r/CaliforniaTeachers

I’m debating on moving to Cali in the next few months. (Me thinking of it… I need a change and Texas is getting scary)

I am a paraprofessional and have put off getting certified here mostly because I don’t agree with a lot that the TEA has. (I know Cali won’t be much better realistically but I NEED. A change of pace. I’ve always lived in Texas and I feel suffocated here)

I have a BA in English and a masters in Interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in English. I eventually want a PHD. And the university happens to be near where a good friend of mine lives. They just bought a house and we’ve talked about me moving out there.

Whats the steps to getting certified to teach HS English out there?

I’m debating on it, this is mostly informational. Google said It should be easy for me. But I want human to walk me through it. Like should I apply as a para or sub and work my way up or just jump into the deep end.

Hi everyone! Concerned (and slightly stressed) husband here 😅

My wife recently earned her Master's in Speech-Language Pathology and is currently working as an SLP at Elk Grove Unified School District. We have one daughter and are planning to try again this winter, so I'm trying to get ahead of the maternity leave conversation now while I have some downtime. Planning is very important in our family.

We've already heard from a colleague that she may be required to pay for a substitute SLP out of pocket, which honestly caught us off guard. At her previous employer, she received approximately 8 months of leave (roughly 2 of which were unpaid), and her leave was covered through California's SDI (State Disability Insurance) and PFL (Paid Family Leave/Bonding). When she returned, she did have to cover our health insurance — around $400–$500/month, totaling about $4K. We're trying to understand if EGUSD operates similarly or very differently, especially since school districts sometimes opt out of SDI.

A few things we're trying to figure out:

• What does maternity leave actually look like at EGUSD?

• Is the substitute SLP cost common, and is there any way around it?

• Does EGUSD participate in SDI/PFL, or does the district handle leave compensation differently?

• She's not currently in the union — could joining before the next academic year make a difference?

• Are there any benefits consultants or advisors who specialize in helping educators navigate this?

She plans to speak with HR directly, but we want to go in as informed as possible.

Any insight from current or former EGUSD employees — especially SLPs — would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi! I have a question for the Prek-3rd teachers in California, what did programs/ degree did you have to obtain in order to become a kindergarten teacher and teach in the state of California? I’m wanting to move back to California in a year or two , while also in the process of becoming a kindergarten teacher! I’m debating on taking my general education classes at a CC and then transferring to a university in Cali when I move. I’ve seen a some information about you needing to hold a multiple subject credential and that you don’t need another bachelors nor do you need a masters degree. Is this true?
Is this program the best program to start in California to become a kindergarten teacher? I’d love to hear your thoughts/ experiences if you have taken this approach to teaching elementary in California! Thank you !☺️

[https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl561c.pdf?sfvrsn=7aab1162\\\_14\](https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl561c.pdf?sfvrsn=7aab1162\_14)

[https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/reports/data/approved-institutions-and-programs\](https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/reports/data/approved-institutions-and-programs)

Hi, I'm kind of in a dilemma of where I should do my multiple subject credential program. I've applied to Cal State Teach, Cal Poly Pomona with the option for Bilingual Authorization, and am on the verge of applying to the UCTK Residency program through UC Merced. I want to get my credential as quickly as possible but at the same time I still want to be able to sub for the most part, prior to full time student teaching. The cal state programs would grant me more flexibility with making extra income, but I wouldn't finish until the fall. And the UCTK program includes a stipend and would finish in the summer, but I wouldn't earn as much with the stipend as I would through subbing, and would be basically student teaching full time 2 semesters I believe. Regardless I do want to also get my BCLAD in Spanish and aware that I may have to do the authorization courses after the credential due to the load of coursework or just take all the csets and go that route.

Anyone who has done any of these programs, can you tell me your experience and if you would recommend them at all or would have gone a different route. I'm so conflicted!

I am an out of state teacher trying to transfer to a CA credential. The fingerprint process is obviously a pain, but I went to my local police department to get my FD-258 card completed. The CTC send me a partially filled out card with the “reason for fingerprint” “employer and address” and “ORI” completed. However, the employee at my local pd said he couldn’t use those cards because he needs to use his own ORI. So I’m sending in two completed FD-258 cards without the prefilled sections.

I am wondering if the CTC will accept these cards even though they are missing the 3 sections they originally completed for me?