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About Online Degrees in Education
As online education becomes more popular, numerous degrees in education are offered by accredited schools. Many of these programs are through traditional schools that have been around for a number of years. Others are available through online only schools that are often accredited by the same sources as the conventional schools. Accreditation is key when enrolling in any type of education degree program. You want to make sure the program is accredited before you enroll, because this is what allows you to receive certification from the state in the area studied. Remember that certification or licensing is needed to work in the public school system, regardless of your education. This applies to anyone, whether your degree is from an online source or a traditional school.
Elementary Education Online Degrees
This is one of the most common programs for online degrees in education. In this program, students learn the fundamentals of education grades kindergarten through sixth grade. Basic areas such math, reading, and writing are taught, along with social studies and basic science. Students learn how to maintain a lesson plan cohesive with the curriculum in that respective state. Other areas such as observation and direct instruction are also taught. States have different requirements for student teacher hours. Some require an entire semester, while others require one four to six week period.
Specialized Degrees Through Online Degrees in Education
Specialized degrees are important for teachers in areas where there may be too many teachers applying for the same jobs. Teaching was once thought to be a job that was guaranteed. While there is still a great need for teachers, many schools are cutting back on budgets, which means fewer standard teachers are needed. Instead, schools have a serious need for:
- Bilingual teachers
- ESL teachers
- Special needs teachers
These three areas are among the fastest growing in public education and they do not look to be slowing down anytime soon. Bilingual and ESL teachers were once focused in California, Texas, and a few other Southern states, but now there’s a need for teachers with these skills all over. It is the same for special needs instructors. Specialized degrees are usually master’s programs available online. These programs accept those who have been teaching at least one year. Some require as much as three years of work experience.
These specialized programs also require the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) from students because they are master’s degrees. These degrees allow a teacher to concentrate in one area for two years of study, preparing him or her to teach certain classes or work as a consultant for an education company. If you choose to be in the classroom, but would like to increase your earning power and job opportunities, this is the ideal education route. Some education master’s programs operate on a fast track for those who have classroom experience. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is also required. Some require a teacher to already possess a teaching license when they enroll in the program.
Education Leadership and Administration Degrees
These programs are aimed at those working in education at the administration level. For teachers who have experience, but no longer wish to work in the classroom, this can be a great route that utilizes your past education while opening a new career opportunity. These programs are usually only available at the master’s level. In the majority of districts throughout the United States, anyone who applies for an administrative role must work as a teacher for at least a year before applying for a new position. Because of this, some master’s programs in education leadership or administration only accept experienced teachers.
In these programs, students learn how to manage a school, about state education policies and procedures, and how to motivate their staff and lead effectively. This education can also lead to a job with the district creating curriculum or leading workshops in teacher education. This is an exciting path for those who are eager to see changes in the public school system. Although budget cuts are the norm across the country, there are many public school policy changes happening in multiple states. Those with leadership and administration skills can be part of the policy changes that can lead American education in a new direction.
How Do Online Degrees in Education Work?
Students receive a syllabus at the beginning of each course. All course work is completed on the student’s own time, via the Internet. For schools that have a campus, some teaching programs will require a student periodically meet at the school for group meetings, but it is not often. Programs through schools with a campus usually make their resources available for all students, including online participants. This can be to a student’s advantage, since the traditional program has been established for a number of years. Students are able to sit in on lectures and education workshops the department offers.
Schools that operate solely online also have many resources for students, including archives on education and message boards where students interact with one another. For some courses, this message board may be part of a participating grade. Students can also reach out to instructors via live chats, the message board, or designated office hours where the teacher is available for scheduled phone calls. It is important to thoroughly research an online program in education. Because mastering education material requires an engaging atmosphere, it’s essential the instructor is experienced in conducting an online course. After finishing the program, the student is responsible for signing up for the teaching certification exam in their state. Some districts allow a teacher who does not have certification to begin working, if there is an immense need to fill the position. In this case, the teacher is typically given a date in which they must take and pass the certification exam.
How Do I Learn More About Online Degrees in Education?
The program you attend must be accredited by a regional organization. This is vital to your education and career opportunities once you’ve completed the program. For those who plan on obtaining a master’s, an unaccredited degree is not valid to apply for those programs. An unaccredited program will also prevent you from sitting for the state teaching exam. Take your time researching schools for an education degree. Usually the program’s site will list the accreditation source. Make an appointment with an academic advisor for details on the program and how the curriculum works for bachelor’s and master’s programs. At this time, you can also inquire about the level of experience instructors have. Some instructors may have worked in the field for a number of years, but they should also have a few years of online teaching behind them. Teachers with this experience understand how to create an engaging virtual classroom for teachers.
Online Degrees in Education With Areas of Concentration
Online programs for education tend to have an area of concentration for the student. Areas such as writing, science or math are common areas of concentration for aspiring teachers who work at the middle or high school levels. This works to your advantage once you enter the job market, especially if you focus on science or math. Writing is important too, as an increasing number of standardized tests in most states place heavy emphasis on a student’s writing skills. Ask your academic advisor about the additional courses taken in the subject of your choice. For many, it will be worth the extra hours to have an area of concentration because it gives them an edge when applying for a position in that subject. Some schools also have special tutors or teachers who work specifically with students who are lagging in these areas, and need one-on-one help to prepare for a standardized test. Schools and districts are always taking a prospective teacher’s special skills into consideration when choosing employees.
Master’s Prerequisites for Online Degrees in Education
One great thing about online master’s degrees in education, is they do not usually require a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Most require a bachelor’s degree, but it does not have to be in education. If you have an undergrad degree in writing, communication, or liberal arts, you are a candidate for a master’s program in education. For those who are having trouble finding a job in their fields, beginning a career in education is a way to utilize their skills while learning about the new frontier of education and administration. Often, those with management experience who become burned out on the corporate circuit, turn to administration in education. This allows them to use their experience in a new way, in a different environment.
Regardless of your bachelor’s degree, all students applying to a master’s program must take the GRE. Most master’s programs in education do not require a letter of recommendation or a student essay. Select programs may require work experience, but it is in any aspect of teaching and this is only for specialized areas such as bilingual education or special needs.
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