Pursuing a degree in education is a necessary step in order to become an educator in the pre-kindergarten, elementary, and secondary level schools. A number of skills and valuable knowledge are gained throughout the completion of an undergraduate degree in education. Prospective students have hundreds of options for which college or university to attend to earn a degree. One of these options includes whether to choose an online or on-campus program or post-secondary institution.
Degrees in Teacher Education
Students in teacher education programs choose between curriculums to prepare them for certification in early childhood, elementary, or secondary teaching. In an elementary education or early childhood program, students take courses that include child development, psychology, speech, elementary mathematics, and philosophy of education. Students pursuing a degree for secondary teaching take courses to fulfill both major and minor requirements, as well as courses such as philosophy of education and teaching methods.
In addition to coursework, undergraduate students in a teacher education degree program complete several hours in classroom observation and in student teaching. This gives students the practical experience needed to enter a classroom as a teacher after graduation as well as to meet the requirements for teacher certification.
Online Degree in Education
In an online program, students take the same courses as those in a traditional, on-campus program. Additionally, accredited online teacher education programs require students to complete the same classroom observations and student teaching assignments as an on-campus program.
In many cases, graduates of online programs obtain certification upon graduation in the state in which the university or college is based, either with a campus or an office of the institution. With a degree from an accredited institution, however, graduates of online programs are typically able to obtain certification in each state.
University and College Accreditation
There are a number of benefits for earning a post-secondary degree from an accredited institution. In addition to the opportunity to obtain certification in a desired state, accreditation also increase the likelihood that credits are able to be transferred and are more often recognized by graduate schools and employers.
Accreditation councils develop standards for the delivery of education, ensuring that students are working toward a quality program with the instruction, materials, and preparation of an institution. The accrediting body of an institution should be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. A comprehensive list of accredited schools in the United States can be found here.
In addition to the general accreditation of an institution, individual programs are also recognized as meeting or exceeding the standards required for educators who are preparing to teach from the preschool level through twelfth grade. For additional information, please visit the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Whether opting to pursue an online degree or a degree on campus, it is essential to ensure that the college or university itself has accreditation from a national governing body. A number of accredited online programs, with both national and NCATE accreditation, can help to prepare graduates for a career in teaching.
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