you can speak Spanish.There is a test, and I strongly recommend that you take a class here in California from an organization that knows the test. The local county office of education where you are moving can help you with that. It is a very difficult test! Because of extreme budget cuts, it is much harder to get a teaching job in desirable areas, though jobs abound in low SES areas. Good luck!