Expand Your Skills with an Online Teaching Degree
Diane is ready to expand her career into the teaching field with her associate’s degree in education from University of Phoenix. She enjoys the opportunity to learn new skills to apply as a teacher. Learn about teaching degrees from University of Phoenix
Stay Competitive in Education with an Online Teaching Degree
April 13th, 2010
Kristen chose to pursue her online teaching degree at University of Phoenix because the education program prepares teachers with the advanced education they need to stay competitive in the teaching field. Kristen was going to community college when she decided to transition into the online teaching degree program at University of Phoenix. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Kristen is ready to continue her education. Explore the online teaching degree options
Replacements for Teaching Degrees
April 13th, 2010Replacements for Teaching Degrees
One profession that is guaranteed to never be impacted by the recession is that of teaching. Good teachers are in constant need around the country, especially in impoverished communities, causing a rise in programs such as Teach for America, which cater to the schools in these communities. Teach for America is the most prominent organization that is very selective in its hiring process, but guarantees a qualified teacher as the end result of its rigorous application process. The key is, whether or not you have a teaching degree does not matter; as long as you are a bright, talented, and determined individual, you will be able to succeed in the program.
The education field is in dire need of new teachers, with so many unqualified teachers that are currently in classrooms around the country. While larger cities are beginning “clean-up” programs to rid their school districts of incompetent teachers, this does not solve the problem of finding new teachers to take their place. Programs like Teach for America, however, help bring in qualified individuals to teach in areas where most recent graduates would never dream of entering. As has been shown in recent years, teaching degrees do not always guarantee that the graduate has the best outlook of the education industry.
Many times, recipients of teaching degrees do not have the motivation to teach a room full of students every day, and this begins to show shortly into their teaching career. Organizations like Teach for America help weed out these potential teacher “drop outs” and hire individuals who have the determination to teach in one of the most difficult areas of the country without complaint. Additionally, Teach for America has a two year commitment for every applicant, which helps out these areas even further. Many of the impoverished areas around the country have a hard time attracting teachers because their pay is not the best and their students may be difficult to teach. However, the education system in this country will not begin to improve unless there are more programs like Teach for America that give teachers an incentive of sorts to teach in these areas. Teaching is about the ability to change lives, but in recent years it has become more about the “fall back” career choice for college graduates. Teach
for America has helped bring the teaching process back to its original roots.
Teaching degrees are not always vital in becoming a teacher, but will not hurt your chances in entering the education industry. The best tools to have at your side, however, are the will and motivation to shape lives and encourage students to succeed at their endeavors.
100 Terrific Cheat Sheets for K-12 Teachers
April 13th, 2010100 Terrific Cheat Sheets for K-12 Teachers
By Kelsey Allen
Cheat sheets have a bad rap as a way for students to succeed on tests without actually knowing the information, but now it’s time for them to have a more positive place in education. Cheat sheets can offer a succinct way for students to study their lessons and provide an excellent boost to what you are already teaching them in class. Cheat sheets can provide helpful information for teachers too. Browse through this selection to find cheat sheets for a variety of subjects. Read the rest of this entry »
Comics in the Classroom: 100 Tips, Tools, and Resources for Teachers
April 13th, 2010By Kelsey Allen
Gone are the days of children sneaking comics past diligent parents and teachers watching out for sub-par literature. The comics of today not only have plenty to offer, they are gaining well-deserved recognition and awards. Take advantage of the natural affinity children have for comics and use them as a powerful teaching tool in your classroom. The following tips, tools, and resources will get you started.
Teaching Careers
April 13th, 2010Teaching Careers
Early Childhood Education The field of early childhood education (ECE) includes daycare center workers, pre-kindergarten teachers, and preschool teachers, who all work with children six years old and younger preparing them for future schooling. Depending on the ECE program, graduates may also be qualified to work as kindergarten teachers or special needs instructors as well. Preschool teaching is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the education field over the next 10 years. Preschool Teachers Preschool teachers are some of the most influential instructors in young lives. They help students to observe, investigate, learn, and improve motor skills, and they also encourage creativity, imagination, and mental, physical, emotional, and social growth with educational experiences through play. Preschool teachers may use art, music, and other creative outlets to keep students motivated and interested. Early childhood education workers must be trained in child development as they are responsible for evaluating children’s mental, physical, emotional, and social progress and relaying this information to school administrators and parents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean salary for preschool teachers in 2007 was $25,800, with a median hourly wage of $12.40. The highest earners pulled in $40,330 per year while the lowest earned $15,380. The highest earners among preschool teachers worked in elementary and secondary schools while the lowest earners worked in child day care services. Other industries that employed preschool teachers include individual and family services and civic, social, and religious organizations. The top paying states for preschool teachers in 2007 were New Jersey, Michigan, Washington DC, Minnesota, and New York. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 437,000 people were employed as preschool teachers in 2006 and expect much faster than average ten-year growth in the occupation. Because preschool enrollment is expected to grow and because more states are focusing on early childhood education, some even offering universal preschool, the BLS predicts a 26% increase in preschool teaching employment by 2016. The highest concentrations of preschool teachers in 2007 data were in North Carolina, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Georgia. To become a preschool teacher, you will need at least an associate degree, but many public schools require a bachelor’s degree. Many preschool teachers start out as assistants and work up to being a full-fledged preschool teacher.
Teaching as a Second Career
April 13th, 2010Teaching as a Second Career
Perhaps you’re ready for a change, want to switch careers, and dive into a classroom, but you can’t take time away from your work while you pursue your passion. Or maybe you’re just looking for job security in a struggling economy and know that teachers are always in demand. Or perhaps you’re just ready to take your years of work experience in your chosen field and impart wisdom on a new generation. No matter your reasons for pursuing teaching as a second career, online teaching degree programs can help. Here are some benefits of choosing teaching as a second career: You’ll still need to fulfill your state’s teaching certification requirements, but if you already have a degree, many schools have accelerated or alternative programs through which you can earn certification in less time. Alternative licensure programs are in place in many states to make the road to becoming a teacher shorter and to attract qualified people to teaching. One of the biggest benefits of pursuing a degree online is that you can do so while still working in your current job, and even without your employer knowing if you prefer. Because you can complete your degree on your own schedule, you’ll also be able to plan your time and finances accordingly, choosing classes that fit your needs. It’s never too late to follow your passion and, indeed, you might even be rewarded for your many years of experience in another field; young college graduates simply can’t compete with wisdom and experience, so you just might find yourself with a great advantage in the job market once you’re certified to teach.
Should You Teach!
April 13th, 2010Should You Teach?
You may have heard the statistic that half of all teachers leave the profession within five years. While this certainly doesn’t mean that you won’t enjoy teaching, it does mean that you should carefully consider your options before committing to the career path. So, before you decide to pursue an online teaching degree, you should ask yourself the following five questions: 1. Do you enjoy children? If you’re considering working with children, you will be happier–and so will they–if you actually enjoy their company. Have you had experience with children? If not, you might want to volunteer with children in some capacity before diving into an online teaching degree program. 2. Do you have teacher qualities? Teachers must have a desire to help others, excellent communication skills, patience, creativity, flexibility, a sense of humor, and an engaging personality to bring the material alive for their students. You will also need to be emotionally ready for the commitment, dependable, and fair. Not sure if you have what it takes? Consider taking online career aptitude tests that can give you a better idea of where your talents and skills lie. 3. Is the pay acceptable? Pay rates differ greatly by school district, but generally one of the biggest complaints teachers have is salary. The good news is that, according to an American Federation of Teachers’ survey, the average salary for public school teachers increased 4.5% in 2006-07 to $51,009, but keep in mind that location plays a big part in salary levels. If you have a family to support, be sure that your potential salary will be enough to do so, especially if you will also have student loan payments. 4. Do you mind working unpaid overtime? Teachers’ duties differ, but one thing nearly all teachers have in common is that they take work home. Whether it’s planning lessons, grading exams, or even preparing and attending extracurricular functions, most teachers work far more than the time spent in school. If you’re the kind of person who wants to leave work at work, teaching may not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, you will most likely get summers and holidays off, and although that’s not a good reason to become a teacher on its own, it may somewhat compensate for the extra hours of work during the school year. 5. Are you ready to deal with parents and the community? Becoming a teacher means that you put yourself out in the community as a role model and respectable citizen. Communities respect teachers and hold them to high standards, so be aware that even what you do outside the classroom, outside of your job description, and even online may come under a microscope; this is nothing to fear, of course, but you should be aware of it before entering the profession. If you’ve considered all of these issues and have concluded you want to become a teacher, why not start your online teaching degree program today?
Online Special Education Degrees
April 13th, 2010Online Special Education Degrees
Special Education Special education teachers work with preschool, elementary, middle, or high school students who have physical disabilities or emotional, behavioral, or learning difficulties. Special education teachers are required to be licensed, which usually requires a bachelor’s degree and a special education teacher training program. Special Education Teachers Special education teachers work with student who have learning disabilities, speech, hearing, orthopedic, or visual impairments, mental retardation, emotional disturbances, autism, combined deafness and blindness, brain injuries, and other health impairments. They help develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student, taking into account individual needs, abilities, and goals. Special education teachers work with students to carry out the IEPs using various teaching methods that can include individual instruction, problem-solving, and group work, and also with parents, teachers, and school administrators to be sure the student is making satisfactory progress. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2007 median earnings of wage-and-salary special education teachers who worked in preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools were $46,360; those who worked in middle schools earned $47,650, while high school special education teachers earned a median salary of $48,330. The top paying states for special education teachers in 2007 were New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, Alaska, and New Jersey. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 459,000 people were employed as special education teachers in 2006 and expect much faster than average ten-year growth in the occupation; job prospects for special education teachers are described as “excellent.” The BLS predicts a 15% increase in preschool teaching employment by 2016 for a few reasons: (1) the number of students requiring special education is increasing; (2) school districts will need to replace retiring teachers or those who change professions; and (3) school districts report difficulty in finding qualified teachers. Most special education teachers work in public or private schools, while a much smaller number work for agencies, residential facilities, homes, or hospitals. To become a special education teacher, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree. Even if you don’t have a degree in education, though, some states to offer alternative licensure programs.
Online Degree For Secondary Teachers
April 13th, 2010Online Degree For Secondary Teachers
Secondary teachers, also known as high school teachers, teach students in grades 9-12 in specialized subject areas such as biology, chemistry, American history, English, and foreign languages. Public school, secondary, teachers must, have a bachelor’s degree and at least 24-36 hours of college courses in the specialty area; many schools also require a master’s degree in the teacher’s specialty. Public school secondary teachers must also complete an approved teacher education program, and be licensed; private school secondary teaching requirements vary. Secondary teachers prepare and deliver lessons and exams in their specialty areas, maintain classroom discipline, evaluate student performances, and meet with parents and school administrators to discuss student progress. Since secondary teachers are highly specialized, they are also expected to keep up to date on developments and trends in their specialty area. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2007 median earnings for secondary teachers was $49,420; the highest-paid 10% made about more than $78,100 while the lowest-paid 10% made less than $32,920. The top paying states for secondary teachers were New York, Illinois, Connecticut, California, and New Jersey. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were 1,038,000 secondary teachers in the US in 2006 and projects there will be 1,096,000 in 2016 for an increase of 6%, a modest growth in job prospects. The most need will continue to be in areas such as mathematics, science (especially chemistry and physics), bilingual education, foreign languages, and vocational courses. Generally, public school secondary teachers must have a bachelor’s degree, and many schools also require a master’s degree in the teacher’s specialty; private school teaching requirements vary.