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Consider a Career in Teaching

There is no career more important than teaching! The best teachers impart a love of learning, a respect for others and a sense of self-worth to their students. Teachers can be creative and flexible on the job. Depending on the level of students and subject matter you want to teach, there are different pathways to becoming a teacher. In California, you need education beyond the baccalaureate degree to be able to teach. Undergraduate preparation is usually in the subject matter you plan to teach and postgraduate education consists of advanced course work in that subject and/or training in teaching methodology.
If you want to teach Elementary School: Undergraduate preparation is Liberal Studies or Child and Adolescent Development major with additional subject matter preparation courses (prepare for CSET) and after BA, complete the Multiple Subject Credential . Liberal Studies majors may also pursue an accelerated 4 and 1/2-year BA/credential program.
If you want to teach Middle or Secondary (High) School: Undergraduate preparation is to major in the subject area you plan to teach or pass tests in that subject and after the BA complete the Single Subject Credential .
If you want to teach Special Education: Complete undergraduate preparation for Elementary or Secondary School and after the BA complete the Education Specialist or Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential .
If you want to teach Bilingual (grades K-12): Complete preparation for Elementary or Secondary School teacher plus prove fluency in another language, and after BA, go for Multiple or Single Subejct Credential with bilingual education emphasis.
If you want to teach adult education: Complete a BA including specific course work in English, bilingual education or linguistics and after the BA complete the Designated Subjects Credential . If you want to teach English to non-native speakers, you may also pursue the MA in English: TESOL .
If you want to be a College Professor: Undergraduate preparation is to major in the subject you want to teach and go on for a PhD. Community colleges often hire instructors with an MA or MS degree.

TIPS:

Download "You'd Be A Great Teacher " Brochure.
If you aren't sure whether you want to teach or at what level, talk to teachers at the levels that interest you and spend time volunteering in a classroom (contact the Community Involvement Center: resource@sfsu.edu; 338-1486 for more information).
If you are an undergraduate and interested in Liberal Studies and elementary education review the Program Introduction and Liberal Studies section of the Bulletin.
If you are an undergraduate and interested in teaching middle or secondary school, contact the department of the subject you want to teach and talk to a faculty advisor.
If you want to learn more about admissions requirements to the Single Subject, Multiple Subject, or Special Education Credential programs, contact the Teacher Preparation Center, BH 244, (415) 405-3594 or go to the College of Education's Credential Services Teacher Preparation Center for more information. You will learn about other credential admissions requirements, such as CBEST or CSET, early field experience, and foreign language requirements.

Last Modified: 10/16/2006