Online K-12 Certification Degree Programs

K-12 certification degree programs or teaching licensure programs are required by all states in addition to a bachelor, master, or PhD degree for those who wish to work in K-12 school environments in the public school sector.

Online teaching certification can be attained in different areas of K-12 education including: Elementary education licensure, middle-school licensure, and secondary licensure, as well as the Master of Arts in Teaching programs. Attaining teacher licensure is recommended for all teachers, even if they do not intend to work in public schools, as they may need to be licensed if they choose to work in departments of education or when supervising colleges students in K-12 schools during their practicum. Programs of study at the graduate (masters) level are the M. Ed., M.A.T, and M.Sc. degree programs. Many of the programs focus on teacher education, special education, curriculum and instruction, mathematics education, social studies education, reading and literacy education, science education among other content areas.

Selected K-12 Certification Degree Programs

Capella University - Online

• MS - Post - secondary and Adult Education
• PhD - K - 12 Studies in Education
• PhD - Post - secondary and Adult Education

Jones International University

• M. Ed. in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
• M. Ed. in Secondary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
• M. Ed. in Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
• MEd in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Grand Canyon University

• BA in English for Secondary Teachers
• BS Elementary Ed - English Emphasis (Eligible for IR / Cred)
• BS Elementary Ed - Math Emphasis (Eligible for IR / Cred)
• BS Elementary Ed - Science Emphasis (Eligible for IR / Cred)
• BS in Elementary / Special Education (Dual Major)
• BS in Math for Secondary Teachers
• BS in Secondary Education: Business Education
• BS in Social Studies for Secondary Teachers
• M. Ed. Elementary Ed (Eligible for IR / Credential)
• M. Ed. Elementary Ed (Not Eligible for IR / Non - Credential)
• M. Ed. Secondary Ed (Eligible for IR / Credential)
• M. Ed. Secondary Ed (Not Eligible for IR / Non - Credential)
• M. Ed.: Curriculum and Instruction: Reading - Elementary Education (No IR, No Cert.)
• M. Ed.: Curriculum and Instruction: Reading - Secondary Education (No IR, No Cert.)

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Search for Online K-12 Teacher Certification Programs

K-12 Teacher Certification Training and Courses

A campus or online K-12 certification degree is required for those who would like to teach in all public schools and a majority of private schools. Teachers can get a campus or online K-12 certification degree at various levels including:

• Elementary Education
• Middle-Level Education
• High School Education

In order to join the K-12 teaching profession, a minimum of a bachelor degree, supervised internship or practicum, and taking a state teaching license exam is required. The requirements may vary from state to state but in general they must meet these requirements.

Some states also require teachers to work toward a attaining a master’s degree in education (MEd.) or a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) within a stipulated number of years. Some areas of specialization with an online K-12 certification degree at the bachelor level are a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Education in:

• Social Science Education
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Interdisciplinary Studies in K-8 education
• Mathematics Education
• Science Education
• Reading and Literacy

K-12 teacher education courses may include educational psychology, developmental psychology, adolescent psychology, curriculum design and development, classroom management, pedagogical strategies, etc, in addition to a teaching practicum.

The master’s degree in K-12 teaching is an opportunity for teachers to specialize and broaden their professional teaching skills. In addition to completing a thesis or independent research project, student can choose to specialize in areas such as:

• Curriculum development
• Educational technology
• Pedagogical research and theory
• Educational research methods
• Assessment and evaluation
• Instructional strategies

K-12 Education Careers

With a degree in K12 education, teachers can practice in a variety of roles including curriculum design and development, instructional coordination, administration and leadership, instructional technology, classroom teaching, library media coordination, library services, special education, and school counseling and program coordination.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wages of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers in 2008 ranged from $47,100 to $51,180, with the lowest 10% earning $30,970 to $34,280 and the top 10% making $75,190 to $80,970.

The income for those in education varies depending on the specific job position, teaching location, experience, and level of education attained, including earning an education degree. The American Federation of Teachers also reports that beginning teachers with a bachelor degree earned around $33,227 during the 2005-2006 school year. As noted above there are multiple options for online education degree programs and for each specialization. Keep in mind that it is important to verify that the K-12 certification degree programs that you are looking into are regionally accredited.

Online K-12 certification degree programs and teaching degrees