2007-06-16 22:18:36 · 7 answers · asked by Sage 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
There are some on-line universities that offer courses for teaching. I would be very careful in choosing one. Some are worthless shams. Others are excellent; some regular universities are now offering on-line courses as well. Those would be your best bet. Choose a university near you and talk to their academic counselor. Also call school districts near you and see if they accept teachers with degrees from the on-line colleges.
One I can recall is Phoenix. By the way, many on-line universities are more expensive than colleges you must attend in person. And most degrees require you take at least part of your program in classrooms.
2007-06-16 22:31:08 · answer #1 · answered by Jeanne B 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Online has so many connotations...if you're talking distance learning, then yes, you can get a great education and get an elementary teaching position as I am proof. I attended the Women's External Degree Program at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana (www.smwc.edu). They have students participate in the WED program from all over the world. When I student taught, the teacher whose classroom I took over said that if all the students from SMWC were as prepared as I was, the state of education would seriously improve - that's not being conceited, that's an honest observation by someone not affiliated with the program. I was required to spend a lot of time in classrooms combined with traditional classwork. However, it was at my pace, at my home, and assignments were turned in via the Internet, email, and snail-mail. If you are in Indiana, I highly recommend this program.
As for getting a job, I was interviewed for my first job prior to completing my student teaching placement. My student teaching was completed on December 12, 2003. I signed my contract on December 22, 2003. My license is dated December 29, 2003. I began teaching January 5, 2004 and my diploma is dated January 24, 2004. My second (and current) is in a much more affluent and high performing district and the fact that my degree was earned in a distance education setting had no impact whatsoever.
2007-06-17 04:52:10 · answer #2 · answered by TeacherGurl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't recommend it without some sort of hands-on experience. For example, I am working in a school with a woman completing her degree on line, but her day-to-day tasks in the classroom allow her to apply the information she is getting through her courses.
If money is a problem, you may want to go the community college route first. Get the necessary undergraduate credits you need, then transfer to a 4 year where you can focus on your major. Watch out for some of these on-line schools. One responder mentioned Phoenix. For some districts in some states, that is not an accredited school, and they will not even look at your application.
If you truly want to be an elementary teacher, the truth is, the market in most states is tight. Completing your work on-line, is not going to put you at the top of the job candidate list. Whatever your decision, I wish you luck.
2007-06-16 23:31:16 · answer #3 · answered by SharonL 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as the online university is regionally accredited, then you'll have no problem. And, make sure the accreditation is sponsored and recognized by the US Department of Education. An example of a bona fide regional accreditation offices is WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
Next, almost all states require a 5th year credentialing process. This can also be done online at your university.
As far as getting hired, most school districts only make sure that you received your degree from a regionally accredited institution. Some may even consider that a plus if your working full-time and going to school because it shows flexibility and determination.
P.S. University of Phoenix is a regionally accredited university recognized by the US Department of Education, so all school districts have to recognize coursework complete there.
Good Luck!
2007-06-16 23:33:11 · answer #4 · answered by jawnaw2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the word "option" means choice. Sure there are lots of choices, but perhaps you're asking what would be best for learning how to deal with children....you must learn in the classroom so that you can ask lots of questions, so you can learn what questions to ask, and so that you can get other peoples input/responses as well as see their faces and learn how to cope in different situations, and learn from the teacher. You can't learn that online.
I mean online would be like learning to diaper and burp a child by buying yourself a babydoll, but that doesn't teach you what to do if the child regurgitates, sprays you or starts to fall off the bed. Or learning to do cpr on a doll. If you're wanting to deal with children then get into a situation where you actually must work with children.
2007-06-16 23:53:19 · answer #5 · answered by sophieb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If that is the only option open to you then you could try it. Contact the local Faculty of Education at the university to be sure
2007-06-17 00:06:20 · answer #6 · answered by Goddess of Laundry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it is not. No school with hire you. Sorry, but its the honest truth.
2007-06-16 22:27:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋