California · Career guide
How to become a English Teacher in California
English / Language Arts teachers cover reading, writing, literature, and (at the secondary level) composition and rhetoric. Demand is steady at the elementary level and modestly competitive at the secondary level outside the highest-need districts. ELA teachers play a central role in district-wide literacy goals, which gives the role outsized professional-development opportunities.
No English / language arts teaching positions are open in California right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in California
- Earn a bachelor's degree; subject matter competency required. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. California typically requires:
- CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills
- CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) — Subject matter competency for your credential area
- CalTPA or edTPA — Teaching performance assessment required for Clear Credential
- RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment) — Required for Multiple Subject (elementary) credentials
A content-area endorsement in English / Language Arts is standard. Some states also offer separate Reading Specialist credentials for K-6.
- Apply for your initial license through California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) →
- Job-search in California. We'll track English / language arts teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in California
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, California offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Intern Credential: Teach while completing your credential program (district-sponsored)
- District Intern Programs: Earn your credential while employed full-time
- Career Technical Education (CTE) credentials for industry experts
- Paraprofessional to Teacher pathway
California salary context
Average teacher salary in California: $92,000/year (rank #1 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $45,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full California salary guide for the breakdown.