Future Teachers

Check out these great resources on becoming a teacher!:

• Mathematics & Science Teacher Initiative Toolkit
• 5 Minute Video About the Opportunity to Teach PHYSICS!
• Check out the VIDEO on the PhysTech Webpage!

Ten quick tips to help you reach your goal of becoming a teacher of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects:

1) Test out teaching by volunteering in a classroom.

The best way to know if you would enjoy a job as a career is to spend time in that environment. Find a local school teacher that would like extra help in the classroom. Attending Cal Poly? Check out programs we offer that allow you, as an undergraduate, to test out teaching and even get paid or earn units while you participate!

2) Know what it takes to become a teacher.

It's never a bad idea to get ahead of the game by researching the requirements to reach your future goals. You are already a step ahead by visiting our website! Another great web resource is TeachCalifornia. There you will find a thorough list and resources for what is required to become a teacher in California. For details on Cal Poly's credential program requirements, click on the Cal Poly tab to the left.

3) Choose the bachelors degree that is right for you. 

What you learn as a college student will directly impact you as a teacher. In other words, if you want to teach math, major in math! If you want to teach Chemistry, major in Chemistry! It will give you a jump start on subject matter competency requirements (see step 8 for more information of subject matter competency). It will also give you the depth of understanding you will need in order to be an excellent teacher of the STEM fields. Cal Poly is ranked at the top for its STEM field curriculum. It also has excellent programs that help you get the preliminary experience you will need as a teaching credential student. Check out the Cal Poly tab at left for details on Cal Poly's teaching credential program.

4) Keep English Language Learners in mind.

California is known as a culturally rich state. There are many languages spoken in California and therefore your K-12 students may not have English as their primary language. Taking foreign language classes, especially Spanish, throughout high school and college will be very helpful for your teaching career.

5) Enroll in the teacher program that offers what you need.

There are many facilities that provide a preliminary teaching credential. Check out Cal Poly's program.TeachCalifornia website is a great resource to find the other teaching programs throughout California.

6) Take the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) as soon as possible.

Although it is a requirement to substitute teach, it is also a great way to gain pre-service experience to teaching. Passing the CBEST is also a requirement for a teaching credential, and for some colleges, a prerequisite to applying to a credential program.

7) Find out about FINANCIAL AID available for teaching credential students.

The Financial Aid tab has details on specific scholarships and financial aid offered at Cal Poly.TeachCalifornia website offers answers to financial aid questions as well as a list of financial aid opportunities.

8) Demonstrate subject matter competency.

What does that mean? It means you prove that you actually understand the content you want to teach. There are two ways to meet this requirement. ONE, take the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) subtests. For more information see the main website for the CSETs. TWO, take coursework that covers material to be taught. Meet with your credential advisor to find out what coursework will fulfill this requirement.

9) Take a US Constitution Course.

Cal Poly students fulfill this requirement through GE. Meet with your credential advisor to find out what coursework will fulfill this requirement.

10) Take a computer technology course.

Cal Poly students fulfill this requirement through GE. Meet with your credential advisor to find out what coursework will fulfill this requirement.