California Teacher Certification Program Online
Become a California Teacher
with Moreland University
Start your teaching journey with Moreland University’s flexible and fully online program. Prepare to inspire the next generation and take the first step toward a meaningful teaching career in California.
Established in 2011, Moreland University is a fully accredited, teacher-focused university dedicated to empowering educators and shaping the future of education.
Explore this page:
Pathway to
Certification
How to Become a Teacher in CA
Info Sessions
California District Partners
Testimonials
Accreditations & Approvals
CA Resources
Moreland Pathway for Teacher Certification for California
TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program
Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program gives you practical coursework, test preparation, clinical learning (student teaching), and dedicated mentorship — everything you need to succeed in a California classroom.
Why choose Moreland’s online TEACH-NOW program:
- 9 months total, including 12 weeks of clinical learning
- 100% online, with live Zoom classes once a week
- Global cohort model
- Affordable tuition with payment plans & financing options
- Rolling admissions and monthly start dates
- Option to add on an M.Ed. through Moreland University
Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential
Another pathway to licensure is our online M.Ed. with teaching credential. This is a 12-month program to help you level up your teaching career.
Why choose Moreland’s online M.Ed. program:
- 12 months total, including 12 weeks of clinical learning
- 100% online, with live Zoom classes once a week
- Six specializations in impactful fields
- Global cohort model
- Affordable tuition with payment plans & financing options
- Multiple start dates each year
Moreland Pathways for California
California offers a wide range of Commission-approved Educator Preparation Programs, but the vast majority of those are in-state programs. If you complete an out-of-state program, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program or the Master’s in Education with Teaching Credential, you can earn a teaching certification in another state and transfer the credential to California.
Need help deciding? Our admissions representatives are happy to chat 1:1 about your specific goals, interests, and needs — including financing options via Sallie Mae.
How to Become a Teacher in California
Curious about what it takes to become a certified teacher in California? Our comprehensive
guide breaks down the key requirements:
General Requirements
California requires educators to have a bachelor’s degree and meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). Educators also need to demonstrate subject-matter expertise and complete a background check with fingerprinting.
Testing Requirements
California requires the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or an approved alternative to demonstrate basic skills in reading, writing, and math. Specific exams can vary based on the subject and grades you want to teach.
Teacher Education Requirements
If your bachelor’s degree is in something other than education, you can earn your credential through an Educator Preparation Program.
Why California Educators Choose Moreland University
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program is fully accredited and 100% online, with small, diverse classes, dedicated mentors, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
- Affordable & flexible
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- Global cohort model
There’s never been a better time to become a teacher in California.
Competitive Salaries
California teachers make an average of $95,160 a year. That's the highest rate in the nation and more than $25,000 higher than the national average.1
Rich Cultural Environment
California’s student body is 56% Hispanic or Latino, 20% white, 10% Asian, 5% Black, and 5% multiracial. That diversity enriches the teaching experience.2
High Demand for Teachers
California employs more than 319,000 teachers2 and is projecting more than 15,000 open jobs each year for elementary and secondary school teachers.3
Multiple School Types
With nearly 10,000 schools, including traditional, charter, and special education, California educators can find roles that suit their skills and passions.2
Strong Starting Salaries
Starting teachers in California make an average of $55,283 a year. That’s the 4th highest rate in the nation.1
High Quality of Life
California’s landscapes, from sun-soaked coastlines to majestic mountains, provide the perfect backdrop to recharge and relax.
Sources: [1] National Education Association, [2] California Department of Education, [3] Bureau of Labor Statistics
Join a California Info Session
Calendar of Events
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
S Sun
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
Join one of our live information sessions to discover how Moreland University can help you become a successful and certified teacher in California.
Our District Partners
Moreland University partners with school districts across the United States to support teachers through certification and continuing education programs.
Don’t see your district above? Not currently working in a school district?
No worries! We can still help you earn your California teaching credential. Keep scrolling to discover
the Moreland University difference for California teachers.
What School & District Leaders are Saying
“With a lot of universities, it’s not the kind of relationship where they’re going to come and actually sit in front of you and have a conversation: ‘Where do you need me? What can I do? How can I make this work?’ With Moreland, I never felt like we were a number.”
Catherine Hale Henry
Recruitment & Retention Manager | Clayton County Public Schools (GA)
“I have seen tremendous growth in my staff as a direct result of the TEACH-NOW program. Completers are standing out as leaders inside and outside the classroom. The increase in student achievement has been outstanding. Sponsoring teachers for the TEACH-NOW program is a wise investment in growing the capacity of your staff.”
Corinne Baez
Principal | Keys Gate Charter Schools (FL)
“I have found Moreland’s program to be rigorous and the curriculum holds a high standard for our teachers to be effectively prepared to enter the classroom. All the staff at Moreland have been collaborative and very easy to work with. We have regular meetings to assess progress and provide information sessions to our educators. The Moreland staff is timely in their communications and very responsive to our needs.”
Brittany Mackel
Instructional Specialist |Montgomery County Public Schools (MD)
“Casa Grande ESD’s collaboration with Moreland University has been immensely beneficial in supporting our teachers’ professional development. The TEACH-NOW program offers a structured yet flexible pathway to certification that meets the diverse needs of our educators.
The program’s focus on practical application, combined with the expert guidance from Moreland’s team, enables our teachers to achieve their certification goals efficiently.”
Stacy Howell
Director Talent Acquisition & Employee Services
Casa Grande Elementary School District #4 (AZ)
“Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program has had a tremendously positive effect on its participants. Completers of the program are well-equipped to be highly effective teachers, with the skills and confidence needed to excel in diverse classroom environments and positively impact student learning outcomes.”
Nicolas Bardoni
Principal | Downtown Miami Charter School (FL)
Moreland University can help you thrive — but you
don’t have to just take our word for it.
“I felt like I was being supported at the same time I was learning. At no point during the process did I feel like I was alone or had to just figure everything out on my own… I would wholeheartedly recommend Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program. Not only is it flexible, not only is it engaging, but it really does prepare you to enter the classroom successfully.”
Jazzmyne Townsend
D.C. teacher
“I can confidently say I have grown into a better educator thanks to my time here. Initially, I believed I had a solid understanding of the teaching profession, but this program has taught me countless invaluable lessons. I wholeheartedly recommend (Moreland) to anyone pursuing their teaching certification.”
Christopher Bishop
Florida teacher
“You’ll learn information that’s vital in the classroom. Especially learning about AI and new technologies to help you with your kids. I would highly, highly recommend Moreland University because they gave me what I needed to be (rated) highly effective.”
Kahala Adams
Florida teacher
“Moreland University’s programs, the instructors, and staff, will work with a student when ‘life happens’ as they understand that we are all balancing demanding careers, certification and/or master’s work, and family needs as we complete our studies. I changed careers after retiring early, and I am very happy with the education that I have received, particularly as it relates to technology in the classroom.”
Beth Gambrell
U.S. educator
“(Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program) is very accessible yet teaches hands-on practical things to future teachers. I also made wonderful friends around the world in my cohort.”
Duo Chen
Maryland educator
“What I like most about Moreland University is the ease of being able to connect online and having knowledgeable professors that constantly support you. Especially when English is your second language, and it is not easy for you to express yourself widely.”
Brenda Guerrero de Deniz
Maryland educator
Accreditations & Approvals
We take great pride in being pioneers of online global teacher education and helping our candidates and alumni thrive.
More Resources for California Educators
GUIDE
Guide to Teacher Certification in California
BLOG
Earning a Master’s Degree ‘Improved Our Lives Immensely’
BLOG
California Teacher Salaries: Everything You Need to Know
BLOG
Out-of-State Credentialing for California Teachers
BLOG
Mastering Work-Life-Study Balance: A Guide for Aspiring Teachers
BLOG
3 Tips to Boost Your Salary and Advance Your Teaching Career in California
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in California. We have answers.
Why should I choose Moreland University as a California educator?
You could earn your California teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.
TEACH-NOW is fully accredited and 100% online, with small class sizes, dedicated mentors, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
Because Moreland is an out-of-state program, you will need to earn your certification in another state or Washington, D.C., and transfer the credential to California. The Golden State offers multiple paths for out-of-state credentialing. Learn more here.
How much does it cost to get certified in California with Moreland?
Tuition for Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is $6,950. There is no cost to apply, and there are no additional costs or fees with Moreland.
We offer monthly payment plans or financing via Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae has loan choices with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. You can even take advantage of deferred payments while you’re still in school and grace periods after you graduate.
Is Moreland's teacher certification program completely online for California teachers?
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is 100% online.
The clinical learning portion (student teaching) can be done in your current classroom.
Which accreditations and approvals has Moreland earned?
Moreland is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Moreland was the first online program to be accredited by CAEP.
Have a different question? Let us know, and we’ll be in touch. We’re happy to chat through your specific goals and needs.