With many online teaching programs available, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. Fortunately, the options can be divided into two main areas: programs for those seeking a bachelor's or initial teaching certification and programs for current educators who want to continue their education. You can also narrow your choices based on whether you are seeking a bachelor's or graduate degree and whether you want to focus on a specific level or subject.
How Online Teaching Programs Work
The majority of online teaching programs offer graduate degrees for current educators. Several schools also offer graduate programs that help non-teachers with a bachelor's degree become certified teachers.
There are a few programs offering online bachelor's degrees in teaching. Even though the number of programs is limited, there are different concentration areas available such as elementary education and secondary math or science
No matter what their focus area, online teaching students who want to become certified will have to fulfill student teaching requirements in addition to their required coursework. For example, students enrolled in Drexel University's Bachelor of Education program must complete 12 weeks of full-day student teaching.
Dr. Janet Schnitz, Executive Director of the Teachers College at Western Governors University, advises students who want to become certified teachers to do their research before enrolling in a program. "You definitely need to be aware of the requirements in the state where you want to teach, and then you will then need to check with the programs you are interested in to make sure they prepare students to meet those requirements," counsels Schnitz. You can find more information about state certification requirements on the website for the National Education Association (NEA).
Online Teaching Schools & Programs
Below are links to information on various online teaching programs:
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate and Other Programs
Paying for an Online Teaching Education
The cost of an online teaching education varies depending on whether you are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree or taking individual courses. For most online degree-seeking students, the primary options for financial aid are federal grants and federal or private loans. School financial aid offices can provide information on the types of aid available and how to apply. Some schools also may offer scholarships, and current educators may receive assistance from their school districts.
Employment
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the locality, grade level, and subject taught. Although the job outlook for teachers is positive, online students may face challenges in some districts where online programs are not viewed as favorably as traditional programs. However, Dr. Schnitz notes that the growing demand for teachers is helping increase acceptance of online programs. "As teaching positions are going begging, more and more school districts and states are opening up to online preparation because the state institutions simply can't meet the needs," notes Schnitz.
To help increase their chances of finding employment, Colleen Corliss, spokeswoman for the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), counsels students to try to balance their interests with the demands of the district where they want to teach. "To make sure students are doing what they want to do, but that they can also find a job when they complete their licensing requirements, I recommend they look into their local school districts to see what is needed. If there is not demand in their area of interest, they may be able to find a similar area that is in demand," says Corliss.
Summary
If you are already a licensed teacher, there are many options to further your education online by earning a graduate degree or taking individual courses. If you are seeking a bachelor's degree and want to become a certified teacher, you will need to do some research on requirements in your state and should be prepared to complete student teaching in addition to your online classes.
Written by Jennifer Croley, Teaching.org Contributing Writer.
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