Even though some students declare a major especially designed to prepare them for a credential, half of California's new elementary school teachers and a significant number of middle and high school teachers do not enroll in a special major. Please read the following introduction to get an idea of options open to you. California needs teachers. Demand for properly prepared public school teachers will be high for several years to come. California will need additional teachers for all grades, kindergarten through high school, in all credential subject areas but especially in elementary, in secondary science, math, and Spanish and in the areas of special education and bilingual education.
Teaching is a rewarding and challenging profession.
K-12 teachers will play an important role in creating the California of tomorrow. California citizens are increasingly interested in school improvement and in attracting the best possible individuals to a teaching career. Successful teachers work hard but have high job satisfaction. Credentialed public school teachers in California are educated to professional standards. Preparation for a teaching career may include a specific major but can also be accomplished through quality general preparation.