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Teacher requirements are loosening up in a Western state and within a local city. In fact, the state is making it easier to become a teacher. Moreover, students and those with particular degrees can now, in fact, skip some of the requirements. The unique change is coming as the state is experiencing a persistent teacher shortage that has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. We need more educators in the classroom. Teachers are part of the building blocks of a good education.

Teachers now Have Various Options to Choose From as They Meet Less Strident Criteria

“Essentially what these changes did was to allow varied additional options for future teachers to meet these requirements for basic skills,” said Mary Vixie Sandy. She is the executive director of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

CBEST, CSET Exams

So as a result, now instead of taking the CBEST and CSET exams, candidates can prove, in fact, they are proficient through coursework. Teacher preparation programs can assess your transcript to determine if you fulfilled the basic skills requirement. The requirements will be effective throughout California and in Bakersfield and Kern County.

In fact, those that are working towards a single subject credential may be eligible to skip the exam. They can do this by completing a major in the area they do want to teach. This is for a multiple subject teaching credential which is needed for elementary school. Also for a special education credential, candidates may, actually, be eligible to skip some exams if they complete a liberal studies program. In addition, a major that covers certain content areas. The candidates may also use a combination of courses and tests, to prove they are competent to teach a subject.

Change in Law

“Moreover, this change in law will actually allow them to take the test. Then, if they don’t pass the test or pass portions of the test, but they’ve got coursework they can indeed blend,” said Sandy.