Is there an online teacher certification program for people who have a bachelor degree already and now want to become a teacher?

Hi Glenn - Teacher certification is a process that is controlled by the state.  While there are clear similarities between various states, there is no one process that you can complete that will certify you to teach everywhere.  Since we don't know where you live it's impossible to give you a specific answer.  Despite this I can tell you a few things that are generally true.  1) You should go to the Dept. of Education website wherever you live and they will have all the information that you need to complete the process.  2) You should be especially aware that many states have "fast track" options for certification.  The normal track for somone in your position is to take a few education courses and then complete a student teaching internship.  The fast track provides another option that is good for some, not so good for others.  Be aware of your options.  3)  There are specializations.  Some may be more attractive to you than others and some make you more attractive to schools who might (or might not) hire you once you've completed the requisite courses, etc.  Where I live the most attractive hiring qualifications are for those who can teach math.  If you want to teach art then you should expect an uphill battle and don't quit your day job.  Do you want pre-school?  Elementary?  Middle School?  High School?  Do you have a subject specialization in mind?  Are you willing to relocate in order to find a job?  How far?  Think ahead, do your homework and good luck.

Glenntd:

Is there an online teacher certification program for people who have a bachelor degree already and now want to become a teacher?

You might try taking a look at this old thread: http://community.elearners.com/forums/thread/8755.aspx .

I have been looking into the programs at Western Governors University. Here is their website. They are cheap for graduate studies.

http://www.wgu.edu/education/teacher_certification.asp 

Exactly.  Teaching is licensed and controlled by the individual states.  Have you checked your local state's guidelines?

In many states, who you will want to talk with may not be the department of education. Typically, there is a commission (or department) on teacher credentialing (or licensure). This may or may not be within the department of education.

 

As for teacher licensure, one possibility is Rio Salado College. It offers a number of possibilities. While teacher licensure is typically a function of the state government, there is also the possibility of reciprocity agreements between states.

 

 

Tom Nixon

http://www.bestonlinehighschools.com

 

Hi,

I don't know of any online programs, but due to the shortage of qualified teachers in the U.S., there is a program to help college graduates (of any discipline) earn their teaching certificate. You can learn more at: http://www.teachforamerica.org/

Best regards.

That's a pretty cool organization.  I wouldn't mind becoming a teacher myself if there were any kind of loan forgiveness programs out there.  Texas has one that forgives $5K after 5 years of service but to me that just isn't a serious offer. 

Loan forgiveness would be helpful, whether through Teach for America or some other program.  But it's no substitute for a decent salary, and unfortunately that can be tough to find with K-12.

-=Steve=- 

Amen!!!

Hi again,

I received an information packet from Walden University. They offer various programs in Education online.

http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Schools/Schools_106.htm

Steve's comment - I was offered a position at an alternative school for people who had dropped out or were expelled from high school (for whatever reason). The offer was less than I made in my first internship before I graduated college. The added "bonus" was the only way into the building was through a dark alley at night (classes ended in the evening) and was a forty minute drive one way. Outside some family members, teachers spend more time with our children than anyone else. I think it's sad that the people who should be the role models are paid the least while the athletes and celebrities are paid the most. Yes, entertainment is important; however, not at the expense of losing quality teachers because they can't afford to stay in the job.

Best wishes.

I guess that says a lot about the values of our society, yeah?