Ser and estar can both be translated as "to be.

" Here is the English verb,

fully conjugated:
to be
I am
you are
he/she is
we are
you-all are
they are

Notice, as an example, that these two sentences can have different meanings in
English.
The apple is green.
(Meaning the apple is not ripe.)
The apple is green.
(Meaning the color of the apple is green.)

The first sentence, states the condition of the apple. The apple is green
because it has not yet ripened. When the condition of the apple changes, that
is, when it has ripened, it will no longer be green, it will be ripe.
In the second sentence, green refers to the essential characteristics of the
apple. The apple is green in color. This particular apple remains green even
after it has ripened.
In English, the verb "to be" can be used to tell how something is (the condition)
and what something is (the essence).
How is the apple?
It is unripe.
What color is the apple?
It is green.

In Spanish, a different verb is used to express "to be" depending on whether the
speaker intends to address a condition or an essential quality.
La manzana est verde.
The apple is green. (condition)
La manzana es verde.
The apple is green. (essence)
Note how the adjective "verde" actually changes meaning, depending upon
whether it is used with ser or estar.
La manzana est verde.
(condition: verde = unripe)
La manzana es verde.
(essential characteristic: verde = color green)

So, in general terms, the difference is identification vs. state of being. For
example you would use "ser" to describe identifying features about yourself (tall,
short, etc.), but you would use "estar" to describe feelings or location (I am
happy, sad or I am in Argentina or I am in the USA).

To address condition, use estar. Estar is an irregular verb. It does not follow
the standard rules of conjugation for regular (-ar ending) verbs. Therefore, you
must memorize it.
estar
(yo) estoy
(t) ests
(l-ella) est
(nosotros) estamos
(vos) estis
(ellos-ellas) estn

To address an essential quality, use ser. Ser is also irregular and must be
memorized.
ser
(yo) soy
(t) eres
(l) es
(nosotros) somos
(vos) sois
(ellos-ellas) son

In short, Ser is used to describe personal identities, personality traits, gender,

profession, origin, profession, gender. These are types of qualities that do not
change and are unique to each individual/object. Also, ser is used for dates,
days, seasons, weather, and time. Estar is used for emotions, physical
conditions, mood, feelings, and appearances along with location of things or
people (not origin or events). It also plays a part in present progressive which is
conjugation verbs for motion state of being.
You should also consider the temporary conditions of both words. Ser conveys
a sense of permanence, while estar is used more for short-term characteristics, like
mood or emotion.

When you would use ser:

I am a teacher
I am from California
She is a happy person
Notice that these examples are permanent I am a teacher and that wont
change soon; I am from California (and that wont change even if Im currently
somewhere else); she is a happy person and she is always happy.

When you would use estar:

I am teaching
I am in California
She is sick
Notice that these examples are subject to change: I am teaching right now, but
in a little while I might not be. I am in California for the moment, but Ill be
traveling to Nevada soon. Shes feeling sick right now, but shell be feeling
better in a while.