Unlock Your Teaching Potential with Teachers of Tomorrow: Your Go-To Resource for Salary Insights and Teacher Certification
Being an elementary school teacher is one of the most rewarding professions. You shape the minds of young children and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and personal development.
If you’ve decided to pursue a teaching career, you must understand teacher salaries to know what to expect financially and make informed decisions about your career path.
Living and working in California as an elementary school teacher has numerous benefits such as experiencing a vibrant and diverse classroom culture reflecting the state’s rich multicultural population.
California’s robust economy provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The state is also known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning coastlines, providing an enriching environment for work and leisure.
California teachers are among some of the highest paid in the U.S. The average annual salary for an elementary teacher in California is $93,880. This is an average figure, meaning salaries for elementary school teachers vary based on various factors, which we’ll discuss later in this article.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how much you can make as an elementary teacher in California. We’ll also highlight the state’s requirements and procedure for becoming an elementary school and the alternative certification options available.
What is an Elementary School Teacher?
An elementary school teacher specializes in educating young children from kindergarten to fifth grade, typically 5–10 years old. The teacher helps shape the children’s foundation in academics and social development.
To become an elementary school teacher, you need to be patient because the children learn at different paces. You also need to be creative to create engaging lessons incorporating games, activities, and different learning styles.
You may naturally possess these skills, but they’ll be improved and further developed in your teacher preparation program, where you’ll gain other skills such as effective communication, organization, and classroom management.
Here is a list of the duties and responsibilities of an elementary school educator in California:
- Developing and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans that meet curriculum standards.
- Delivering engaging and informative lessons across various subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies.
- Evaluating student progress through tests, quizzes, and observations to monitor their understanding.
- Maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment that promotes respect and inclusivity.
- Collaborating with parents and guardians to inform them of their child’s progress and address any concerns.
In addition to the daily duties, an elementary teacher is expected to continuously learn and improve teaching methods through workshops and professional development opportunities.
How Much Do Elementary Teachers in California Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of an elementary school educator in California is $93,880. The figures vary, with the lowest earning $60,660 and the highest $125,940.These are among some of the highest-paid teachers across the United States.
As mentioned, the variation in the salary figures in California is caused by the following factors:
- Years of experience: The state has a salary schedule system where teachers’ salaries increase with each year of experience until a maximum is reached.
- Education level: Teachers with a Master’s degree or additional certifications often earn a salary supplement compared to those with just a Bachelor’s degree.
- School district: Wealthier school districts, such as Hillsborough City Elementary School District with a higher cost of living, tend to have more money to allocate toward teacher salaries. They often offer higher salaries to attract and retain qualified teachers.
- Subject area: In subjects facing shortages, such as bilingual education and special education, a higher salary is offered as an incentive to attract and retain educators.
Related Careers
Wages in USD
A chart showing the salaries of elementary school teachers in California by percentile based on US Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in California
Becoming a certified elementary school teacher in the Golden State involves several crucial steps. Let’s break down the stages you need to cover before you obtain the necessary qualifications and credentials to teach in an elementary classroom in California:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree does not necessarily need to be in education.
- Complete a teacher preparation program: Enroll in a teacher preparation program that is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Teacher preparation programs incorporate both coursework and student teaching experiences. California requires prospective teachers to complete 600 hours of student teaching experience.
- Pass the required certification examinations: These include the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).
- Pass a background test: You’ll need to pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting, which is a safety requirement for working with children.
- Apply for credentials: After completing the above steps, you are ready to apply for the Preliminary teaching credential, which is valid for five years. To convert your preliminary credential to a Clear credential, you must complete a teacher induction program during your first few years of teaching.
Once you begin teaching, join professional organizations such as the California Teachers Association (CTA) to access resources and support.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can pursue an alternative certification program to gain your teaching credential.
Alternative Certification for Educators in California
The alternative certification method in California allows individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education to become certified teachers without completing a traditional teacher preparation program.
Here’s how it works:
- Enroll in an accredited program: To enroll, you must have a bachelor’s degree. The program combines coursework with supervised teaching experience. Ensure you enroll in a nationally accredited program like Teachers of Tomorrow.
- Complete required coursework: You will take courses in pedagogy, classroom management, child development, and specific methods for teaching various subjects. You will also gain practical experience through supervised teaching assignments.
- Pass required examinations: As with the traditional route, you must pass the CBEST and CSET exams.
- Pass background check: You must complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
- Apply for a teaching license: Once you have met these basic requirements, you can apply for a teaching certificate. This credential allows you to teach while completing the program requirements.
The alternative certification method takes one to two years to complete, depending on the program and your own pace.
For instance, the Teachers of Tomorrow alternative certification program takes as little as three months to start teaching. The program is self-paced and accelerated to get you in class in the shortest time possible.
Alternative certification has benefits such as:
- You can begin teaching and earning a salary while completing your credential requirements.
- You gain hands-on experience in a real classroom setting from the start.
- You will receive guidance and support from experienced educators.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with coursework can be demanding. It requires a strong commitment to teaching and completing the necessary training. However, with the support of experienced mentors at every step, you, too, can become a fully certified elementary teacher in California.
What is the Highest and Lowest Paying Elementary Job?
Once you have obtained teaching credentials for elementary school in California, you can teach in various settings. Here’s a breakdown of some work environments:
- Public schools: Most elementary teachers work in public schools funded by state and local taxes. These schools follow state curriculum standards and are overseen by a school district. Class sizes and resources can vary based on the district’s funding.
- Charter schools: They are publicly funded but operate independently of the traditional public school system. They have more flexibility in their curricula and teaching methods.
- Private schools: They are funded through tuition payments, donations, and other private sources. These schools are not bound by state curriculum standards. They have smaller class sizes and more resources per student.
- Online schools: Virtual schools deliver education entirely online. Teachers use digital platforms to deliver lessons, interact with students, and provide feedback.
- Special education: These are specialized schools or programs within schools that cater to students with disabilities. Teachers work with smaller groups of students, often with the support of aides. They offer an opportunity to make a significant impact on students with diverse needs.
Related Careers
A graph showing the highest and lowest-paying elementary school jobs in California.
Become an Elementary School Teacher in California
Teaching in California offers a rewarding career and allows you to live in one of the country’s most beautiful and diverse states. California provides a unique environment for educators with its attractive compensation packages and vibrant cities.
The Teachers of Tomorrow program offers quality training and support from the start of your journey until you are fully licensed.
With a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need, Teachers of Tomorrow ensures you are well-prepared for the classroom.
Take the first steps toward a profession that makes a lasting impact on young lives.
Related Careers
Related Articles
How Much Does a High School Teacher Make?
