Become A Teacher

Making the decision to become a teacher can be both an exciting and confusing for many students. To teach middle or secondary school in California, you must have the Single Subject Teaching Credential. This credential authorizes public school teaching in specific subjects in a departmentalized classroom such as those in most middle schools or high schools.

What are the requirements to for a credential program?

Some of the basic requirements are...

Bachelor's Degree or higher from a regionally accredited university
45 Hours of Field Experience (working or volunteering in classrooms)
Demonstrating subject matter competency with passage of California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or completion of approved single subject program (see advising section for advice on single subject programs)
Passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

For CBEST and CSET Test Preparation Resources:

To find out more about the requiements visit the SFSU Teacher Preparation Center

What if I just want to teach middle school math or science?

If you would only like to teach in grades 6-9, you may chose to receive a Foundational Level Teaching Credential in either mathematics (FLM) or general science (FLGS). Foundational level credentials are ideal for students with strong mathematics or science backgrounds but who are not necessarily a math or science major. It is a popular choice for students pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies or Child and Adolescent Development (CAD) who want to have the flexablity of teaching at the middle school level. There are courses and special scholarships offered at CSME which support Please seek advising by making an appointment with Jamie Chan ().

What kinds of courses should I take as an undergraduate?

For advising on coursework appropriate for secondary teaching, we suggest you visit the links below:

Science Teaching

Biology
Chemistry
Earth Science/Geoscience
Physics and Astronomy
Math Teaching

What kind of support can I get as a future math or science teacher?

CSME offers a variety of support including the CSME Teacher Fellowship and the Robert Noyce Scholars Program. Please make an appointment to see Jamie Chan () for career advising and more information.

Teacher Fellows and Noyce Scholars qualify for reimbursement on fees paid toward test registrations, professional development workshops or travel to conferences.