Center for Research on Expanding Educational Opportunity

Becoming a Teacher in California

The Center for Research on Expanding Educational Opportunity (CREEO) at UC Berkeley’s School of Education uses research to shape policy and practice that expand opportunities for historically marginalized students and adults.

California’s students are among the most diverse in the nation—but its educators do not yet reflect that diversity. Research consistently shows that all students, and particularly Black and Latinx students, thrive when taught by teachers who share their cultural and linguistic backgrounds (Bristol & Carver-Thomas, 2024; Bristol & Martin-Fernandez, 2019).

Through this resource, adapted from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and the California Alliance of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAASA), CREEO highlights pathways and programs that make teaching more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for aspiring educators committed to equity and justice in education.

Why Representation Matters

Decades of research demonstrate that teachers of color have a profound and measurable impact—not only on students who share their racial or cultural background but on the entire school community.

• Black and Latinx teachers strengthen academic and social outcomes. When Latinx students are taught by Latinx teachers, they are more likely to enroll in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, report higher college-going expectations, and experience greater school connectedness. Likewise, Black students taught by Black teachers show gains in test scores, higher motivation, and fewer disciplinary referrals compared with peers taught by non-Black teachers.
• Shared culture and language foster belonging and resilience. Latinx teachers support students through values such as confianza—trust and mutual respect—which promote positive relationships and emotional well-being. Black teachers draw on culturally responsive practices that affirm identity, build confidence, and motivate students to succeed academically and socially.
• All students benefit from diverse educators. Schools with more teachers of color report stronger school climates, higher expectations, and increased engagement for all students, not only students of color. Exposure to diverse teachers helps all children develop cultural competence, empathy, and readiness to thrive in a multicultural society.

In short, representation is not symbolic—it’s transformative. A diverse educator workforce improves learning, supports social-emotional growth, and ensures that every student can see themselves reflected in those who teach and lead them.

Start Here: Explore Your Pathway

There are several routes to becoming a credentialed teacher in California. Some pathways—especially teacher residencies—are linked with stronger preparation, greater support, and higher retention.