How to get a teaching degree online
Teaching is a fulfilling job where you can help students succeed. But there aren’t enough teachers, so it’s a good time to consider becoming one. Online teaching degree programs are an option, but are they effective? Let’s explore what makes an online teaching program worth it and why it might be a good choice for you.
Can you become a teacher with an online degree?
Yes, you can! More people are choosing to get education degrees online, but not all programs are created equal. It’s important to find a reputable one that will help you become a successful teacher.
Here are four ways to measure the quality of an online teaching degree program:
- Accreditation: A top-notch college or university is accredited regionally, meaning it meets the highest education standards and is regularly reviewed for its teaching, faculty, and support.
- Curriculum: Choose a curriculum that combines educational theory with practical application. You need a strong foundation in teaching methods along with modern approaches that utilize new technologies to enhance your teaching skills.
- Field experience: Getting real classroom experience is crucial for becoming a successful teacher. Franklin University ensures you start gaining this experience in your first term and provides multiple opportunities throughout your online degree program.
- Partner school network: Pick a school with a wide network of partner schools. These connections offer various teaching experiences, preparing you for success in different learning environments.
What are the advantages of earning a teaching degree online?
An online teaching degree offers unique benefits, especially for working professionals seeking a career change. The flexibility of such a program allows individuals to:
- Earn your degree while juggling work, social life, and family commitments.
- Save money with affordable online teaching programs while continuing to earn your salary.
- Study entirely online, making it easier to balance field experience and coursework.
- Start classroom training early with top online programs, beginning in your first term.
- Honest virtual communication skills are crucial in today’s teaching landscape.
- Gain diverse perspectives by collaborating with students from different cities.
- Save time and money by avoiding campus commutes and parking fees.
Do online teaching programs offer in-classroom teacher training?
Field experience is crucial in any teaching program. It lets you see a classroom up close and work with teachers and students, shaping your future as a teacher. With online teaching degrees, you might wonder how you’ll get this experience. But don’t worry, top online programs provide plenty of chances for hands-on learning in classrooms.
Here’s what you need to know about in-classroom teacher training as an online student:
- Look for an online teaching degree program with partner schools offering classroom placements. Some programs make you find your own opportunities, which can be limiting.
- Large partner school networks offer diverse experiences and multiple placements during your program, avoiding the need for personal connections.
- Look for a program that doesn’t charge extra for student teaching placement. Some colleges charge for field experience placement, but the right online teaching degree won’t have this unnecessary cost.
- You’ll need daytime availability for classroom experience, even in online programs. Find a flexible program like Franklin University, where you complete 32 in-classroom hours in 16 weeks. You can work with your teacher to fit hours into your schedule without setting weekly commitments.
- Plan for a semester of unpaid student teaching, a full-time commitment for 16 weeks. Since it’s towards the end of your program, plan ahead. Many students save money or work extra hours to manage their expenses during student teaching.
What should I expect from an online teaching degree?
In your online teaching degree, you’ll have two main types of courses: teaching pedagogy and subject-specific content. Teaching pedagogy covers education principles and how to teach, which is useful for any subject. Subject-specific courses, like math or history, are for those teaching beyond primary education.
Here’s what you’ll experience as a student in your online teaching degree:
- Virtual lectures, live or recorded,
- Online meetings to chat with instructors and classmates.
- Self-paced tasks like making lesson plans.
- Team projects to learn together.
Top online teaching programs make the most of technology for a supportive and fun learning space.
What should I avoid when choosing an online teaching degree?
Online teaching degrees are popular, but make sure you’re investing wisely in your future. Therefore, you must avoid the following:
- Programs without free field experience or direct classroom placements.
- Programs lacking placements in various learning settings.
- Programs with instructors lacking classroom teaching experience.
- Programs not meeting state licensure requirements.
- Programs lacking interview opportunities with hiring school districts.
Get Your Teaching Degree Online for Maximum Convenience
Ready to take the next step towards becoming a teacher? Explore online teaching degree programs carefully, ensuring they offer quality accreditation, a comprehensive curriculum, valuable field experience, and a strong network of partner schools. Remember, online programs provide flexibility, affordability, and opportunities for classroom training, making them a practical choice for aspiring educators. Choose wisely and embark on your journey to making a difference in students’ lives today!
