Becoming a Teacher in the California Public Schools
California Basic Credentials
An important step in becoming a public school teacher for K-12 is obtaining a California State Teaching Credential. The two most common types of teaching credentials are the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and the Single Subject Teaching Credential. Which credential you seek will depend on who you want to teach (what level student) and what you want to teach (i.e. only Mandarin?). Generally speaking, the Multiple Subject Credential is for those who want to teach many subjects to students in elementary schools while the Single Subject is for those who would like to teach a single academic subject (Math, Art, Science, Mandarin) in middle or high schools. Please click here for a more detailed description of each type of credential set out by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) please click here.
Basic Entry Requirements
There are a number of basic entry requirements that are required for all candidates. Please click here for a list of requirements.
Requirements for the Multiple Subject & Single Subject Preliminary Credentials
Applicants must satisfy a number of requirements for a preliminary teaching credential. Please click here for a list of requirements.
Why Mandarin?
Nationwide there is a growing demand for certified Mandarin instructors. Mandarin has been identified as a 'critical language' by the U.S. government. Currently, California faces a shortage of qualified Chinese teachers to teach in the public schools. Pursuing a career in teaching Mandarin is a great way to impact students and give back to the community.
Mandarin Teacher Credentialing Options
Bilingual Mandarin Authorization (with Multiple Subject Credential) : The BCLAD certificate or credential authorizes a teacher to instruct students in English and the target language - Mandarin by completing a program (coursework) or by passing the BCLAD exam (CSET Mandarin/Languages Other Than English, Subtests 3,4,5). With this BCLAD credential you can teach multiple subjects in English and Mandarin in bilingual classrooms in grades K-8. Cal State University Long Beach offers a BCLAD program. Please click here for program application information and upcoming information sessions. Scholarships are available. For further information, please contact Dr. Ping Liu, Coordinator of CSU Asian BCLAD Consortium at (562) 985-9306 or via email at pliu@csulb.edu
Single Subject Teaching Credential: For those who wish to pursue a single subject credential with Mandarin as the subject specialty, the CSET Mandarin exam (also called CSET Mandarin/Languages Other Than English (LOTE), Subtests 1, 2 and 3 - used toward the Single Subject Teaching Credential) is currently used to test for subject matter competency. In addition, you would need to complete single subject preparation program along with the other state requirements as listed above. This would allow you to teach Mandarin as a foreign language at the high school level.
Adding on Authorizations
- For those who already have a Single Subject Credential (i.e. in Mandarin), you could add on a multiple subject authorization by passing the CSET for Multiple Subjects, completing a general methodology course, and passing the RICA. That way you could teach Mandarin along with other subjects.
- For those who already have a Multiple Subject Credential, you can add on a single subject authorization by passing the CSET in the subject area (i.e. Mandarin) and completing a methodology course designed for the specific subject.