What do I need to do to become an elementary school teacher in CA?

Question

I go to a community college right now doing general ed stuff and a few early childhood education classes. What is the next step to becoming an elementary school teacher? What are the top schools for getting my teaching credentials in CA? Also, about how long does it usually take to become a teacher? I am taking the ECE classes so while im going to school for teaching I can be working in a daycare or pre-school...would having an ece (early childhood ed) certificate help in my road to becoming a teacher other than by giving me a higher paying job while im in school?

Answer 1

You need to get a BA first.  After that, apply for an elementary education program that lead to credentialization.  This is usually comprised of 30 units plus two semesters of student teaching (one is about 6 weeks in the classroom and the other about 10 weeks).  There are also tests you must take and the program usually prepares you for them.  All in all, if you can go full-time, it will take about 2 years.  Your ECE experience may help you in that it would look good on a resume, but only units earned at the 400 level or above and earned post BA usually count on the payscale.  Also, prepare yourself now financially for the student teaching.  It is full time and unpaid.  On rare occassion you can get a paid position on an emergency credential but they are almost unheard of in CA at this point.  Good luck to you.  I've been teaching for 10 years and I still love it.

Answer 2

I don't think ECE matters.  You need a bachelor's degree and then you need to pass the RICA and some multiple subject exams for elementary school teachers.  You have to get a teaching credential.  This used to be a one year program that you take after your B.A., but now some colleges build it in to your 4 year degree.  You will also have to do a year of student teaching where you are placed in a classroom and you gradually take over the teacher's duties under his/her supervision.  You don't get paid for it.

Pepperdine's School of Education and Psychology is great.  

Teaching is a job that you learn ON the job.  Every teacher will tell you that his/her education classes in the credential program were useless and a waste of time, but those are the hoops you have to jump through.