Embark on a rewarding lifelong teaching career in TK–12 classrooms.
Today, passionate, well-prepared teachers are needed more than ever, and pursuing a career in teaching means embracing an invaluable and impactful profession with the power to change lives and shape future generations.
With various pathways to becoming a teacher in California, our programs make it possible to choose the path that’s right for you based on the classroom environment in which you want to work
Pathways to Earning a Teaching Credential in California
We offer future educators several pathways to obtaining a teaching credential in California, based on the classroom environment you want to work in. You also have the unique opportunity to earn two credentials, boosting your qualifications and marketability as a candidate.
- Degree Programs
- Credential(s) Programs
- Paid Teaching Experience
- Additional teaching options
Who Is the California Teaching Credential Program for?
seeking the quickest path to a credential
who hold a master's degree
who need a streamlined option
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this program, graduates will be prepared to make a meaningful impact in the classroom by:
Integrating technology and diverse perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving on real-world local and global issues
Applying learning, instruction and motivation theories to support learners' cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, physical and moral development through inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Integrating assessment and technology into planning and instruction to gather feedback that enhances student learning, classroom management and teaching methods
Conducting and applying research on teaching practices, student learning and education policies to explore new ideas that enhance teaching, learning and the profession
Exploring strategies for creating inclusive, welcoming environments that support diverse learners and students with varying needs, abilities and backgrounds through tailored instructional approaches
Reflecting critically on how personal perspectives and potential biases influence expectations and relationships with learners and their families
Careers in Teaching
A California teaching credential equips prospective educators with the tools they need for an impactful career in education. Some of the roles that graduates choose to pursue with this degree include:
High school teachers educate students in specific subjects, helping them develop the knowledge and skills needed for graduation and future success. They also create lesson plans, assess student progress and provide guidance and support to foster both academic and personal growth.
Average Salary:$57,056
Early childhood specialists support the development and learning of young children. To achieve this goal, these professionals design and implement age-appropriate educational programs and create nurturing learning environments that promote cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth.
Average Salary: $52,105
Assistant principals support the principal in managing school operations, including helping with student discipline, curriculum implementation, teacher evaluations and fostering a positive school environment. Working closely with staff, students and parents to ensure academic success and the overall well-being of the school community are also important aspects of the job.
Average Salary: $84,586
Note: Salary estimates sourced from ziprecruiter.com in January 2025. Estimates are subject to change over time based on updates to available data.
Financing Your Education
All students have a right to an education, regardless of income or circumstance. Over 60% of our students rely on financial assistance to cover part of their educational expenses.
Tuition rates and unit requirements vary depending on the pathway you choose. The tuition rate is for the 2026–27 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
39-42
Units
$970
Tuition per unit
$37,830 - $40,740
Estimated total tuition
Financial Aid
In addition to external funding resources, students at SOLES may be eligible for various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and discounts.
Testimonials From Toreros
USD's SOLES offers a great dual credentialing program that emphasizes the need to intentionally affirm the beauty of diversity by fostering an environment of accessibility, equity, and inclusivity in a classroom. This mission statement really drew me towards the program.
Earn Your CA Teaching Credential
Approved by the California Teaching Commission, our Master of Arts in Teaching in Curriculum and Instruction with a credential pathways program prepares students for their preliminary teaching credential(s) required to teach in California public schools.
If you are considering a teaching career, here are some powerful questions to ask when choosing a teacher preparation program in California and how to select a teacher preparation program that sets you up for success.
Take the Next Step
Ready to Get Started?
Your future as a Changemaker starts here. Learn more about SOLES or start your application today.