Online Teaching Degrees

The education field is an ever-popular degree option for students. Demand for teachers has softened in recent years as the economy weakened and state budgets required cuts for school districts, but demand for teachers remains strong in fields such as math, science and special education. Online teaching degrees allow students to continue working while pursuing teacher certification, lessening the financial blow that can come with going to college. Learn how to find online teaching degree programs that are accredited and help you to become a licensed teacher in your state.

Online Teaching Degrees

No online degree program is worthwhile for future teachers if it isn't accredited and if it doesn't include student teaching to help gain a teaching license or certification in your state, or in the state in which you plan to teach. How do you know whether an online teaching degree is accredited?

Each state accredits college-level programs, and in addition to state accreditation look for National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education approval. If the program is approved by NCATE, you know it is valid and will be recognized by hiring committees at school districts when you have your certification and go out into the education job market.

E-Learning Teacher Certification

Most e-learning teacher certification programs provide all of the coursework for the degree online, but arrange for local internships for classroom observation as well as student teaching semester in your hometown or nearby. Western Governors University, for instance, works to help place students in student teaching positions in their specific field.

You have to have student teaching in order to receive a license or certification, but if you currently work as a paraprofessional in a classroom, you may be able to apply your work hours to some of your student teaching hours.

Questions to Ask About Online Education Degrees

Be certain to ask the following questions before enrolling in an online teaching degree:

1. Are you NCATE accredited?
2. Do you help with internship and/or student teaching placement near my home?
3. Can I apply classroom experience to my student teaching if I currently work as a teacher's aide?

With so many programs from colleges such as Western Governors University, University of Northern Colorado, Graceland University, and more, there's no shortage of online teaching degree opportunities. Ask plenty of questions and choose an accredited, support-oriented program.