How to Become a Special Education Teacher in California

If you want to become a special education teacher in California, you will need to complete a few steps. Here’s a quick guide on how to become a special education teacher in California.

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Introduction

There are a few things to consider before becoming a special education teacher in California. First, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You will also need to complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Finally, you must have a minimum of two years of teaching experience in a special education setting.

What are the requirements to become a special education teacher in California?

All California teachers must have a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential, which is required to teach in any public school in the state. The credentialing process involves taking several exams and completing a supervised teaching program. Special education teachers in California must also have a specialized credential or authorization to teach students with disabilities.

A bachelor’s degree

In order to become a special education teacher in California, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You will then need to complete a credential program specializing in special education. Once you have earned your credential, you will need to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). After completing all of these requirements, you will be eligible to apply for a position as a special education teacher in California.

Complete a teacher preparation program

You must complete an accredited teacher preparation program to earn your teaching credential in California. Alternatively, you may pursue an out-of-state credential and request for it to be transferred to California. Your teacher preparation program must include a supervised fieldwork or student teaching experience in a special education setting. If you have not completed a teacher preparation program, you can still earn your credential by completing an alternative certification process.

Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

All aspiring teachers in California, including those who want to teach special education, must take and pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). This multiple-choice exam assesses basic mathematical, reading, and writing skills. Although there is no minimum score required to pass, you must receive a passing score on all three sections of the CBEST to be eligible for a teaching credential in California. The CBEST is offered at testing centers throughout the state on select dates throughout the year.

Pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)

Special education teachers in California must have a Basic, Multiple Subject, or Single Subject Teaching Credential with an authorization in mild/moderate or moderate/severe disabilities. Candidates can earn a credential with an authorization in mild/moderate disabilities by completing a teacher preparation program with fieldwork experience that includes a minimum of 300 hours working with students with mild to moderate disabilities. Alternatively, candidates can earn the credential by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in multiple subjects, along with a minimum of two subtests specific to special education, and completing a professional experience program that includes 300 hours working with students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Obtain a teaching credential

In order to become a special education teacher in California, you will need to obtain a teaching credential. The type of credential you will need will depend on the level of special education you wish to teach. The three main types of credentials are the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, the Single Subject Teaching Credential, and the Education Specialist Instruction Credential.

Depending on the type of credential you choose to pursue, the requirements will vary. However, all credential programs will require you to complete an accredited education program and pass a number of exams.

Once you have obtained your teaching credential, you will be required to complete a special education authorization. The authorization can either be obtained through a master’s degree program in special education or through passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).

How to obtain a teaching credential in special education

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. In California, a special education teacher must have a teaching credential. The credentialing process includes taking and passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), and the California Special Education Credentialing Examination.

Complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program in special education

You must satisfactorily complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program in special education that includes a student teaching experience and leads to a multiple or single subject teaching credential with a specialization in special education.
The following is a list of programs that currently lead to the required credential:

Bulleted list of universities
-California State University, Sacramento
-National University
– Pepperdine University
-University of California, Irvine
-University of La Verne

Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

The CBEST assesses basic mathematical, reading, and writing skills. The test is comprised of three sections: reading, mathematics, and writing. You must earn a passing score in all three sections to pass the CBEST. The passing score for each section is a combined score of 41 (proficient level) or higher. For example, if you receive a 38 on the reading section, a 42 on the mathematics section, and a 39 on the writing section, your overall score would be 119. Although you would not have passed the reading section individually, your combined score of 119 would be considered passing.

You may register for the CBEST online or by mail. The registration fee is $99 and can be paid by credit card or electronic check. If you register by mail, you will need to print out the registration form and mail it to the CBEST’s Registration Unit with a check or money order for $99. The address is:

CBEST Registration Unit
PO Box 6130
Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
Oakland CA 94660-6130

Pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)

In order to obtain a teaching credential in special education in the state of California, you will need to pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). The CSET consists of three subtests, each of which covers a different subject area. Subtest I covers reading, language, and literature; Subtest II covers history and social science; and Subtest III covers science and mathematics. You must pass all three subtests in order to receive your credential.

Apply for the Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential

The first step to becoming a special education teacher in California is to apply for the Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential. The Preliminary teaching credential is valid for five years and allows you to teach while you complete the professional education requirements for the Clear credential.

To be eligible for the Preliminary credential, you must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, complete a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved teacher preparation program, and pass required basic skills and subject examinations. Information about these requirements can be found on the CTC website. Once you have met all of the requirements, you can submit an application online through the CTC Online System. Application fees are currently $70 for the Multiple Subject credential and $100 for the Single Subject credential.

Once your application has been processed, you will be contacted by mail regarding your appointment to take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). The CBEST assesses basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills acquired through general, nonspecific personal and professional experiences. Upon passing the CBEST, candidates are registered for the CSET: Multiple Subjects or CSET: Single Subject examination(s), depending on which credential they are pursuing. These examinations measure subject matter knowledge in specific teaching fields. After passing the CSET examination(s), candidates principal will complete and sign an Verification of Eligibility form that attests to the completion of all practicum/internship requirements identified in Sections 80333 and 80351 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. This form verifies that candidates have completed all program requirements and are eligible for recommendation for a teaching credential.

Conclusion

There are many different paths you can take to become a special education teacher in California. You can earn a teaching credential through a university education program, complete an internship or residency program, or earn a credential through an alternative route program. No matter which path you choose, make sure you are passionate about special education and committed to making a difference in the lives of your students. Once you have earned your credential, you will need to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) before you can obtain a teaching license.