How to Become a Teacher in San Francisco
Public schools in San Francisco are part of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), which serves over 57,000 students.1 Those interested in pursuing teaching jobs in San Francisco public schools must first become certified to teach in California through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). SFUSD charter school teachers must also be certified, but private schools set their own requirements. See the private and charter school section for more information, and continue reading to learn more about becoming a teacher in San Francisco.
San Francisco Teacher Certification Requirements
To be eligible for teacher certification in California, teachers must first complete a bachelor’s degree and CTC-approved teacher preparation program. They must also satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). Learn more about how to become a teacher in California with our California teacher certification guide.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to work as a teacher in the SFUSD, you can pursue alternative teacher certification through various paths. The district offers a Pathway to Teaching Program that enables you to gain classroom experience while you work towards a teaching certificate. Alternatively, you can complete an internship as part of a teacher preparation program that meets the requirements. You can find more information about these options with our guide to alternative teacher certification in California.
Teacher Certification Programs in San Francisco
The San Francisco colleges and universities listed below offer teacher preparation programs for first-time teachers as well as programs that can lead to additional endorsements for certificated teachers. You can read more about teaching programs in the state on our California education schools page.
- California State University-East Bay
- Dominican University of California
- Holy Names University
- Mills College
- Notre Dame de Namur University
- Pacific Union College
- San Francisco State University
- San Jose State University
- Santa Clara University
- Sonoma State University
- St. Mary’s College of California
- Stanford University
- Touro University
- University of California-Berkeley
- University of California-Santa Cruz
- University of San Francisco
San Francisco School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
To get a job as a teacher in the San Francisco public school system, you must earn your teaching certificate and English Learner or Bilingual Authorization from the CTC. The SFUSD hiring process for teachers requires that candidates apply to specific openings, which are available on the district website. Applicants must then take the following steps:
Step 1: Complete your application.
Complete an online application for the position(s) of interest, which should typically include a cover letter, current teaching certificate, resume, contact information for three references, a written essay segment, and your employment history.
Step 2: Be interviewed by a school leader or panel.
Interested schools will directly contact you to set up an interview with a school leader for an open position. After the interview, the school must recommend you as a new hire to the district’s human resources team.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
Human Resources will conduct a credential verification and background check before extending an offer of employment. At that time, they will also conduct a fingerprint clearance and a reference check and you will be required to complete a TB Risk Assessment and the necessary paperwork.
Contact Information
San Francisco Unified School District
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SFUnified/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/sfunified
555 Franklin St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 241-6000
https://www.sfusd.edu/
How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the San Francisco School District
Substitute teachers with the SFUSD must possess a current California teaching certificate, an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit with a bachelor’s degree, an Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit without a bachelor’s degree, an Emergency Career Substitute Permit for subs with at least three years of substitute teaching experience, or an Emergency Designated Subjects Career Technical Education Permit for Career Technical Education (CTE) subs. The substitute permit is valid for one year but restricts you from working for more than 30 days in one assignment. If you would like to be eligible for long-term assignments, you will need a teaching certificate. Those interested in substitute positions should possess a bachelor’s degree, which also satisfies the BSR. You must have a negative TB test taken within 60 days of hire, and complete a fingerprint clearance, reference check, credential verification, and hiring paperwork. You must be available for assignments at least five days during the first semester or at least 10 days by the end of the school year.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in San Francisco
In accordance with state law, charter school teachers in San Francisco are required to hold a valid state teaching license or an equivalent credential. However, private schools in San Francisco may have different requirements for hiring teachers than the SFUSD. In private schools, a teaching certificate may be preferred even when not required. Many private and charter schools post jobs and news on their websites, so it is a good idea to check frequently if you are looking for teaching opportunities in the area.
The Largest K-12 Schools in San Francisco
We compiled the following table to help you compare the largest public, private, and charter schools in San Francisco that may be hiring qualified teachers.
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claire Lilienthal Elementary | Public | K-8 | 676 | 24:1 |
| Gordon J. Lau Elementary | Public | K-5 | 635 | 22:1 |
| Edward R. Taylor Elementary | Public | K-5 | 625 | 21:1 |
| AP Giannini Middle | Public | 6-8 | 1,177 | 24:1 |
| Presidio Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,077 | 24:1 |
| Herbert Hoover Middle | Public | 6-8 | 960 | 23:1 |
| Abraham Lincoln High | Public | 9-12 | 2,067 | 22:1 |
| George Washington High | Public | 9-12 | 2,002 | 21:1 |
| Galileo High School | Public | 9-12 | 1,831 | 20:1 |
| Five Keys Independence High School | Charter | 9-12 | 3,203 | 33:1 |
| Thomas Edison Charter Academy | Charter | K-8 | 734 | 22:1 |
| Gateway High School | Charter | 9-12 | 482 | 19:1 |
| St. Ignatius College Preparatory School | Private | 9-12 | 1,476 | 12:1 |
| Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory | Private | 9-12 | 1,325 | 14:1 |
| Convent & Stuart Hall | Private | K-12 | 1,100 | 5:1 |
See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.
San Francisco Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
During the 2023-2024 school year, first-year teachers at the SFUSD started at a minimum annual salary of $78,023 for newly credentialed teachers, but teachers with advanced credentials or qualifications may receive higher salaries.1 Teachers also receive higher salaries commensurate with experience, along with stipends for duties considered beyond the scope of their contract.1
The table below compares various classroom teaching roles in San Francisco by the total number employed, median annual salary, 90th percentile annual salary, and 10-year job growth projections. Note SPED is an abbreviation for special education.
| Teacher type | # Employed2 | Median Annual Salary2 | 90th Percentile Annual Salary2 | Proj. Job Growth 2020-303 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | 990 | $99,150 | $167,210 | 8.1%. |
| Elementary School Teachers | 13,590 | $103,440 | $174,370 | 8.9% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, SPED | 1,450 | $95,890 | $142,040 | 9.8% |
| Middle School Teachers | 7,730 | $108,890 | $156,130 | 9.5% |
| Middle School Teachers, SPED | 850 | $108,890 | $156,130 | 8.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers | 11,690 | $103,010 | $168,010 | 9.4% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | N.Av. | $157,120 | $171,890 | N.Av. |
| Secondary School Teachers, SPED | 1,490 | $100,930 | $168,950 | N.Av. |
San Francisco Teacher Shortage Areas
The US Department of Education bases some student loan forgiveness programs on teacher shortage areas, meaning that your chances of qualifying for loan forgiveness may be stronger if you are teaching a subject formally identified as a shortage area. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on your endorsement(s). Note that shortage areas may change from year to year, so you should check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. For the 2020-2021 school year, the following subject areas were recognized as shortage areas in California (statewide):4
- Bilingual Education
- Career Technical Education
- Mathematics
- Science
- Special Education
San Francisco Teaching Jobs Boards
If you are looking for a teaching job in San Francisco, take a look at online job boards for postings that match your teachable skills and certification. Jobs are often posted throughout the year. You can also visit our jobs board to search for teaching jobs in San Francisco.
- California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
- Department of Catholic Schools Archdiocese of San Francisco
- National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
- San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)
Additional Resources
- San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD): The public school district for San Francisco schools.
- United Educators of San Francisco (UESF): Union bargaining unit representing the interests of San Francisco teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How much do substitute teachers make in San Francisco?
Answer: The regular day rate for Day-to-Day Substitute Teachers is $325.82 per day, with an additional $39.04 per day earned after working 10 consecutive days in the same assignment.1 Substitutes who work exclusively at High Potential Schools earn $405.82.1 Extended hours, extra-curricular activities, and long-term assignments may entitle the substitute to additional pay.
Question: What is the San Francisco Pathway to Teaching?
Answer: The San Francisco Pathway to Teaching is a special program run through the collaboration of local teacher preparation programs and schools that aims to increase the number of highly qualified teachers available to teach in San Francisco public schools. Its recruitment and teacher preparation goals strongly emphasize social justice. To be eligible, you must have a bachelor’s degree. You can learn more through the program website.
Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Largest Schools in San Francisco: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/san-francisco-san-francisco-ca/
References:
1. San Francisco Unified School District: https://www.sfusd.edu/
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward Metropolitan Division: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41860.htm
3. State of California Employment Development Department, Employment Projections 2020-2030: https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/data/employment-projections.html
4. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas, California, 2020-2021: https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports