What's the fastest track to getting a teacher credential?

Question

I have my MBA. I live in California. Do I have to pass the CSET? Do I have to join an internship program? Are there really short credentialing programs?

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure you will need to do a student teaching piece to get your license and will most probably need to pass some tests.  Most states have an "alternative route" that usually entails creating a teaching portfolio which you can find out about on the California Dept of Education website.  If California does not allow for an "alternative route", check out Western Governors University (www.wgu.edu).  It is an accredited on-line university that has a good post-bacc program in teaching.  The more time you spend on it, the more you can accelerate the program and the sooner you can be licensed.  It is worth looking at if you are interested.  I was able to complete the program (including student teaching) in a year (but I did put in more time than average).

Good luck to you. I'm a licensed teacher in Colorado and Vermont thanks to WGU!

Answer 2

You need to have a majored in what you want to teach, or pass the CSET, so if you want to teach something other than business then you will have to take the CSET in whatever area you want to teach.  The CSET is a pretty difficult test from what I have heard, and you should consider not taking all parts in one day.

You will have to pass the CBEST, which I took and found to be a very easy test.  You can probably do a credential in a year, especially if you do it at a private university.  (These are a little more expensive, but if time is your concern, I think it is well worth it.)  Contact universities in your area and they should able to guide you.  There are many people doing what you would like to do.

Answer 3

You have to go through the process.  Contact your states Department of Education to find out what you need to do.  Hopefully they will tell you to find your passion, educate yourself about education and really get to know what you are getting into before you get in front of a bunch of kids.  It sounds like you want an easy ticket rather than the best for possible future students,