Find Your Perfect School
Reviewed by Malcolm Peralty
If you are interested in becoming a certified teacher then, good for you! And, if you are interested in the fastest teacher certification programs… you’re in luck! Teachers are in great need in a number of regions and subject areas.
Malcolm Peralty, chief editor of PremiumSchools.org says “I feel that accelerating your path to molding minds with the fastest online teacher certification programs, which merge quality education with the convenience of online learning, is a smart move for aspiring educators.”
The process to become certified varies from state to state and many national organizations offer incentives, training programming, and mentorship opportunities for individuals who are looking to pursue a career in teaching.
Teaching is a difficult job and one that really requires excellent training to do well. These programs provide their candidates with real-world experiences along with expedited certification. The issue with heading back to school is time and money which is why we examine teacher certification options that are efficient with your time.
Audio summary:
Some programs require an intensive during the summer and others require two or three years of training and furthering of your education. Some programs such as the one in Mississippi even offer debt-free master’s degrees.
Methodology
Let us help you find the fastest teacher certification online program that fits your educational requirements for starting a new career, a job promotion, or simply meeting your personal goals. Our researchers at PremiumSchools.org utilize these indicators of excellent academic standards to locate exceptional teaching programs designed just for you.
The following programs are listed in random order. As each and every school displays its own unique qualities and strengths, you should search our list based on your needs and career aspirations.
The following factors were considered:
- Offers teacher certification classes for flexible or convenient attendance without compromising hands-on training,
- Exhibits rigorous, yet engaging and innovative training in the field of teaching that takes into account the readiness of students to take the next step in their budding careers,
- Taught by outstanding faculty consisting of experts in the field of education,
- Held in high esteem among academic resources,
- Displays stellar reviews and feedback from alumni and students,
- Offers a convenient application process,
- Provides affordability in teacher certification options,
- Ensures the proper Accreditation in accordance with academic standards in the field of teaching.
If you would like to learn more about our selection process, feel free to see our Methodology page!
Fastest Teacher Certification Programs You Can Get Online
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is ranked as the 58th-best school in the nation. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Connecticut ranked highly for value, veterans, and engineering programming.
UConn currently enrolls over 27,000 students and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. Offerings include programming both on-campus and online. In recent years, UConn has expanded its online degree offerings to include online programming for graduates and professionals seeking certification.
The teacher certification program for college graduates is part of the NEAG School of Education. The program operates out of their regional campuses. The certification areas are as follows:
- Avery Point:
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Special Education
- Downtown Hartford:
- Architectural Education,
- English Education,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Social Studies,
- Special Education,
- World Languages Education.
- Waterbury:
- Agricultural Education,
- English Education,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Social Studies,
- Special Education,
- World Languages Education.
Most programs may be completed in just 11 months.
Financial Aid:
There are several financial aids and scholarships offered, like the:
- Global Education Scholarships,
- Schoolwide Scholarships,
- Teacher Education Scholarships,
- and other departmental scholarships.
Did You Know?
Once you complete a teaching certificate, you are allowed to teach subjects in grades seven through twelve. These subjects include biology, chemistry, earth science, general science, mathematics, physics, and special education.
Learn more about the University of Connecticut’s teacher certification program.
Western Governor’s University
Western Governors University WGU is a new type of online learning. Their competency-based curriculum helps to make programming more affordable and faster. Competency-based learning advances students based on their knowledge, not on the number of hours spent in class time or credit hours. This means that students who learn the material more quickly or already have pre-requisite knowledge of the material may progress through it more quickly.
Students may study IT teaching, health nursing, as well as business applications entirely online. WGU makes it its mission to expand access to online education. If you are hesitant to go back to school due to price or time, WGU may be a good option for you.
WGU offers an online bachelor of arts in elementary education. This program leads to teacher licensure. On average, students complete this bachelor’s degree in half the time that a regular bachelor’s degree is completed. Financial aid is available for this program; simply apply using your FAFSA.
This online program has 40 courses in total and includes general education classes, a professional core, elementary education methods, demonstration teaching, and pre-clinical experiences.
Financial Aid:
As for the financial aid, there are several options. Aside from the loans and federal grants, you can also be qualified for financial aid from your state. Since most state grant programs impose very strict application deadlines, it is best to complete your FAFSA first-hand for state grant applications.
Did You Know?
Because WGU is an online school aligned with a bachelor’s and master’s degree—whether in teaching, IT, healthcare, or business, the school makes the perfect choice for working professionals who are looking for ways to fit an online university education into their busy daily lives.
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University is a regionally ranked university located in Philadelphia. It was founded in 1851 and enrolls over 7000 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10 to 1. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications.
In recent years, St. Joseph’s University has offered a number of online degree programs for those seeking a master’s degree as well as individuals seeking professional certification.
One such certification program is their online graduate certificate in education. This is accelerated teacher certification. The OATCERT is a 30-credit-hour program that includes coursework in the historical and contemporary perspectives in education, adolescent psychology, diagnostic assessment, progress monitoring, foundations and current issues in special education, theory and practice core courses, and field experiences.
Financial Aids:
Whether you are looking for need-based or non-need-based federal aid or need-based state and institutional aid, the first step is to submit the FAFSA. Aside from the scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study programs, SJU also has the post-9/11 GI Bill for military veterans and their families.
Did You Know?
SJU’s accredited online program is ranked one of the best in the nation. In 2022, the US News and World Report recognized SJU’s online education rankings for its online bachelor’s degree and graduate programs (Master’s in criminal justice, master’s in education, and master’s in business).
Thus, whether you are adding a certificate to your portfolio, or still completing your associate’s or bachelor’s degree, you are guaranteed to gain future-proof skills needed for what’s next.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a nationally ranked institution located in Los Angeles. According to the US News and World Report, the University ranks as the 24th best school in the nation and highly for veterans, value, undergraduate engineering, study abroad programming, business programming, and much more.
The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. As a research university, there are a wide number of academic programs in fields like education, health, mathematics, psychology, the visual and performing arts, and much more. In recent years USC has begun to offer an increasing number of online degrees for our graduate students as well as individuals seeking professional certification.
USC offers professional certification in teaching online. Their online program is a Master of Arts in Teaching. Participants may focus on multiple-subject teaching programs in elementary education or a single-subject teaching program and secondary education. Students will have the option to add a gifted and talented certificate, special education certificate, or bilingual authorization for a Spanish certificate.
The program may be completed in three semesters including a fall semester, a spring semester, and a fall semester the following year. Graduates are then eligible to become recommended for a California teaching credential. Students will study the following:
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Ethics and Equity Access
- Language Development
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Literary Development
- Instruction in either elementary education or in secondary education
Financial Aid:
USC offers various financial aid. The types of aid include scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, federal work-study, and other employment, or Federal Direct Unsubsidized (Stafford) Loans.
Did You Know?
The MAT online program of USC only needs you to attend weekly live online classes which are complemented by self-paced and dynamic coursework. You can hone your teaching skills via field experiences near your community as well.
Learn more about USC’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. Take a look!
Teach For America
Teach for America TFA is an opportunity to earn a teacher certification and gain employment as a teacher. The purpose of the program is to recruit and train prospective teachers in the field. To be eligible to join TFA you must have a GPF of 2.50 and have US citizenship or be a national legal resident.
All applicants should have a bachelor’s degree by the first day of their training and the four TFA characteristics as outlined on the TFA website: “a deep belief and the potential of our kids, demonstrated ability to create meaningful change, a strong commitment to learning, and an ability to work in partnership with others.”
Individuals accepted to this program agree to a two-year teaching commitment. If you become a core member you are required to attend an intensive summer training program to prepare for your two-year commitment. Each region has different requirements but generally includes an instructional introduction and a 5 to 7-week residential institute including teaching a summer school.
Financial Aid:
As for the financial aid, Teach for America has a lot! There are fourteen national and state grants and scholarships that offer unique incentives.
Did You Know?
Teach for America is locally rooted and nationally connected. Corps members and alumni work in partnerships with urban and rural communities across the country, from every sector and inside schools that shape education.
Would you like more information? Check out what TFA has to offer!
American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence
The American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence offers an online teacher certification program. The teacher certification program is eligible for the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.
This is a self-paced flexible program and earns teachers their certification in less than one year. Participants are able to study wherever they want at a pace that works with their schedule. If you are a professional who is looking to return to work to become a teacher, this program may be for you.
Financial Aids:
Unfortunately, there are no financial aid programs available.
Did You Know?
You can study where and when you want to—completing your program at your luxury of time. And since this is an online class, you will not leave your daily jobs just to complete the program. As long as you complete all the state-specific requirements, and you pass the tests, then you’re good.
TNTP Teaching Fellows
The TNTP Teaching Fellows Program it’s an affordable and high-quality teacher training program focused on students in need. The program seeks to help students and end systemic racism and educational inequality.
Here’s how it works: choose an area you would like to teach, as well as where you would like to teach it. TNTPTT Fellows currently exist in Baltimore, Indianapolis, and New Orleans. You will learn the fundamentals of great teaching during your summer training program and secure a position in a local partner school.
Our participants will get personalized coaching and have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to teach. Upon completing the demonstration phase you will be recommended for your certification. This is an accelerated program that may be completed in one summer.
Financial Aid:
While there is no financial aid available, some TNTP location schools offer partial tuition reimbursement for teachers who are in good standing.
Did You Know?
Great students start with great teachers. That is why TNTP Teaching Fellows provide the most affordable and the best teacher training to guarantee that all students can access a decent and equitable education.
Systematic racism and socio-economic issues have deprived so many students of color of the educational opportunities they deserve. This is where TNTP comes into the picture.
Need more info? Take a look at what TNTP Teaching Fellows has to offer!
Academy for Urban School Leadership
Chicago Teacher Residency is offered through the Academy for Urban School Leadership. This Chicago Teacher Residency is a hands-on training model that earns you a master’s degree as well as valuable classroom experience within Chicago schools. This is a one-year full-time program that prepares teachers for urban education.
If you are looking to become a highly effective teacher in Chicago then this program may be for you. To be eligible for this program you must have a bachelor’s degree and a GPAF of 3.0 as well as be a US citizen national or permanent resident.
Financial Aid:
Financial aid like student loans (Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS loans) are available. They also have the TEACH grant, a program that gives up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing their coursework and start a career in teaching thereafter.
However, the TEACH grant is only open for teachers who will serve in high-need fields like science, math, foreign language, special education, and ESL/bilingual.
Did You Know?
The Chicago Teacher Residency is made to create an avenue for talented and specially trained teachers to fill positions in the AUSL-network Chicago public schools. The main mission of AUSL is to place Chicago Teacher Residency graduates in AUSL-managed schools. However, for those who are not placed in AUSL schools, AUSL still gives assistance to secure other positions in schools in high needs.
Learn more about the Academy for Urban School Leadership’s teaching programs.
New York City Teaching Fellows
The New York City Teaching Fellows is a large alternative teacher preparation program. If you are admitted as a fellow, you’ll train in a New York City classroom and work one-on-one with experienced professionals.
The program starts with pre-service training where you study, observe, and practice the art of teaching. At the end of the pre-service training, you’ll work in a real New York City classroom. After your pre-service training, you’ll refine your skills at the university and in your classroom.
You will go teach full-time in one of the city’s highest-need neighborhoods. While teaching full-time, you’ll also be working towards a master’s degree at one of the partner universities. Finally, over the years, you’ll build a career helping New York City students.
Most fellows take 2 to 3 years to complete this fellowship. Once you’ve received and met all of the University’s and state’s requirements, you’ll be eligible to earn your New York State Initial Certification.
Financial Aid:
The NYC Department of Education, however, subsidizes most of the tuition cost (except for the materials and books). The remaining tuition balance is then deducted from the fellow’s regular paycheck after they begin teaching.
Although the master’s degree is subsidized, some fellows may still be required to get additional coursework to comply with the NY State teacher certification regulations such as liberal arts credits, or subject-specific programs.
Did You Know?
The NYC Teaching Fellows program is one of the US’ biggest and most selective alternative teacher preparation programs. As a fellow, you will be closely working, one-on-one, with the best coaches, and hone you to become the best teacher, ready to make a difference for NYC students.
Arkansas Teacher Corps
The Arkansas Teacher Corps trains individuals interested in the field of education. The vision of the program is that Arkansas schools will have the capacity to empower teachers as resilient individuals as well as responsible leaders. The Arkansas Teacher Corps ATC partners with the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Education. This is a training and recruitment program.
To apply to this program you should match the core values of the ATC: learner, mentor, partner, and ally, as well as leader. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Priority is given to individuals who are looking to teach in the following areas: Art, French, Music, Spanish, English Math Science Social Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Language Arts, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies. For more information about this program check out their website.
Did You Know?
Arkansas Teachers Corps currently has 56 fellows. They have served more than 10,000 students and partnered with 40-plus schools. Currently, they have 8 School Teachers of the Year Awardees.
Mississippi Teacher Corps
Are you interested in earning a debt-free master’s degree in Mississippi? You may want to look into the Mississippi Teacher Corps. The MTC offers a debt-free master’s degree for individuals who choose to teach in a critical needs school.
To be eligible for this program you must be a college graduate looking to teach in a high-poverty public school in Mississippi. Those selected for this program will receive training support certification, as well as a full scholarship for a master of arts in teaching from the University of Mississippi.
During the first school year, participants receive full pay, as well as benefits from the school district and 10 graduate classes at the University of Mississippi. This is a small program that offers individualized support. All participants work in the cohort as they progress through each stage of the training course.
Financial Aid:
The Mississippi Teacher Corps participants get full scholarships and work on a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at the University of Mississippi. This scholarship covers all fees, tuition, and books.
Did You Know?
Those who apply for additional aid while taking part in the MTC will have their stipends applied to any loans they receive.
For more information about this program, check out Mississippi Teacher Corps’ training course.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is a certification program available in 25 certificate areas for teachers who are pursuing a career in a US public school. To become a board-certified teacher you must have knowledge and skills in your individual certificate area.
To demonstrate the skills you must submit three portfolio entries as well as a computer-based assessment. To be eligible for this program you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution have completed three years of successful teaching in one or more early childhood elementary middle or secondary schools, and have a valid state teaching license.
Financial Aid:
While there is no financial aid provided, the National Board offers a payment plan that is quick and easy to set up. The total cost of the components may be spread over six equal monthly installments (roughly $80 per component).
Did You Know?
The National Board Certification is the most respected and highly-regarded professional certification to date. It is an inclusive and anti-racist organization that firmly believes educators should help their students understand their roles in a diverse world and value individual differences.
Delaware Alternative Teaching Licensure Path
The Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification program is for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree but did not complete a teacher preparation program as part of their route toward licensure. This is an alternative teacher certification program for the state of Delaware.
To be eligible for this certification path you may complete DARTC through the University of Delaware which leads to teacher certification in a critical needs area. Candidates must already have a degree with a major in the subject that they wish to teach and have a GPA of at least 3.0, as well as pass the Praxis core academic skills examination.
Citizens of Delaware may also choose to acquire their Delaware certification through Teach for America or through their Master’s Plus certification program.
Financial Aid:
Candidates can also receive a $1,000 scholarship per course, including the summer institute. This then brings the total cost of attendance to $3,100 plus the testing cost.
Did You Know?
When scouting for certification programs in Delaware, make sure that you check the alternative certification program you choose is approved by the state. Below are school-based programs that will still lead to a master’s degree or certificate, and are approved by the Delaware Department of Education:
- Kutztown University
- Relay Graduate School
- Saint Joseph’s University
- University of Delaware
- Wesley College
- Wilmington University
Learn more about the programs offered by Delaware Alternative Teaching Licensure Path.
Iowa Alternative Teaching Licensure Path
If you are looking for an alternative path to certification in the state of Iowa, you may seek to do the following: complete an alternative certification pathway.
In order to do this, you must have a bachelor’s degree in the area that you wish to teach. Most candidates will pass the same content in teaching skills exams as a traditional educator. In the state of Iowa, you may complete a teacher intern program also known as the Regent’s Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL). The program is typically 12 semester hours including 50 hours of field experience.
Upon completion, candidates apply for an intern certificate to teach for one year in a secondary school while they participate in their mentorship. If you have 6000 hours or 4000 hours plus a bachelor’s degree in the area you would like to teach, you may apply for a provisional career and teacher license.
Financial Aid:
Financial aid and scholarships are currently unavailable.
Did You Know?
The RAPIL program is designed to bring the talents and expertise of mathematicians, chemists, business leaders, musicians, artists, writers, and other professionals to Iowa’s secondary classrooms.
Kentucky Alternative Teaching Licensure Path
If you are looking for an alternative path to teacher certification in the state of Kentucky then there are several options. To be eligible for alternative teacher certification you must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Alternative programming leads to a postgraduate certification or a master’s degree in education.
In the state of Kentucky, you must enroll in a local district training program certification. This program is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree as well as 30 semester hours of study in an endorsement area or five years of work experience with a GPA of at least 2.75.
Applicants who meet those qualifications may be eligible for a provisional certification that allows them to teach while they are pursuing their Kentucky teacher internship program.
If you are a veteran with at least six years of active duty and an honorable discharge with a bachelor’s degree then you are eligible to receive a provisional certificate after which you must complete the Kentucky teacher internship program.
Financial Aid:
Financial aid is not available.
Did You Know?
There are different alternative teaching licenses in Kentucky and are designed for flexibility according to the candidate’s type of endorsement and educational background. From Local District Training Program Certification to Veterans of the Armed Services Certification, and even to a University-based alternative route to certification, your options are endless.
Maine Alternative Teaching Licensure Path
The State of Maine offers a number of teacher certification alternatives. To be eligible you should complete the extended teacher education program ETEP. The extended teacher education program is an intensive one or two-year curriculum that prepares you for teaching.
Students will study content-specific courses as well as educational pedagogy. Graduates of this program are eligible for teachers to notification in Maine and may also earn a Master of Science in Education from this program.
Alternatively, candidates who have a bachelor’s degree and specific coursework in education but not traditional teacher preparation may pursue a conditional certification in the state of Maine.
This is offered to individuals when a school district does not have a qualified candidate or no properly licensed teachers can be found for an open position. Candidates must teach for one year and pass the Praxis exam.
Financial Aid:
Financial aid options include graduate aide work-study, graduate assistantships, loans, and scholarships.
Did You Know?
The Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP) offers a fast-track 9-month pathway and a flexible 2-year pathway. Both pathways lead to your Master of Science in Education Degree.
New Hampshire Alternative Teaching Licensure Path
The New Hampshire Alternative Teacher Certification program is for individuals who hold at least a bachelor’s degree. If you are interested in pursuing alternative certification you may want to check out the alternative 3A pathway.
This pathway is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who have completed at least three months of full-time teaching at a private school that did not require state certification.
Candidates from this pathway must send a letter to the New Hampshire Department of Education for their credential review. Once accepted you complete additional requirements such as testing and are required to complete the licensure process based on an analysis of your background.
The alternative 3B program is for individuals who are looking to earn certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching or the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence.
If you are interested in teaching a critical shortage area and grades nine through 12, you are eligible for the alternative for the program. The alternative 4 programs must complete an individualized professional development plan and earn a recommendation for licensure from the district superintendent in order to receive full certification.
Financial Aid:
To cover the tuition, students can apply for financial aid like federal or private student loan programs, grants, and scholarships.
Did You Know?
You can still teach in New Hampshire even if your bachelor’s degree is not in education. The state of New Hampshire recognizes the ABCTE Certification as the pathway to earning your New Hampshire teacher certification.
Learn more about the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Oklahoma Alternative Teaching Licensure Path
Oklahoma Alternative Teacher Certification is possible for individuals who are looking to gain accelerated certification to teach. If you have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in a contact area that corresponds to the teacher’s license endorsement, you may be eligible for an alternative certification path. The alternative placement program is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and at least a 2.5 GPA.
After receiving approval, candidates must take the Oklahoma general education test as well as the appropriate Oklahoma subject area test. Candidates complete the state background check to receive an initial alternative certification. With a certain certificate, candidates teach in a classroom setting while pursuing their professional development hours.
The alternative certificate is available for three years during which you are required to complete all additional licensure requirements to convert to a standard certificate. Additionally, teachers in Oklahoma may select to pursue the American Board for the Certificate of Teaching Excellence program which is a pathway to state-level licensure.
South Carolina Alternative Teaching Licensure Path
The South Carolina Alternative Teacher Certification program is for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree but have not completed the teacher preparation program. Complete the PACE program of alternative certification for educators. PACE allows qualified individuals to teach right away under guidance and mentorship while they complete a program of study that is designed to enhance their classroom effectiveness.
Candidates are supposed to have majored in the subject area relevant to the subject for which they are currently seeking endorsement, as well as have two years of full-time work experience.
The American Board Certification program is for individuals pursuing English, mathematics, and science. This program is for a master’s degree in education. It is only available for secondary grades biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics or science, middle-level language arts, middle-level math, or middle-level science.
Financial Aid:
Financial aid is not available.
Did You Know?
When you receive your license/certification, you can get a student loan through the South Carolina Teachers Loan Program, which qualifies for Teacher Student Loan Forgiveness.
Florida Gateway College
There are traditional and alternative paths to earning a Florida teacher certification through FGC’s online teaching degrees.
There are three tracks available for students to choose from:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Educator Preparation Institute
The educator preparation institute is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. In contrast, elementary education is available to those with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. A regionally accredited associate’s degree and a 2.5 GPA are required. Some programs require temporary teaching certificates or statements of eligibility.
Financial Aid:
As for their financial aid, you can apply for scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study arrangements.
Did You Know?
It’s never boring at FGC. There are a variety of fun things to do outside the classroom, like career fairs, cultural events, and movie nights. Aside from supporting local plays and choral events, they host concerts at the Alfonso Levy Center. They also host a lot of summer camps.
Klassroom Online Teacher Certification
This teacher certification program offered by Klassroom provides aspiring teachers like you with a state-approved, flexible, and affordable Teacher Certification Program (TCP). No matter where you live, you can gain access to this program. They offer online, on-demand learning. To provide a user-friendly online learning environment, TCP prides itself on a learner-centric approach.
It is possible to transfer your teacher certification to other states, teach abroad, or online through Teacher Certification Reciprocity. Students study part-time online asynchronously for six months. TCP students will be grouped into cohorts of 15-20, working with an online mentor and interacting during weekly lessons. They also devote at least 15-20 hours per week to online learning.
Financial Aid:
To help you budget for your tuition, they offer several payment options. You can talk to their Admissions Advisors about monthly installment plans, upfront payments, and down payments.
Did You Know?
The teacher certification program in Hawai’i and Chaminade University was finally launched. Hawai’i TCP graduates receive up to 12 elective credit waivers at Chaminade Local University in Hawai’i for coursework and fieldwork completed through TCP. With only 18 more credits to complete, you can finish your Master of Education (M.Ed.) in as little as one year.
Learn more about the Klassroom Online Teacher Certification program.
Edgewood College’s Accelerated Secondary Education Teacher’s License
This accelerated secondary program at Edgewood is similar to that at the University of Connecticut. As with Connecticut, Edgewood’s host state—Wisconsin—offers a well-respected state-level license that can be transferred easily elsewhere in the country.
Middle and high school teachers are well suited to the ASP certification program. As part of Edgewood’s program, you can earn licenses in mathematics, science, social studies, and English.
This program is ideal for professionals contemplating changing jobs. It’s also best for recent college graduates who want to become teachers, and currently emergency-licensed tier 1 instructors in schools. This 22-credit initial license sequence can also be used to earn a full 34-credit Master of Arts in Education degree.
Did You Know:
It is Edgewood’s mission to teach critical thinking and general knowledge as a liberal arts college. Nearly a quarter of undergraduate students choose nursing as their major. Education, psychology, biology, and psychology are also popular subjects.
American Board Alternative Certification
Through the US Department of Education, the American Board Accelerated Teaching Certification offers entirely online teacher certification programs. In most cases, it takes anywhere between seven and 10 months for candidates to complete the program. There are many US states that you’ll be eligible to teach after acquiring this certification.
If you wish to teach in a different state, you must take into consideration the time it takes to complete state-specific testing and fieldwork. The application process includes acing the Praxis exams, as well as completing up to four months of in-state student teaching. Passing the American Board Alternative Certification allows you to become licensed and eligible to teach in many parts of the country immediately.
American Board teaching certification requires a bachelor’s degree, as well as a background check. A professional teaching knowledge (PTK) exam and a subject area knowledge exam are also part of the program. It is an online program that allows candidates to work at their own pace toward earning their certification. A Passport to Teaching will be issued to candidates once they have earned their certification.
Did You Know?
Pedagogy and subject area exams can be studied online for one year. It typically takes seven to ten months for students to complete their degree.
Liberty University Associate Degree in Education Online
Distance learning has been offered by Liberty College since 1985. Students can earn an associate’s degree in education at the school without obtaining a license. Portfolio development and learning theory are among the core courses. Besides classroom management, learners also study childhood psychology. As a paraeducator or early childhood educator, graduates may work in a variety of settings.
It is possible to transfer the bachelor’s degree’s 60 credits toward a licensure-track bachelor’s degree. As part of Liberty’s online bachelor’s degree in teaching program, students gain experience in developing curriculum, preparing lessons, and interacting with students in the classroom. Students who take the online course complete one semester at a local school and 90 hours of online practicum.
Financial Aid:
Their types of financial aid are scholarships, work-study, grants, and outside aid resources.
Did You Know?
The integrity, discipline, and versatility of Liberty graduates are sought after by prestigious companies. Their confidence and competence prepare them to make a lasting contribution to their professions and communities.
Check out Liberty University’s 8-week Associate Degree in Education Online.
Transferring Teaching Credentials From State to State
If you’re looking to transfer your credentials from state to state, you need to understand the specific requirements in the state you are leaving as well as the state you are entering. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification offers interstate reciprocity.
Many states only allow teaching certification reciprocity for standard or professional certifications, which means if you are teaching with a provisional or emergency certificate you will likely not be able to transfer that to another state.
Each state will have various educational experience requirements as well as testing requirements. For example, the state of California requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school and a state-approved teacher preparation program. They also require candidates to perform a California skills test and have two years or more of experience.
For more information about teachers’ transfer reciprocity agreements, check out your state’s Department of Education website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a teacher certificate program?
A teacher certification program is offered to those who are not interested in earning a four-year bachelor’s degree in the field of education. They are readily available in most states and are a much quicker option to get you into the classroom faster.
How long will it take me to complete a teacher certification program?
Teacher certification programs can vary widely in terms of how long it will take you to complete a program. Depending on the school and your state’s recommendations, your program could take 18 months to three years. In addition, student teaching/internship opportunities may also be required to earn your certification.
Will a teacher certificate program lead to licensure?
Often these accelerated programs in teaching do lead you through the coursework required to sit for your teaching license exam. Please check into your state’s requirements and license examination availability before signing on to a certification program… and, be sure your program will prepare you!
Why do you need to understand the importance of a teacher certificate program?
Simple. Without a teaching certification, there is no way you can teach in public schools. Your teacher’s certificate is your key to securing a teaching career in a public school. This will also guarantee that you are competent in both the general practice of teaching and the subject matter in a certain audience.
What are the advantages of Enrolling in Teacher Certification Programs online?
- Convenience – You don’t have to travel, so you can save money and time.
- Flexibility – Because you will no longer be going in a traditional classroom setting, location and time become less of a challenge. For full-time workers, this is a huge factor between success and failure.
- Better Teacher Concentration – The instructors won’t get easily distracted by the barriers of a disruptive classroom environment.
- Accelerated Pace – Especially in an asynchronous program, you can create a curriculum that you can complete at your own pace. If you can dedicate yourself to intensive study, you can complete a program in less than a year.
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