California

California has more requirements for teacher credentialing than most other states. Therefore, if you are hired to teach in a private school, ask if the school can accept your Michigan teaching certificate in place of the Californial credential.

If you are interested in teaching in a California public school or a private school that requires the California credential, apply for the credential right away because the application process can take 3-5 months.

Take your application documents to a county department of education. They may be able to double-check everything and may give you a receipt which will allow you to apply for teaching positions.

You can begin teaching with the preliminary credential and then meet the requirements for the professional credential while you are teaching. Requirements may include additional tests and courses, including ESL courses.

Jenessa (Bazzett) Eelkema, a Calvin grad teaching in California, has offered to assist teachers with the California licensing process.

Disclaimer: States may change their teacher certification rules at any time. Therefore, contact the staff at the website below to obtain the most up-to-date information.

California Commission On Teacher Credentialing