How to Become a Mandarin Teacher for K-12 in the California Public Schools

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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 and Basic Requirements for Certification:
Which certification you choose depends upon who you want to teach (i.e. elementary or high school students?) and what you want to teach (i.e. only Mandarin or Math, Science, Art and Mandarin?). Below are different credentialing options:

1. Multiple Subject Credential
If you would like to teach different subjects at the elementary school level, then you would pursue the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. The teacher with this credential is authorized to teach many subjects (e.g. Math, Science, Art, etc.) to one fixed group of students who stay in the same classroom throughout the day, most often found in elementary school settings.

2. Single Subject Credential
If you prefer to teach at the secondary level, then you would pursue the Single Subject Teaching Credential. With this credential you are authorized to teach a specific academic subject (e.g. Mandarin, Science, Math, Art) most often in departmentalized classes such as typically found in most middle and high schools. (In secondary schools students change classrooms and teachers as they change periods and subject matter.) View list of subjects available for Single Subject Teaching Credentials.

Basic Entry Requirements for All Candidates

1. Possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and attempt passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).

2. Obtain character clearance (fingerprint background check). See additional information .

Requirements for Multiple Subject and Single Subject Preliminary Credentials

1. Earn a BA or BS degree from a regionally-accredited college or university. (Please note that foreign degrees must be evaluated by a Commission-approved independent agency. Please also see requirements for individuals prepared outside of the country for the single subject credential and the multiple subject credential.)

2. Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), an exam assessing basic knowledge of reading, math and English writing proficiency.

3. Complete a university teacher credential preparation program (including teaching methods and student teaching).

4. Verify subject matter competence by passing the appropriate subject matter exam (i.e. CSET Single Subject Mandarin, CSET Science, CSET Math, or CSET for elementary schools-multiple subjects credential) or by completing a Commission-approved subject-matter program (no approved Mandarin programs to date).

5. Fulfill US Constitution Requirement (by coursework or exam).

6. Take foundational computer technology course (by coursework or exam) that teaches skills in using computers in educational settings.

7. Satisfy Developing English Language Skills requirement by completing a comprehensive reading course including the following: the systemic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language and comprenhension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques.

8. Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessments (RICA) basic reading skills (for Multiple Subject Teaching Credential candidates only).

Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit our FAQs page.