Teachers educate new generations and empower students to become problem-solvers. These professionals help promote advancements in all industries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects education, training, and library occupations to grow 10% from 2020-2030.
Aspiring educators can choose from in-person and online teaching programs. This guide provides information about the best online teaching degrees and steps for becoming a licensed educator.
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Questions About Teaching Programs
Can I become a teacher without a teaching degree?
Most states allow individuals without teaching degrees to become educators. These professionals must complete an alternative licensure program.
Do teachers specialize?
Middle school and high school teachers usually specialize in teaching one or two subjects. Elementary art, music, and physical education teachers also specialize.
Can I teach without a degree?
State teaching credentials require at least a bachelor's degree. Educators at homeschooling co-ops and private schools may not need licensure or a degree.
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Feature Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Best Online Teaching Programs
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#1
Liberty University
School Information | |
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Location | Lynchburg, Virginia |
Admission Rate | 51% |
Graduation Rate | 47% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation | Yes |
Percent Online Enrollment | 92% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Childhood development, curriculum preparation, and classroom experience
Accredited By: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
Liberty is a Christian college that has offered distance learning since 1985. The school offers a non-licensure associate in education degree that students can complete in less than two years.
Core courses cover learning theory and portfolio development. Learners also study classroom management and childhood psychology. Graduates may work as paraeducators or early childhood educators.
Students can transfer the degree's 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree with a licensure track. Liberty's online bachelor's in teaching degree emphasizes childhood development, curriculum preparation, and classroom experience. Online learners complete one semester of teaching in their community and 90 online practicum hours.
Liberty offers eight start dates. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Available Scholarships: Students with a parent serving full time on a foreign mission field may apply for the Missionary Kid Scholarship. The award is open to first-year students younger than 24 who attend Liberty full time.
#2
Florida Gateway College
School Information | |
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Location | Lake City, Florida |
Graduation Rate | 53% |
Accreditation | Yes |
Percent Online Enrollment | 63% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: Early childhood education inclusion, infant and toddler, child development early intervention, and preschool
Accredited By: N/A
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
FGC's online teaching degrees provide traditional and alternative pathways to earn a Florida teacher certification. Online learners take one of three tracks: early childhood education, elementary education, or the educator preparation institute.
Students with a bachelor's degree in a non-education major can enroll in the educator preparation institute track. Those with a bachelor's in teaching can enroll in the elementary education track.
The 120-credit degree offers specializations in early childhood education, infant and toddler education, child development, early intervention, and preschool education.
Applicants need an associate degree from a regionally accredited college and a 2.5 GPA. Depending on the program, applicants may need a temporary teaching certificate or statement of eligibility.
Available Scholarships: FGC's Board of Trustees Scholarship offers students from select high schools full tuition for two years. Applicants must submit FAFSA results, two recommendation letters, and a 500-word essay.
#3
Santa Fe College
School Information | |
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Location | Gainesville, Florida |
Graduation Rate | 59% |
Accreditation | Yes |
Percent Online Enrollment | 38% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Public
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: N/A
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
SF's online teaching degree provides a direct pathway to earn a four-year degree at 12 public Florida universities. Learners can complete the 60-credit program in two years. The curriculum includes 36 general education courses and 24 electives.
Upper-division classes focus on positive discipline and guidance, language development and literacy, and systematic assessment in early learning. Enrollees learn how to promote inclusive classrooms, encourage collaborative learning, and create lesson plans.
SF maintains direct articulation agreements with several schools, including Florida A&M University and University of South Florida. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA and must complete prerequisites.
Available Scholarships: The Bradford County Education Foundation Scholarship supports Bradford County students who want to earn a teaching degree. Applicants need a 2.5 GPA and must enroll full time.
#4
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | Mount Vernon, Ohio |
Admission Rate | 73% |
Graduation Rate | 68% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation | Yes |
Percent Online Enrollment | 41% |
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Elementary education
Accredited By: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Ohio Department of Higher Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
Associate degree-holders can complete MVNU's online bachelor's in teaching in 27-48 months. The program requires 12 weeks of in-person teaching experience. Online learners complete 54 credits at their own pace. Students learn how to work with diverse populations, create lesson plans, and lead literacy programs.
Advisors help students schedule classes and access financial aid. Degree-seekers take classes in areas such as social studies, math, and elementary language arts. The online teaching degree prepares graduates for their Ohio teaching license.
Available Scholarships: MVNU's endowed scholarships provide $500 per student on a need basis. Some scholarships, including the Dorothy H. Burton Endowed Scholarship and Anonymous Alumni Endowed Scholarship, benefit elementary education majors.
#5
Western Governors University
School Information | |
---|---|
Location | Salt Lake City, Utah |
Graduation Rate | 21% |
Instituation Type | Private |
Accreditation | Yes |
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: N/A
Accredited By: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
WGU's online bachelor's in teaching degree prepares graduates to work as licensed elementary educators anywhere in the country. The curriculum covers topics like psychology and development, children's literature, and math. Courses end with proctored exams.
The program includes in-person teaching observation and experience working in an elementary classroom. WGU reports that about 60% of graduates complete the degree in 36 months. WGU offers start dates every month.
Graduates can join the Teachers College alumni network with more than 8,000 members. Students seeking a teaching license must pass a state-approved basic skills test before completing the teaching experience.
Available Scholarships: The WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship awards up to $4,000 to future educators. Students must complete a general scholarship application to apply.
Why Get a Teaching Degree?
In addition to completing meaningful work, teachers often benefit from union advocacy, generous time off, and higher-than-average pay.
Teacher unions advocate for educators' rights, pay, and work conditions. Teachers normally receive a pension retirement with an employer match, which varies by school district and state. According to the BLS, education, training, and library professionals earn a median salary of $57,220 per year, higher than the median of $45,760 for all occupations.
Online teaching programs allow students to earn their degree while fulfilling personal and professional responsibilities.
How Much Does a Teaching Degree Cost?
The cost of a teaching degree varies by school. Public schools generally charge lower tuition rates than private institutions. Public schools typically offer the lowest rates to state residents and online learners.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of undergraduate tuition and fees was $13,677 for the 2020-21 academic year. Students should contact their prospective school for details about specific online teaching degree costs.
Education students should also budget for professional clothing to wear during student teaching. This major may require more textbooks than other programs. Students can save money by renting textbooks or purchasing digital versions.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners may need to pay technology fees, which typically cover technology assistance and virtual learning platforms. Online students may also need to invest in a new computer and high-speed internet access. Many schools charge a graduation fee. Aspiring educators should also consider the cost of obtaining a teaching license after graduation.
How Much Do Teaching Majors Make?
Teachers' earning potential depends on their education level and employer. Most school districts offer higher pay to teachers with a master's degree.
According to the BLS, high school teachers earn a median salary of $61,820 per year, while elementary school teachers earn a median of $61,350 annually.
Geographic location also impacts salary potential. According to BLS data, high school teachers in California earn an average salary of $94,600 per year.
Courses in Teaching
Most bachelor's degrees in teaching require about 120 credits, which full-time learners typically complete in four years. Master's degrees in teaching require about 60 credits and take most full-time students two years.
Learners pursuing an online teaching degree may complete coursework synchronously or asynchronously. The former requires students to attend virtual class sessions at set times. Learners in asynchronous classes, on the other hand, can watch recorded lectures at their convenience.
Most online teaching programs feature specialized courses to prepare learners for specific roles. Programs also feature coursework on pedagogy and teaching methods. The following list highlights courses common to online teaching programs. However, available classes vary by school.
Students in this class prepare to design lessons for all types of learners. Participants examine the four learning styles: visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinesthetic. Students construct lesson plans that balance learning styles.Learning Styles and Lesson Planning
Students discover ways to uphold ethics in the classroom and create safe spaces. This class highlights laws that protect student privacy. Learners evaluate case studies and develop a framework for navigating ethical dilemmas in the classroom.Ethics in the Classroom
Aspiring educators learn to create and implement individualized lesson plans for students with special needs. Coursework explores assistive technology and typical accommodations for these learners.Creating Individualized Education Programs
How to Become a Teacher
Aspiring educators begin by earning a bachelor's degree. Students completing teaching programs online take classes in general education, teaching, and specialized topics. Degree-seekers practice working with students in classroom settings. Learners observe classroom methods during a practicum and complete a semester of student teaching.
After earning their bachelor's degree, some graduates pursue a master's degree full time or while teaching. A graduate degree can lead to higher earning potential and postsecondary teaching positions. Applicants for public school teaching jobs typically need a state license.
Licensure for Teachers
Online teaching programs prepare learners to pursue state licensure. Licensure requirements vary by state. Learners should ensure their online teaching program meets the licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to teach. Most states require a bachelor's degree and student teaching experience.
Licensure candidates must also pass a background check and an exam. Middle school and high school teachers usually take a subject test in the area they plan to teach.
Teachers who move to a new state may need to complete additional requirements. Many states participate in reciprocity agreements, which allow teachers to transfer credentials between participating states. Teach.org provides information on each state's licensure requirements and reciprocity agreements.
FAQs
What are the highest paying online teaching jobs? ›
- Preply.
- VIPKid.
- Lingoda.
- SayABC.
- Qkids.
- DadaABC.
- Cambly.
- Italki.
Rank | Certification | Organization |
---|---|---|
1 | Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) | BLI |
2 | Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) | Microsoft |
3 | Child Development Associate (CDA) | CECPR |
4 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
If you're passionate about education and have an enthusiasm for the English language, you might consider a career teaching English online. Online English teaching services are one of the fastest-growing sectors of online education, so the demand for competent and professional teachers is also on the rise.
Where I can teach online and earn money? ›...
Some of the best platforms for teaching are:
- Chegg.
- Byju's.
- Vedantu.
- Unacademy.
- Khan Academy.
- Skill Share.
- Udemy.
- ClassIn. ClassIn is a leading EdTech app that provides all-inclusive solutions for online learning. ...
- Zoom. ...
- Teachmint. ...
- TeacherKit. ...
- Kahoot! ...
- Quizizz. ...
- Educreations.
Sciences and language tuition seem to be the two main areas where there is a demand for more tutors. Generally speaking these are also quite appealing subjects for tutors as they usually have a large number of lessons per opportunity and pay well.
What is the average salary of a online teacher? ›Online Teacher salary in India ranges between ₹ 0.6 Lakhs to ₹ 7.4 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.0 Lakhs.
How much do online teachers make per hour? ›Fortunately, teaching online presents a solution! But can you support yourself working as an online teacher? While teaching English online salaries depend on your qualifications and the specific job, you can expect to make anywhere from $10-$25 USD/hour (and sometimes more).
What certification is needed to teach online? ›While many of the biggest online teaching companies require a 4-year degree and a TEFL certification, there are still some companies and online schools that will employ you without a degree, if you gain an accredited TEFL certification.
Can I get a teaching certificate without a degree? ›So, can you become a teacher without a degree in education? Yes. Good news – you don't have to go back to school and get another bachelor's degree in education to teach thanks to alternative teacher certification programs.
Can you be a teacher without a degree? ›
If you're passionate about becoming a teacher but lack a degree in education, a teaching certification program is your best option. A teaching certificate will provide the necessary coursework and student teaching experience to prepare you for state certification.
How do I start an online teaching from home? ›- Step 1: Choose a subject. ...
- Step 2: Know your audience. ...
- Step 3: Making the course pattern. ...
- Step 4: Selling the course. ...
- Step 5: Choose the Platform to Sell. ...
- Work from anywhere. ...
- More productivity. ...
- Cost-effective.
- Step 1: Choose how you will teach online.
- Step 2: Plan your content and break them into modules.
- Step 3: Create worksheets, handouts and quizzes.
- Step 3: Start recording the videos for your course.
- Step 4a: Upload videos on YouTube [Free]
- Art.
- Biology.
- Chemistry.
- English.
- French.
- Health & PE.
- Mathematics.
- Music Education.
The estimated total pay for a Tutor at Chegg is $21 per hour. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $21 per hour.
Can I teach online with a bachelor's degree? ›You can pursue a variety of online teaching jobs from home with only a bachelor's degree, even if your degree is not in education. Although many online schools prefer teachers with certification, demand is growing for teachers, tutors, and test scorers without professional licensing.
How do online teachers find students? ›- Ensure your teaching ad is updated weekly: Teaching ads represent your ability as a teacher, therefore it is a representation of you. ...
- Use social media: Social media is amazing platform to increase the visibility of your teaching ad.
Product (click to jump to that section) | Average overall rating (out of 5) |
---|---|
Google Classroom | 4.6 |
Thinkific | 4.6 |
CANVAS | 4.5 |
Schoology | 4.4 |
Some of the most popular apps for teachers include Google Classroom, Quizlet, and Khan Academy. Google Classroom is a free app that allows teachers to create and manage digital classrooms. Quizlet is a flashcard app that can be used for studying and review.
What business can I start as a teacher? ›Most teachers are natural writers, so copywriting, editing and blogging are popular avenues to start as a freelancer. Freelancing business ideas for teachers are also a great way to gain knowledge and experience. You can build a portfolio in a specific field while working during the hours that fit your needs.
What state has the highest teacher shortage? ›
Mississippi saw the highest teacher-to-student vacancy rate in the 2021-22 school year. The state reported having nearly 69 missing teachers per 10,000 students.
Can you make a living off tutoring? ›If you do want to have a consistent year round income, it is definitely possible through tutoring and teaching online.
How much do Online Teachers make per month? ›The average online teaching salary in South Africa is R 240 000 per year or R 123 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 210 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 390 000 per year.
How much can you make a month teaching English online? ›How much does an Online ESL Teacher make? As of Oct 25, 2022, the average monthly pay for an Online ESL Teacher in the United States is $3,343 a month.
How much do TEFL teachers get paid? ›The pay to teach English abroad varies, but you can expect to earn a decent salary. In top-paying countries, teachers can get paid a salary of anywhere from $2,000 to over $5,000 USD per month. Your TEFL salary will depend on your position, qualifications and the country you teach in.
Is teaching online worth it? ›Yes. Teaching English online provides great opportunities to earn a good salary on either a part-time or full-time basis. While it isn't the most lucrative profession, it does offer great flexibility and convenience, including the ability to make money from home while impacting the lives of others.
Do you need a degree to teach online? ›While a degree isn't necessary to earn money teaching English online, most hiring companies do expect and require a TEFL certification. There are a LOT of full online TEFL courses that you can take and get certified in no time from home! A few years of experience.
How hard is it to get a TEFL job? ›Landing your first TEFL job is the hardest. Once you've got a year or more of teaching experience under your belt, things become easier. But in this sense the TEFL industry is no different to any other. And the advantage of the TEFL industry is the sheer demand for learning English.
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›How many years do you have to study to be a teacher? The minimum number of years to become a qualified school teacher is four years.
How much is TEFL certificate? ›You know you need it, but how much does TEFL certification cost? Prices vary depending on some key factors, but expect to pay about $200 for very minimal online certification and closer to $400-$500 USD for online certification of enough hours (at least 120) to qualify for most TEFL/TESOL jobs.
How do you become a licensed teacher? ›
- Complete your bachelor's degree.
- Complete student teaching (usually as your last semester of college)
- Pass the exam(s) required by your state.
- Obtain any required clearances, such as fingerprints or child abuse clearance.
- Apply for your certificate in the state you wish to teach.
Years Experience | Public | Private |
---|---|---|
Years Experience 1 | Public $40,540 | Private $29,940 |
Years Experience 2-4 | Public $41,480 | Private $33,540 |
Years Experience 5-9 | Public $47,300 | Private $37,220 |
Years Experience 10-14 | Public $54,860 | Private $40,440 |
If you have been working in a classroom for a significant amount of time, as a teaching assistant or in a similar role, you may be able to get qualified teacher status (QTS) through a 12-week 'assessment only' programme. You must also have a degree. You'll need to show that you already meet the standards for QTS.
How much do primary school teachers earn? ›The average Primary School Teacher salary in the United States is $61,700 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $50,700 and $74,600.
What is a Level 5 teaching qualification? ›Level 5. The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training is a teaching qualification which has a teaching/training practice requirement. It is an 'in service' qualification designed for those working or wishing to work as teachers/trainers in England.
Can I be a primary school teacher without a degree? ›So yes you can become a teacher without a degree and hold QTLS, which the government states has parity with QTS in maintained primary and secondary schools. There is however no guarantee that the schools you apply for will consider the QTLS qualification as equal to applicants holding QTS.
What can you do with a teaching certificate? ›- social worker.
- museum education officer.
- community education officer.
- academic librarian.
- careers adviser (higher education)
- education administrator.
- teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or teaching English as a second language (TESL)
How to Become a Teacher - The Beginner's Guide
Yes, you can become a teacher without a degree in education ...
Best Online Degree for Teaching
Some of the best online learning platforms include Coursera, Skillshare, Udemy, Codecademy, Edx, Pluralsight, Future Learn, and Moodle. Apart from online learning platforms, we also have online course platforms like LearnWorlds, Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, and Podia.
Which platform is best for online teaching in India? ›Some of the Best Online Teaching Platforms in India: Toppr. Classplus. Udemy.
What is the highest paying online English teaching company? ›
SayABC offers some of the highest rates for teaching English online, up to $28 for a 40-minute lesson (which is the standard class length). There are no minimum hours and SayABC creates a schedule for you based on your preferences.
What is the best platform to be used inside the classroom? ›1. Google Classroom. Google Classroom requires the use of a Gmail account to access Classrooms.
What is the third most preferred platform for online class? ›- Best Overall: Coursera.
- Best for Niche Topics: Udemy.
- Best for Creative Fields: Skillshare.
- Best for Celebrity Lessons: MasterClass.
- Best for STEM: EdX.
- Best for Career Building: Udacity.
- Best for Data Learning: Pluralsight.
So how to host online classes for free? You can host a class online for free using Google Meet. The free version allows you to meet with 100 people for 60 minutes. This is more than good enough for most course creators.
Does Google classroom cost money? ›"Google Classroom is available for free for schools that are using Google Apps for Education., but there's a paid G Suite Enterprise for Education tier that includes additional features, such as advanced videoconferencing features, advanced security and premium support.
How do I start teaching online? ›- Step 1: Choose a subject. ...
- Step 2: Know your audience. ...
- Step 3: Making the course pattern. ...
- Step 4: Selling the course. ...
- Step 5: Choose the Platform to Sell. ...
- Work from anywhere. ...
- More productivity. ...
- Cost-effective.
- Research the requirements. ...
- Learn about your potential student base. ...
- Choose a subject. ...
- Write the curriculum. ...
- Find or create an online platform. ...
- Start taking on students.
- Health Education (1) $arrow_forward.
- Language Teaching (6) $arrow_forward.
- Music Education (1) $arrow_forward.
- STEM Education (3) $arrow_forward.
- Teacher Education (12) $arrow_forward.
- TESOL (6) $arrow_forward.
Sciences and language tuition seem to be the two main areas where there is a demand for more tutors. Generally speaking these are also quite appealing subjects for tutors as they usually have a large number of lessons per opportunity and pay well.
Is teaching online worth it? ›Yes. Teaching English online provides great opportunities to earn a good salary on either a part-time or full-time basis. While it isn't the most lucrative profession, it does offer great flexibility and convenience, including the ability to make money from home while impacting the lives of others.
What qualifications do I need to teach English online? ›
What do you need to teach English online? To teach online successfully, you'll need a secure and reliable Internet connection, a Zoom or Skype account, and a TESOL/TEFL certificate. Generally, it's also important to be a native English speaker. Finally, most important is a friendly, patient, and punctual personality.
What are the two tools of online education? ›Two tools of online education are Coursera, edX. Explanation: Coursera is a popular provider of vast open online educational courses. It has collaborated with educational universities and industry organizations all over the world to offer access to the world's best education.
How can I make my online class more interesting? ›- Present your best (online) self. Visuals. ...
- Use technology to your advantage. ...
- Find what inspires your students. ...
- Set goals and help your students stick to them. ...
- Keep it interactive. ...
- Break down the lesson and make it digestible. ...
- Make your students feel valued. ...
- Be patient with your students.
Live chatting is another great way to replicate the real-time discussions that take place in the classroom. Platforms such as Slack, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, etc. allow students and teachers to communicate and brainstorm around lessons.