--- title: I Want to Be a Teacher. Where Do I Start? description: If you're an aspiring teacher in the state of California, check out this must-read guide on how to get started pursuing your passion. image: https://solesstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/SOLES/%5BSOLES%5D%20eBooks%20and%20Guides/%5BSOLES%5D%20PhD%20in%20Leadership%20Studies%20Guide%202021/USDteachingstudentsx015.jpg --- [Skip Navigation](https://solesstories.sandiego.edu/degree-of-difference/i-want-to-be-a-teacher.-where-do-i-start#main) [![University of San Diego](https://solesstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/KROC/%5BKROC%5D%20Branding%20Assets/logo-usd.png)](https://www.sandiego.edu/) [School of Leadership and Education Sciences](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/) - [About](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/) [About Overview](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/) GETTING STARTED - [Resources](https://solesresources.sandiego.edu/graduate-resource-library) - [Work at USD](https://jobs.sandiego.edu/cw/en-us/filter/) - [Social Justice Initiatives](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/social-justice-initiatives.php) - 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[About](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/) [About Overview](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/) GETTING STARTED - [Resources](https://solesresources.sandiego.edu/graduate-resource-library) - [Work at USD](https://jobs.sandiego.edu/cw/en-us/filter/) - [Social Justice Initiatives](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/social-justice-initiatives.php) - [Board of Advisors](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/board-of-advisors.php) - [Reserve a Space](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/visit.php) - [Carnegie Elective Classification](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/about/carnegie-classification/) - [Academics](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/academics/) [Academics Overview](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/academics/) GETTING STARTED - [Accreditation](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/academics/accreditation.php) - [Current Students](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/students-and-faculty/student-success-hub.php) - [Institutional Review Board](https://www.sandiego.edu/irb/) - [Community Initiatives](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/academics/community-collab-and-strategic-initiatives/) - 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[Visit Campus](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/admissions-and-aid/visit-campus.php) - [Torero Hub](https://www.sandiego.edu/torero-hub/) - [Centers & Institutes](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/) [Centers & Institutes Overview](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/) GETTING STARTED - [Catholic Institute for Mental Health Ministry](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/catholic-institute-mental-health/) - [Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/center-embodied-equity-neurodiversity/) - [Character Education Resource Center](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/character-education-resource-center/) - [The Global Center](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/global-center/) - [The Jacobs Institute](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/jacobs-institute/) - [Manchester Family Child Development Center](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/manchester-center/) - [The Nonprofit Institute](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/centers-and-institutes/nonprofit-institute/) - [Students & Faculty](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/students-and-faculty/) [Students & Faculty Overview](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/students-and-faculty/) GETTING STARTED - [Student Ambassadors](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/students-and-faculty/student-ambassadors.php) - [Student Success](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/students-and-faculty/student-success-hub.php) - [Incoming Students](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/students-and-faculty/admitted-students-checklist.php) - [Degree of Difference (Blog)](https://solesstories.sandiego.edu/degree-of-difference) - [NROTC](https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/academics/nrotc/) TORERO RESOURCES SEARCH *Search* TOP SEARCH RESULTS ![I Want to Be a Teacher. Where Do I Start?](https://solesstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/SOLES/%5BSOLES%5D%20eBooks%20and%20Guides/%5BSOLES%5D%20PhD%20in%20Leadership%20Studies%20Guide%202021/USDteachingstudentsx015.jpg) October 13, 2021 # I Want to Be a Teacher. Where Do I Start? [Teaching Credentials](https://solesstories.sandiego.edu/degree-of-difference/tag/teaching-credentials) On This Page [Subscribe](https://solesstories.sandiego.edu/degree-of-difference/i-want-to-be-a-teacher.-where-do-i-start#subscribe) ##### Share There’s an old adage: “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” Many people who are considering a career change or who are figuring out what career to choose are overwhelmed by the possibilities. This can be especially true for those who are considering going to school to become a teacher. Becoming a teacher requires an initial investment in training and preparation before you can land in a classroom, and getting started can be daunting. The challenge of teaching can intimidate prospective teachers if they aren’t convinced the field is worth it. Others wonder how to go about getting a teaching credential or how to choose a teacher preparation program that is a good fit. Today, we’re announcing a resource designed to push you through the first bewildering stage of exploration into a teaching career, a resource that offers you a guide to becoming a teacher in San Diego or beyond. ### How to Become a Teacher in California: Your Guide to Getting a Teaching Credential Finding a teacher preparation program in San Diego and becoming a California teacher does not have to be intimidating if you tap into the right resources and information. Here at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego, our education programs focus on preparing the finest teachers of the next generation. We often hear some version of this question: “I want to be a teacher. Where do I start?” Now, we have a resource to help answer this question. In this resource, [How to Become a Teacher: Your Guide to Getting a Teaching Credential](https://solesresources.sandiego.edu/your-guide-to-getting-a-teaching-credential), you get: - Advice about choosing the right teacher preparation program for your needs - Information about which teaching credentials are in high demand - Steps to take to qualify for your teaching license and how to meet certification requirements - Subject examinations for teachers - Questions to ask yourself as you consider teaching as a career - Practical information about the process of becoming a teacher and earning your California teaching credential ### Do You Want to Be a California Teacher? Download this Guide Today California needs passionate, well-prepared teachers, and you could be just the person California classrooms need.  If you want to know how to become a teacher in California and start a fulfilling new career in education, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll be here to help you understand the process, clarify your goals, and think more seriously about the great profession of teaching. Here at USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences, we are committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of America’s best teachers. **Explore the possibility of a career teaching in San Diego, the state of California or beyond today!** [![Get the Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6041001/bf7b2406-85ed-4840-b1f0-2701ae7fb1b0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6041001/bf7b2406-85ed-4840-b1f0-2701ae7fb1b0)   There's More ## Recommended Posts Teaching Credentials July 17, 2024 ### How a Dual Credential Prepares You to Support Neurodiverse Students Teaching Career July 8, 2024 ### 3 Reasons to Earn a Bilingual Authorization Teaching Career April 18, 2023 ### 4 Universal Benefits of Being a Teacher [Back to Blog](https://solesstories.sandiego.edu/degree-of-difference) Stay in the Loop ## Subscribe to the Blog ### School of Leadership and Education Science [Mother Rosalie Hill Hall](https://www.sandiego.edu/maps/?id=357&mrkIid=78530)5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 [(619) 260-4538](tel:(619)%20260-4538)[solesadmissions@sandiego.edu](mailto:solesadmissions@sandiego.edu) [View Directory](https://www.sandiego.edu/directory/?alpha=&expert=&division_id=NaN&office_department_id=39&sub_department_id=NaN&sub_unit_id=NaN&user_type=&list_view_type=box-view&filter_type=&group_id=&show_image=&details_button=hide-details-button&row_limit=24&state=NaNamp;&usd_expert_keyword=&department_filter_type=0&filter_action=clicks) ## Helpful links - [Maps & Directions](https://www.sandiego.edu/maps/) - [Request Info](https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/undergraduate/connect/) - [Jobs at USD](https://www.sandiego.edu/jobs/) - [Make a Gift](https://www.sandiego.edu/giving/) - [Apply](https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/) - [Colleges & Schools](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/college-and-schools.php) - [Offices & Departments](https://www.sandiego.edu/directory/) - [Education Partners](https://www.fst.edu/) - [Libraries](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/libraries.php) © 2023 UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO. 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