California continues to experience significant demand for qualified teachers, despite national growth projections. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nationwide job market for teachers is projected to stay neutral for elementary, middle, high school, and special education teachers over the next decade. However, California-specific factors — including regional teacher shortages, higher retirement rates, and population shifts — have created a more urgent demand within the state, particularly in high-need districts and subject areas.
The persistent demand for educators in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), elementary education, bilingual instruction, and particularly special education has intensified pressure on school districts to recruit and retain teachers with skills to meet the evolving educational needs of their diverse student populations, as flagged in the Learning Policy Institute's research on California's teacher shortages.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic initially triggered an unprecedented teacher shortage, its ongoing effects continue to reshape California's education landscape in 2025. Many experienced educators opted for early retirement or career changes during the pandemic, creating thousands of vacancies that districts are still working to fill with qualified candidates.
For a clearer picture of what the job market is like for teachers today, let's examine California's public education system evolution over recent years and explore how current trends affect employment opportunities and salary projections for the coming years.
California’s Public Education System Over the Past Decade
2020–2022: Pandemic Response and Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated existing teacher shortage issues across California. Districts experienced:
- Increased early retirements and career changes among veteran teachers
- Higher burnout rates among educators managing remote and hybrid classrooms
- Expanded need for specialized instruction to address pandemic-related learning gaps
- Critical shortages in substitute teacher pools
Despite these challenges, emergency funding and federal recovery dollars helped stabilize many districts financially, preventing the widespread layoffs that followed previous economic downturns.
2023–2025: Rebuilding and Reinvention
In response to persistent staffing challenges, California's education system has implemented several key initiatives:
- The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has reported declines in new credentials for science, special education, and bilingual education ranging from 13% to 25% between 2020–21 and 2022–23, leading to streamlined pathways and emergency permits
- The state has invested more than $1.6 billion over the last decade in teacher recruitment and retention programs, according to state budget reports
- Major programs include the Golden State Teacher Grant program ($516.5 million) providing financial assistance to students in teacher preparation programs and the National Board Certified Teacher Certification Incentive Program ($250 million)
- The Teacher Residency Grant Program ($651 million) supports establishing and expanding residencies in special education, STEM, and bilingual education
- Schools with higher proportions of English learners and low-income students continue to face greater staffing challenges, with the Learning Policy Institute reporting these schools had twice as many math teachers on waivers or emergency permits
These efforts have begun to address critical shortages, though significant gaps remain in high-need specializations and underserved communities.
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Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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Teaching Hiring and Average Salaries in Southern California Counties
According to the California Department of Education's official data for 2023-24, the average salary of public school teachers in California was $101,084. The data shows significant variation based on district type, size, and teacher experience:
For unified school districts in California:
- Beginning teacher salaries range from $54,773 in smaller districts to $62,783 in larger districts
- Midrange teacher salaries range from $78,981 to $97,783, depending on district size
- Highest teacher salaries range from $117,194 to $128,020 for experienced educators
For high school districts:
- Beginning teacher salaries range from $54,938 to $67,238
- Midrange teacher salaries range from $77,181 to $106,841
- Highest teacher salaries range from $105,502 to $136,881
For elementary school districts:
- Beginning teacher salaries range from $55,248 to $61,597
- Midrange teacher salaries range from $80,746 to $98,902
- Highest teacher salaries range from $109,655 to $126,340
These figures highlight the salary trajectory available to teachers as they gain experience and advance their careers. New teachers typically start at the lower end of these ranges, with substantial increases available as they accumulate years of service and additional education units.
Important salary considerations include:
- Teacher salaries are negotiated by individual school districts, creating significant variations (even within the same county)
- Urban and suburban districts may offer higher compensation compared to rural districts
- Districts with higher costs of living generally provide higher salaries to attract qualified candidates
- Advancement on salary schedules typically depends on years of experience and continuing education units
Why Teaching Enables Financial Security
Teaching careers in California offer increasing financial stability due to several factors, including:
- Competitive and predictable salary growth: Most districts provide clear salary schedules with regular step increases
- Comprehensive benefits: Health insurance (including dental and vision), retirement plans, and paid leave
- Supplemental income opportunities: Summer school, extracurricular activities, and curriculum development
- Loan forgiveness programs: Various federal and state programs for educators in high-need areas
- Housing assistance: Some districts now offer housing stipends or subsidized teacher housing in high-cost regions, as reported by the California School Boards Association
Additionally, the academic calendar provides breaks that allow for personal pursuits, family time, or supplementary employment opportunities during summer and holiday periods.
Most In-Demand Teaching Specializations in 2025
If you're considering a teaching career, these specializations are experiencing the highest demand in California's education system:
1. Special Education Teachers
- Special education remains California's most critical teacher shortage area, according to the U.S. Department of Education's Teacher Shortage Areas report. Districts actively recruit qualified special education teachers at all levels (early childhood through high school) and across all specializations.
- Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. With proper credentialing, special education teachers often command higher starting salaries and may qualify for signing bonuses, student loan forgiveness, and other incentives.
2. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Teachers
According to the California STEM Network, California schools continue to face significant shortages in qualified STEM teachers, particularly in:
- Computer science and technology
- Advanced mathematics
- Physical sciences (chemistry, physics)
- Engineering and applied sciences
STEM teachers prepare students for high-demand careers in the innovation economy. Many districts offer specialized recruitment incentives for qualified STEM educators, especially in Title I schools or underserved communities.
3. Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers
With California's diverse student population, bilingual educators are in high demand. Teachers who possess bilingual authorization or CLAD (Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development) certification can expect excellent employment prospects.
According to the California Department of Education, approximately one in five California students speaks a language other than English at home. Teachers who can effectively support multilingual students play a crucial role in learning achievement and cultural inclusion.
4. Elementary School Teachers
Elementary education continues to experience steady demand, particularly for teachers skilled in:
- Early literacy development
- Mathematics foundations
- Social-emotional learning
- Differentiated instruction techniques
- Cultural competency and inclusive practices
Elementary teachers lay the critical foundations for student success throughout their academic journey. Districts increasingly seek candidates with specialized training in early intervention strategies as well as personalized learning approaches.
5. School Counselors and Mental Health Professionals
While not traditional classroom teaching roles, school counselors and mental health professionals have become essential educators in today's school environments. According to the American School Counselor Association, the increased focus on student well-being has created unprecedented demand for:
- Academic counselors
- Mental health specialists
- Social-emotional learning coordinators
- Behavioral intervention specialists
Many PLNU graduates with education backgrounds have successfully transitioned into these vital support roles, which often offer competitive salaries and meaningful opportunities to impact student lives.
Interested in learning more? Read on to see what a day in the life of a clinical counseling grad student looks like.
The Path to Your Teaching Career at PLNU
With the ongoing demand for qualified teachers across California, now is an excellent time to pursue your calling in education. At PLNU, we offer various routes to prepare for a successful and fulfilling teaching career.
Undergraduate Education Programs
PLNU's School of Education offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies designed to prepare future elementary school teachers. This program provides:
- Subject matter preparation for California's multiple subject teaching credential
- Early field experiences in diverse classroom settings
- Integration of faith and learning in the context of educational service
- Personalized advising and credential pathway guidance
Teacher Credential Programs
For those who already hold a bachelor's degree, PLNU offers preliminary teaching credential programs to prepare for careers in:
These programs can be completed in as little as one year and include extensive supervised teaching experiences.
Interested in learning more? Read on to see why you might earn a teaching credential in San Diego.
Graduate Programs for Educators
PLNU also offers advanced degrees for teachers seeking to enhance their qualifications or specialize in high-demand areas:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Arts in Higher Education
- Master of Arts in Educational Administration
- Master of Arts in Special Education
Graduate education at PLNU emphasizes research-based practices, ethical leadership, and innovative approaches to meeting diverse student needs.
Take the Next Steps Toward Your Teaching Career
The teaching profession in California offers unprecedented opportunities for dedicated educators who want to make a meaningful difference in students' lives. PLNU graduates are consistently sought after by school districts for their excellent preparation, ethical leadership, and commitment to serving diverse communities.
To learn more about how PLNU can help you achieve your teaching goals, explore our education programs or contact our admissions team today.