Become A Teacher

Making the decision to become a teacher can be both exciting and confusing time for many students. To teach middle and/or high 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?

• 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.
• 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 flexiblity of teaching at the middle school level. There are courses and special scholarships offered at CSME. Please seek advising by making an appointment with Jamie Chan ().

What kinds of courses should I take as an undergraduate?

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.

>Please click here to download reimbursement form

There are also various scholarship opportunities dedicated to supporting future teachers.  Visit our scholarships page:

Teacher and Classroom Resources

Visit our teacher resources page for information on where to obtain low-cost materials for your classroom.

Livescan Fingerprinting Locations

Click here for a list of locations to obtain fingerprinting