Is an Online Teaching Certification Program Right For You?

April 25, 2017 | TeacherReady

Choosing the right program is extremely important to your development and success as a teacher. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the options for becoming a teacher, whether it’s other online teaching certification programs or even traditional routes. It is important to weigh all of your options, so you can make the best decision to advance your teaching career.

Before you start, take a few seconds and ask yourself these three simple questions:

1. What is my career goal?
2. What am I looking for in a teacher certification program?
3. How soon do I want to become a teacher?

Keeping your answers in mind, do the benefits of an online teacher certification program help you get to where you need to be?

Online Learning. Anytime, Anywhere.

With an online teacher certification program, you get flexibility. Unlike traditional route, you have greater control of your schedule and you aren’t as restricted by your location. We have students who have become teachers while living in China, Italy, Russia, Brazil and many other countries. If you aren’t teaching because of the limitations of a brick-and-mortar environment, online teaching certification programs have made it achievable.

TIP: For maximum flexibility, look for a program that does not require you log in at specific times to meet with your peers.

An Accelerated Solution

You can work through our program at an accelerated pace.  Whether you are currently working on a temporary certification, or you are just eager to start your teaching profession, you can finish our program in less than a year. If you really dedicate your time to your studies, it is possible to finish in 6 months.

Affordable Tuition

Most online teaching certification program don’t require out-of-state fees for tuition. According to the College Board, the 2016-2017 school year average cost of tuition and fees was $9,000 for state residents at public colleges and nearly $24,000 for out-of-state residents.  The cost difference for one year exceeds the total tuition cost of many online teacher certification programs.

TIP: When doing your research, ask about payment options. Some programs will break up your tuition into monthly costs and may even have some funding options available.

Continuous Improvement Opportunities

The TeacherReady Online Teacher Certification Program focuses on continuous improvement processes in the classroom. As a teacher, you are charged with helping your student achieve and constantly improve. The same is important for your professional development. In fact, because you are expected to be a life-long learner, continuing education credits are required for teacher certification renewal. You can do this through professional development opportunities offered at your school, and you can also earn credits by seeking a higher degree.

TIP: Teachers who hold a Master’s in Education have the potential to earn higher wages. It may make sense to continue on in a master’s of education program in the future. Does the online teacher certification program that you are considering offer flexible options for earning a master’s degree?

A TeacherReady Benefit:

To help teachers continually improve in the classroom, we have developed partnerships aimed toward lifelong learning and support. You can make your TeacherReady tuition go twice as far by continuing your education with our partners:

• Waldorf University offers 12-15 credits towards a M.Ed in Leadership or Teaching and Learning, plus 10% off tuition.
• Northcentral University offers 9 credits to students who have completed the TeacherReady Online Teacher Certification Program.
• CSU Global Campus offers 12 credits toward a Teaching and Learning Master’s program for students who have completed TeacherReady Online Teacher Certification Program.
• University of West Florida offers 6 credits towards a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction or Exceptional Student Education.
• At the United States University, TeacherReady alumni can transfer 6 credit hours toward their Master of Arts in Education, which can be completed within one year.

Practical Application

Learn new skills and methods that are aimed at student achievement.  You will have the opportunity to directly apply your learnings in the field through your field placement. Caitlin Friend, a TeacherReady instructor, compared her experience in a traditional program to TeacherReady:

“I feel as though this program is more beneficial for teachers than both my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree… This program equips teachers with assignments that are very practical and can be applied in the classroom the same week the assignment is completed. I tell students all the time that I wish I had this program to go through before I ever became a teacher. ”

TeacherReady Success Team

We will pair you with the TeacherReady team members who specialize in helping you achieve your goals We support our students with:

• Admissions and enrollment
• Student-teaching field placement and mentor services
• Advising and planning
• Budgeting and financial funding
• Technology tools and support
• Professional networks and classroom resources

Online teacher certification programs offer a solution to barriers that adult students face. If you are thinking of becoming a teacher online, we have someone who can answer your questions and help you decide what path works for you.