Can I get a single subject California teaching credential while working a full-time day job?

Question

I really want to get a California high school teaching credential (so much so that I've already taken the CBEST and am preparing for the CSET), but I can't quit my full-time job to go back to school. I just attended a teaching credential information meeting at the local college and they said it's impossible to get a credential while working full-time. Is there no way to do it with night or weekend classes? What if I could devote one weekday each week? Still impossible?

Answer 1

It is possible, but I wouldn't recommend it.

You can at least take all your college credential classes while still working full time, but when it comes to your student teaching, that's where a lot of people have the employment problems.

Some people only have to take off a few months to do their student teaching... that's what my sister is doing.

Universities highly discourage a person from doing student teaching and working full time... or even part time... but here are some ways to get around it:

Look into becoming a District Intern. It's rather like the bootcamp version of getting a credential... because you'll be working full time teaching and going to school at night.

There are also emergency credentials. You can get a job without a credential as long as you've passed the CBEST.

You can also start with subbing, and trying to find a long term sub position without a credential while you work on it.

Answer 2

I'm sorry to say, but they were right. You can't do it unless you go part time or somehow get VERY VERY flexible work hours. The credential program just isn't geared toward working professionals. However, you might try going the "professor" route by getting your masters and then your doctorate. You'd still be able to teach.

I had this same problem, and I gave up. I'm not saying you should give up. I'm just stating my personal experience.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

To get your teaching license (which is required to be even a substitute teacher) you have to spend hours in classrooms. In order to do that, you have to be able to be there during school hours. If you are not able to go to school full time, the years it would take you to complete a degree and the education credential requirements would add up quickly. If you really want to be a teacher, quit your job, get some loans and get to school.