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California Bachelor’s in Education Programs

Considering a career in education? As a teacher, you will experience the joys and challenges of helping today’s children become critical thinkers and problem solvers. The Golden State is dedicated to the education of its children—and as a progressive force in education, California offers numerous methods of completing your teaching credentials.

To become a teacher in California, you first need to find the right bachelor’s program for you. At EducationDegree.com, we make it simple to find and compare California universities offering bachelor’s in education programs. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field and are interested in becoming a teacher in California, please check out the California Alternative Certification page for a list of accelerated programs that can lead to initial teacher licensure. We recommend contacting several universities to help you make the most informed decision about the future of your education.

Earning Your Bachelor’s in California

The usual manner of achieving teaching credentials in California is to complete a state-approved bachelor’s in education with an academic major in your desired instructional area. California offers no shortage of universities through which you can earn your bachelor’s in education, and each university offers a range of single-subject areas for study, which may include:

  • Preschool
  • Kindergarten
  • Elementary school
  • Middle school
  • High school
  • Special Education

In addition to required liberal arts courses, your core curriculum will include classes in learning theories and the design of curriculum for your specific area of study. Core courses that reflect a single subject area of instruction may include:

  • Instructional design for secondary education
  • The development of literacy in the preschooler
  • Teaching of art to elementary school children
  • Educational research for teaching high school
  • Assessment of learning disabilities in special education

In addition to coursework and field experiences, you may be required to complete a teacher preparation program that will prepare you for the teaching licensure examination. In well-planned programs, your bachelor’s in education may complete most of this requirement, while others will need to complete the prerequisites in a separate approved program post-graduation.

The Outlook for Teachers in California

With such a large population, it should come as no surprise that California ranks among the top five states with the highest employment level for preschool, elementary and secondary school teachers. California is also one of the top-paying states for elementary and secondary education teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with an annual mean wage in 2017 of $77,990 and $77,390 respectively. According to researchers who study education trends, officials are reporting teacher shortages in California, with many getting worse in many communities.   This is due to an aging workforce, fewer students are enrolling in teacher preparation programs, and the state’s population of school-age children is on the rise.

Average Salaries for Teachers

If you’re looking for a rewarding career with hidden benefits, education could be the right field for you. Take the first step to become a teacher in California by exploring the featured programs on this page and requesting more information on different programs—and the benefits of becoming a teacher.