As the population in the United States grows, the demand for qualified teachers swells alongside. Education has long been one of the country's most popular majors, and increasingly, students are pursuing their degree online. Online educational opportunities have expanded significantly in recent years, and students interested in a teaching career can pursue a variety of distance learning programs, regardless of what level they want to teach.Like in any subject, online education students must be disciplined. The online platform is convenient, in that it allows students to study at their own pace and with minimal supervision. But distance programs also require students to self-motivate, and to study without prompting. Like good teachers, successful online education students are detail-oriented, capable of multitasking, and problem-solvers who work well with a variety of people. Good communication skills and a strong work ethic are essential.Graduates will leave school prepared to enter a rewarding field with strong professional prospects. The BLS predicts that jobs in the field will grow by 8% through 2024, though the growth rate changes slightly between elementary and secondary schools. The median salary in the field is just over $47,000 annually, though mid-career professionals often earn a considerably higher salary.Ultimately, an online teaching degree can help students from all backgrounds jumpstart their career. Read on to learn more about the advantages of pursuing a teaching degree online.
Meet Our Expert: Brittani Powell
Counselor, San Diego Virtual School
Online Teaching Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $10,331 | 15.55% | 2 years | $27,800 | $37,500 | 5.25% |
| Bachelor's | $16,049 | 10.21% | 4 years | $38,200 | $55,900 | 3.9% |
| Master's | $17,220.56 | 8.39% | 2 years | $43,300 | $67,000 | 2.33% |
The minimum suggested degree for those looking to enter education is a bachelor's. This four-year degree offers the most flexibility while providing a decent ROI on college tuition. An associate degree provides a nice introduction to the field, but job opportunities are limited. As education increases, salary increases, and job opportunities diversify. With a master's degree, students have the opportunity to find a niche in education and can begin pursuing careers at the university level or even outside of teaching. PhD-holders typically have the most flexibility with regards to specialization, as well as the highest income potential.
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| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers | $70,790 | 13% | 1313000 |
| Preschool Teachers | $28,120 | 7% | 441000 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $61,550 | 7% | 151100 |
| Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers | $46,300 | 7% | 31300 |
| High School Teachers | $65,310 | 6% | 961600 |
Online Teaching Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Brittani Powell
Counselor, San Diego Virtual SchoolBrittani Powell completed her bachelor's at UCSD in psychology, and earned her masters in counseling and PPS credential in counseling online from Chapman University in 2012. She loves working with students from all walks of life, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband in San Diego, CA.
Online Teaching Professional Requirements
Arguably the most important step in the pursuit of a career is your degree; however, the education field often has other requirements to be completed before entering the workforce. Depending on your career path of choice, you may have to pursue licensure, certifications, or complete student teaching practicums. Below we have outlined some common professional requirements of the education industry.
Student Teaching
Student teaching is a general requirement of education majors who do not yet have a teaching certificate. It involves the supervised instruction of a classroom, giving education students a chance to get classroom experience before entering the workforce.
The Praxis
The Praxis is a standardized assessment of an individual's teaching skills. There is a core assessment, as well as subject assessments for those teaching in a specific subject area. It is suggested that you prepare for at least one to three months before sitting for the praxis exam. The test takes approximately four hours and you should receive your results in 10-16 business days.
National Board Certification
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards created the National Board Certification to maintain a standard of quality across the country. The board is currently revising its standards for certifications, the revised assessment will be completed in 2017. Certification is voluntary, however many schools offer incentives to teachers who are certified.