Hi,  I'm looking into continuing my education now that my children are older.  I'm interested in getting a bachelor's in teaching.  I know that it's important for the online college to be regionally accredited but what about NCATE.  I've been researching this and it looks as though this will be a very important factor, but finding the school online that offers this is almost impossible.  Maybe those of you with teaching experience could enlighten me on this.  Is this something that schools are looking for when they see your resume?? My main goal would be to teach in the elementary level and since I live abroad (I'm a U.S. citizen) I will probably be looking for substitute teaching in the various international schools.  How important do you feel the NCATE will be when looking at online degrees.  

All of the online education information is overwhelming at times. I've spent several hours looking into the various options and become more confused.  It's been many years since I've attended school and I need to know that I'm headed in the right direction.

Thanks Lora

Hi Lora, and welcome!

I'm not sure if there are others, but I know that Western Governors University is a distance learning university that has NCATE accreditation and regional accreditation and is generally well regarded.

Good luck,

-=Steve=-

Hi,

 Check to see your state's requirements.  States often have alternative ways to pursue licensure.  NCATE helps a program, when the state that a particular program is in, does not have reprocity agreements with your current state.  In NC, where I became a licensured teacher via alternative means, all one needs is either 24 semester credit hours in the subject they want teach and a bachelors degree from an RA institution.  Another way to become licensed in NC is to take the praxis 2 subject test in the area you want to teach, obtain a passing score, and have a bachelors degree.  You will then have 3 years to complete all required course requirements to become fully licensed.

 Other alternatives is Grand Canyon University, where I obtained my masters degree in education.  They offer bachelor degree programs to help you become licensed:

http://online.gcu.edu/education.php

LORAJ:

Hi,  I'm looking into continuing my education now that my children are older.  I'm interested in getting a bachelor's in teaching.  I know that it's important for the online college to be regionally accredited but what about NCATE.  I've been researching this and it looks as though this will be a very important factor, but finding the school online that offers this is almost impossible.  Maybe those of you with teaching experience could enlighten me on this.  Is this something that schools are looking for when they see your resume?? My main goal would be to teach in the elementary level and since I live abroad (I'm a U.S. citizen) I will probably be looking for substitute teaching in the various international schools.  How important do you feel the NCATE will be when looking at online degrees.  

All of the online education information is overwhelming at times. I've spent several hours looking into the various options and become more confused.  It's been many years since I've attended school and I need to know that I'm headed in the right direction.

Thanks Lora

Find out whether the jurisdiction in which you live requires NCATE accreditation. If it does, look for an NCATE school. If not, then RA is okay. Western Governors University www.wgu.edu is accredited by the Northwest Commission (RA) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. 

I have several teaching credentials. I can assure you that no one cares in terms of employment. However, that being said, you will want to speak with your state's teacher credentialing office. They are the ones that will make the decision as to whether NCATE is required. The typical issue is whether it is regionally accredited. However, there are exceptions to every rule.

Start there.

 

 

Tom Nixon

http://www.bestonlinehighschools.com
 

Sounds like you've got a wealth of advice.  I have heard nothing but positive things about WGU as well.