I need to teach somewhere in California

Are you a U.S. citizen? If not, then I would think you would need a green card, which isn't always easy. It may be possible for teachers, however, as there are teacher shortages in some parts of the country.

I can just tell you generally that to teach in public schools you need to be accredited by the state, which is not always an easy task--my brother had several years experience of teaching in some of the finest prep schools but still it was not easy with the beaurocrats--but in most states you do not need to be accredited by the state to teach in private schools.

Thank you, I am not a U.S. citizen. I have been advised to just apply online since a lot of the employers are looking through the net, but since January, I haven't come across a state that hires from other countries online specially from aian countries. Is there any other way?

The Visiting International Faculty program recruits qualified foreign teachers to fill positions in shortage areas. VIF teachers are typically placed in urban or rural schools avoided by US teachers either because of violence or low pay. VIF is the best route to go if you are not a US citizen. I do not know whether any California districts hire VIF teachers or whether you have any choice in your placement. VIF teachers are on three-year contracts and must return to their home country for at least two years before reapplying as a VIF. A few VIFs have obtained H-1 skilled visas in order to remain in the US after the end of the 3-yr period, but this is difficult and expensive to do.

You may have a step up because of your ability to communicate in more then one language.A role as a substitute (fill in )teacher may be a path to a full time job.You will earn a lower pay w/o benifits that full timers get.Also perhaps a job with a Catholic or other religious school ,California reguires a teacher to pass the C-Best test,some teachers have a problem with that test and end up with private teaching jobs which does not mean they are poor teachers but does mean they will probably earn less money .

I forgot to add that some school districts will hire trained teachers who are not certified ,as substitute teachers while attending classes to obtain certifacation for a full time teaching position.My brother did that with Los Angeles Unified school district.Only problem is you WILL probably be employed as a sub in the worse schools (high crime,high dropout areas)where teacher turnover is high

How would she obtain a visa for private-school teaching jobs? Is that difficult?

I see that the VIF program does place teachers in California (one of 7 states in the program), but they still have to place you according to subject, that is, whether they need a biology teacher in California.

I know that you specified California...but you might want to consider Hawai'i. There are a number of private Catholic schools (Damien Memorial, St. Louis High School, etc.) here that you can contact for more specific information. Science teachers are always in demand. Try googling "catholic schools hawaii" and I'm sure you'll find relevant websites. Be aware, however, that the cost of living here is rather high....Good luck!

Teach California!