Distance education through correspondence programs has always been a way for teachers to obtain the courses they need for graduation from university while they are still working or unable to attend university on a full-time basis. At one time only a few courses could be used in this way to contribute towards teacher training. Now there are online teacher certification programs that require few or no attendance in an actual class. This method of obtaining teacher training has grown in response to states hiring only highly qualified teachers who have the proper credentials to meet their teacher certification regulations.
Online teacher certification programs are perfect for those living and working in rural areas from which they have to travel long distances to attend a university or college. You do have to meet the admission requirements of the program you choose, which includes holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and passing the Praxis 1 Preprofessional test to ensure you do have the basic skills in reading writing and mathematics necessary for becoming an effective teacher.
Many of the universities also offer a full degree program combined with a teacher certification program so that when you graduate, you hold a bachelor of Education or a Master of Education degree. In this way you fulfill the obligations of both facets of the teacher certification regulations for the state. The format of each program is tailored to meet the needs of the teacher in providing the appropriate content and instructional methodology courses you will need when working in a classroom of children.
The courses offered through online teacher certification programs are usually specific to the needs of the home state of the university. When you enroll in one of these programs, you first have to check your state regulations concerning teacher certification and to see whether this program is on eth approved list. If you don’t check out whether or not the state licensing board will accept your teaching credentials from an online university and you haven’t checked this out, you may not be able to teach in your state.
A student teaching component is one of the requirements for most states when they scrutinize the courses you took in your online teacher certification program. Some of the states have stipulations of how long a student teacher should spend for a teaching internship, in which they teach in a classroom under the supervision and guidance of a certified teacher. If you are teaching and are taking the courses to meet the requirements for a first or additional teaching certificate, your teaching experience will fulfill this internship requirement.
With so many universities and colleges now offering programs leading to teacher certification online, you have many to choose from when selecting one that is right for you. Check out all that are available and compare them in terms of price and the types of courses they offer. You can also read reviews for the programs to make sure that you get the best training possible. You can study at home at your own pace and on your own time, leaving you free to work or play.
