Tally: Online Education Teacher - August 2010

While specific program requirements vary, most bachelor's degree in education programs include a combination of liberal arts classes, education coursework, and hands-on experience. Students generally spend their first two years fulfilling liberal arts requirements in multiple subjects. They can then devote their third and fourth years to courses related to education. In an elementary education bachelor's degree program, you should expect to take coursework in the following subjects:

• Teaching methods
• Curriculum design
• Philosophy of education
• Children's literature
• Early childhood education
• Child development
• Educational management and planning

Most bachelor's degree programs in teaching conclude with hands-on student teaching at a local school. You may be required to observe a classroom for several days, or even complete a three- to six-week student teaching internship.

Become an Expert with a Master's Degree in Education

Teachers with a bachelor's degree in education often go on to earn a master's degree in a specific educational field. Depending on your interests and career goals, you may decide to pursue a master's degree in early childhood education, administration, or another field. There are dozens of master's degree programs to choose from, including the following:

• Master's in Special Education
• Master's in Literacy and Reading
• Master's in Educational Administration

Once you've identified your interests, a master's degree in education can help you become an expert in your field and qualify for advanced positions.

Achieving Teacher Certification in a New State

Moving to a new state presents a challenge to teachers who need a state teacher certification to work, but our expert breaks down the transition into manageable steps. Exact requirements vary from state to state--for example, a California teaching credential may require more student teaching hours than another state--but the following general steps can help you get started:

• Step 1: Visit the State Board of Education (SBE) Web site for the state you're moving to, and make sure that your education program is recognized by the state.
• Step 2: Identify the certificate that you need (such as early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education) and complete an application.
• Step 3: Present a copy of your out-of-state teaching certificate.
• Step 4: Have your previous employer(s) send an official letter to the SBE verifying your experience.
• Step 5: Pass all required state teaching exams.

It may require a bit of paperwork, but with the proper planning you can transfer your teaching skills to a career in a new state.

Surviving Your First Year as a Teacher

No matter how much you wanted to become a teacher, you may feel nervous about managing your own classroom. You will become more comfortable and learn throughout the year, but our expert offers the following tips to get you started:

• Accept mistakes: When you have a bad day or feel like an ineffective teacher, take a breath and learn from your mistakes.
• Set boundaries: It's okay to be friendly to students, but keep your relationship professional and realize that you are a teacher, not a friend.
• Be flexible: Accept that interruptions are part of teaching, and be willing to adjust your plans accordingly.
• Make time for yourself: Make time for the things you enjoy to avoid burn out and maintain a positive outlook.
• Have fun: A fun classroom keeps you smiling and encourage your students to love learning.

Remember, every teacher was once in your shoes! Don't be afraid to ask a veteran teacher for guidance.

How to Become a Teacher Online

If you've spent years teaching at the front of a classroom, transitioning to an online teaching assignment may feel intimidating. Understanding the following benefits of online teaching can help you embrace your new role and be successful:

• Flexibility: With so many online resources at your fingertips, you can engage with students in multiple ways.
• Effectiveness: A recent U.S. Department of Education study found that students who took all or part of a course online learned more than the students who took the same course in the classroom.
• Interaction: An online classroom allows you to interact with students beyond lecturing and grading papers.
• Innovation: An online setting encourages you to break out of your comfort zone and try new things.

Breaking away from a familiar routine can be scary, but becoming a teacher online can help expand your teaching tool set and become a more effective educator.