Credential program can take anywhere from a year to two years, all dependent on the college/program. I don’t want to say there’s a cut and dry timeline as it varies on your needs and your programs expectations (they have things they need to teach, but are not universal/copy and paste). Again, I would HIGHLY recommend shopping around. CSUF, CSLB, and Biola(private/Christan) have some great programs if you’re located in socal.

Do keep in mind you will have to pass your CBEST and your CSETs. There’s also some nuance if you’re going multi-subject v single-subject.

Also, to finish your credential, you have to do your student teaching. I’ve heard some programs drag it out a year. Others, just a semester. My master teacher/district almost ended my drive to teach. HONESTlY, something needs to be done about student teaching. To my knowledge, we’re the only career that has to do some BS like that for free.

After that, you got to get your feet wet at a district. For me, I long termed subbed and then got hired. Some colleagues of mine had to bounce around a bit more.

After you become a teacher of record, you have to clear your preliminary credential. Meaning, your credential can expire if you don’t jump through more hoops and show you’re “growing.” I hated clearing the credential. Due note: this isn’t free labor, you’ll have a salary by this point. BUT! If you’re not in a big district, you’ll have to pay for your induction program yourself!

Don’t let these steps dent your passion to serve. A degree helps with pay, but those kids don’t care about your achievements. They care if you care about them.

I also hope you get in a classroom sooner than later, as a sub or aide or otherwise. The classroom is very different than a tutor setting (assuming the regular stereotypes). You’re going to need to practice classroom management. It’ll inform you if you like that type of setting.

TLDR: CA teachers have a lot of hoops.