Online Teacher Education Programs

Continuing teacher education courses by distance learning

Online teacher education programs and courses are designed for currently certified elementary and secondary teachers interested in career growth.

These courses may also satisfy the professional development and certification renewal requirements for teachers. As a teacher you are already committed to lifelong learning. By taking continuing teacher education online courses, you demonstrate to your peers and students that you are able to grow both professionally and personally.

Online teacher education courses also satisfy your desire to excel in your field, without taking time away from your students.

Most courses are offered at the upper division or graduate level, and can often be used toward a master’s degree program. Courses are offered in many subject areas, allowing you to improve understanding of your current subject area, branch out into another field, or strengthen your curriculum and instruction skills.

Online Teaching programs offer a wide range of options

• Teacher education courses are offered both by universities and state education organizations by distance learning. While both offer convenient ways to learn new skills for the classroom, not all courses can be transferred to a master’s degree.
• Some schools and programs offer accelerated online courses, an ideal option for busy teachers. You may be able to earn three credits in as little as three weeks. Classes often start throughout the year, which means you have many options for advancing your career.
• Classes may be offered in a self-paced format, which allows you to complete the work entirely on your own schedule. Other programs may have online versions of traditional courses, with set times for class sessions. Online technology, such as virtual meetings rooms and discussion boards, facilitate the learning environment.
• Courses are available in a variety of subject areas, such as curriculum and instruction, elementary methods, reading and writing, special education, and technology in the classroom.

Featured Colleges offering Online Teacher Education Programs

University of Phoenix

• M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
• M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Middle Level Generalist
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Middle Level Mathematics
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Middle Level Science
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Secondary Mathematics
• M.A. in Education/Teacher Education Secondary Science
• Transition to Teaching Certificate/Secondary Teacher Education
• Special Education Certificate

Walden University

• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Teacher Leadership
• Teacher Preparation Program with a M.A. in Teaching
• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning
• Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching - Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3)
• Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education, Learning Disabilities (K-12)
• Doctor of Education - College Teaching and Learning

Grand Canyon University

• B.S. in Elementary Education: Math (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• B.S. in Elementary Education: Science (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• M.A. in Teaching - Professional Learning Communities (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.A. in Teaching - Teacher Leadership (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading - Elementary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading - Secondary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Early Childhood (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Early Childhood (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Educational Administration (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Special Education: Certified Special Educators (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Special Education: Cross-Categorical (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Special Education: Cross-Categorical (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
• M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)

What can you expect from a teacher education program?

Online teacher education courses are primarily designed for certified teachers, although some programs are open to non-certified teachers, as well. This is useful if you are a recent graduate interested in enhancing your credentials before obtaining certification, or are considering a career change from a non-education field.

States have very specific continuing education and certification requirements. Before enrolling in any teacher certification programs offered online, check with you state Department of Education and school district to make sure that the courses will apply toward your specific district. Some programs also offer test preparation courses that ensure that you can pass state licensure exams, such as the Praxis Series tests. You can prepare for these important tests online, often at your own pace.

Career options

Continuing education courses are often required by states in order for teachers to maintain their licensure. In addition to maintaining current credentials, teacher education courses also provide teachers with additional opportunities for advancement. These may involve moving from being a new teacher toward becoming a master teacher in a specific subject area, or focusing on a new area such as reading and literacy.

High school teachers earned an average of $53,230 in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent, however, earned more than $83,230. The requirements for salary advancement varies with the school district, but continuing education plays an important role in helping teachers earn more money, as well as take on more senior roles in the school.

Related degree choices

Teaching degree programs

Online secondary education degree programs are designed to help non-teachers enter the profession by preparing them to apply for teacher certification. This degree also provides current teachers with opportunities to advance their careers.

Online masters degree in education programs are geared toward currently certified teachers who are interested in advancing their career, as well as learning more advanced skills for the classroom. This type of program covers instructional design, technology, and research methods. The master’s degree in Education can serve as a terminal degree, or prepare students for admission to a doctoral program.

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