Elementary Education Degree Programs Online
Every teacher is required to have a degree. Obtaining a degree in education shows that you are committed to teaching, and to learning all the theory and background information relevant to educating children.
Elementary schools are usually divided into three levels: junior, intermediate and senior grades. In some areas of North America, elementary schools go from K to 6 (and senior classes go to either senior public or junior high school), while others go from K to 8. Regardless, your education is likely to be tailored toward a specific level of grades.
All states and provinces in North America require teachers to have a bachelor's degree and a teacher's certificate. And the demand for teachers is expected to continue to climb. This rise in jobs is expected to continue for at least the next ten years, and in some areas, with the proper qualifications, teachers can expect to be paid very well.
Certification
Before you ever apply for a teaching job, you are required to have teacher's license. This will specify the age group you can teach and subject area(s), if relevant. Certification requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of a teacher-training program, which will include supervised practice teaching. There is also a competency test required. These test participants on principles of teaching and learning, as well as knowledge of grade levels taught.
With the exception of senior elementary teaching, most elementary education programs do not require specialization in a specific subject area, as is expected for high school.
Elementary Education Online Degrees
Completing a degree in elementary education prepares you to teach students. Elementary education is likely to require practicum, usually mentored by a professional teacher. This negates the possibility of learning to teach online, but there are still a number of courses you can take online. Getting education courses online might be ideal for teaching students who are on maternity or for older teachers looking to upgrade their learning and skills.
We are on the cusp of an era where new technology will make virtual practicum possible. As well, there is an escalating need for teachers who are capable of integrating online learning with regular classroom teaching, and having learned online will help these teachers better understand some of the issues involved in this integration. On the other hand, a number of online universities offer very viable graduate programs in education.
Master's Degrees Online
Obtaining a Master's degree in Education online is far more viable than obtaining a bachelor's degree in Education. A graduate degree tends to be more theory-oriented, and you are likely to have the required teaching experience already under your belt. Both these qualities make online learning more viable. Consider this: a Master's degree takes two years, typically, but you may be able to complete one faster online, depending on your time commitment.
Consult our directory of schools offering online degrees in education
You can read more about:
Teachers
Teachers Employment and Income, present and future
Teachers: Training and Qualifications and related occupations
You can also learn about:
Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
Teaching Degree Programs: High Schools
