Is an online teaching certificate a good idea?

Question

I have a bachlors in Journalism; but would like to teach elementry students .

I want to take classes online from a convience stand point, but i'm not sure if an online certificate would be a joke amoung educators... or if i could get a job with one.

Answer 1

I know this is a direction in which many programs are going, but I'm not sure, as an educator, if I agree with it. To become an elementary school teacher, you need a lot of hands on experience and I just don't see how an online program would develop that. It's also crucial to have peers in the program with you that you can share ideas with and get ideas from to use and making your teaching better. I'm sure there are programs in which you can do both online classes and classes at the school. I'm not sure where you live but I know our nearest university has something like this. You could choose to take the classes online that aren't so focused on teaching. Good luck!

Answer 2

There are none.

I challenge anyone to find one.

the problem is the student teaching portion. Because each state requires a program that includes this, such programs can only be created regionally. This is not a situation where the larger online schools can deal with - this is why you see the huge number of online masters degree programs. A masters degree is not sufficient to teach. You need a credential.

There are limited regional programs such as calstate teach - but they require you to have a classroom already. odd - how can you have a classroom without a credential? This singular program is set up to take advantage of the teacher shortage - there are a number of districts who must still offer emergency credentials - this programs is geared to them. You earn it while you teach.

Another poster is correct - it is becoming increasingly common - just not for credentials. What you can do however is go to your states credentialing board - there is always a list of approved programs for that state.

If a state is smaller - and teams up with a local university - there might be a geographic incentive to offer such a program as you wish - I have never seen one - but really would like someone to research and prove me wrong.

The criteria Id like to see:

completely online, deals with student teaching, offers a full clear credential in that state, no requirement for you to already have a classroom.

good luck and prove my first sentence wrong teachers!

Answer 3

You need to enquire at some of  the places you are thinking of as potential employers. Just looking on the websites there should be a section of what qualifications are applicable. Now that online courses are becoming increasingly popular it might be viewed equivalent to taking the course through actual classes, but check before hand.