Credential Program Question

[dfrecore]

Yes, as davewill said, in CA you don't need a teaching degree, you just need to get a degree (any degree, as long as it's from an RA school which all of the Big 3 are). Then, you do a 1yr credentialing program at a CSU school, where student teaching is part of that program. Or you can do the Post-Bacc teaching credential at WGU if you want to teach elementary school.

If you already have a bunch of courses that will fit nicely into one of the Big 3, then you're probably better off doing that. If you are starting from scratch, then WGU is probably your best bet, and the student teaching is part of the program.

I would NOT recommend getting a Master's degree, as I think you will find it difficult to find a job here as a new teacher with one. They have to hire you at a higher salary, not the best way to try to start your career. Plus, I think most schools will pay for a master's once you've been there a certain length of time.