How to Get an Online K-12 Teaching Position

With the increased diversity of Internet usage applications, many parents are choosing to send their children to virtual schools. This increased enrollment has provided a vacancy for more K-12 teachers in the field. It is not easy to secure an online teaching position for elementary, middle, or high grades; however, it is not impossible. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of getting hired.

First, make sure your state certification is valid and "full". By this, I am referring to permanent certification and not temporary. Most states want to be sure that you have been teaching for a few years; so plan on getting the highest teaching credentials possible in your state. You may also want to pursue your National Board Certification, if not already done, to better increase your chances of getting hired.

Next, find your state or local school district's virtual homepage. See where the openings for the jobs are and what qualifications are required. Are they seeking full-time or part-time teachers (adjuncts)? The competition is stiff, so you may have to start as an adjunct and work your way up to a staff position.

Finally, increase your chances of getting a position by being "dually" certifiable. If you are certified to teach English, consider returning to school and get a Reading endorsement. This also holds true for teachers in other subject areas. In some states, as long as you can pass the Subject Area Exam (SAE), you can teach additional subjects. Be sure to check with your individual state for its own requirements. Also, combine this with National Board Certification to present yourself as a master teacher. Advanced degrees will give your resume an additional boost, but having knowledge of state standards and requirements is imperative.