There has never been a better time to become a cyber school teacher, because demand for distance education is rapidly growing. Research from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that in 2012, 12 percent of all post-secondary students were full-time online learners and another 13 percent were part-time online students.
Online Education Basics
Online teachers remotely educate their students through the power of the Internet. Some schools are entirely based online, but almost all community colleges and well-known universities offer online classes. Distance education is a cost-effective solution for both learners and schools. It also allows working adults to continue employment while achieving their education. Some schools offer hybrid programs that require a minimum amount of on-campus class work, such as IT, health care and engineering programs. Cyber school teachers use a variety of methods to enhance online classroom learning, such as online forums, interactive debates and direction to helpful educational websites.
Get an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree
Cyber school teachers who plan on educating elementary, middle and secondary school students must have at least an accredited bachelor’s degree and appropriate state licensure. Fortunately, there are many education related online degrees available that future cyber school teachers may choose from, such as a Bachelor of Science in Education. This general degree will train future teachers how to perform research, apply strategies and use theories to evaluate and improve teaching practices and student performances. Graduates will develop the competencies required for effective teaching, which includes cutting edge approaches to classroom design, discipline and management. The curriculums of most online education-based programs are designed in accordance with state and national standards.
Consider an Accredited Master’s Degree
Some future teachers may think that getting an online teaching job is easier than a regular classroom job, but the competition may be fiercer because the Internet creates a global job market. Therefore, a master’s degree will increase the candidate’s marketability and job competitiveness. The most popular master’s include the Master of Arts or Science in Education. There are specializations available that concentrate in higher education, instructional design and technology and educational psychology and leadership. An instructional design and technology specialization provides students with the tools to align and integrate learning outcomes and technologies. These programs focus on how to analyze online learning contexts, develop user-friendly instructions and evaluate instructional programs.
Obtain a License and Teach
Every state has their own licensure requirements for teachers, regardless of whether they teach online or in classrooms. The U.S. Department of Education offers a convenient, searchable map that directs users to individual state requirements. There are many online schools and resources to find cyber school teaching jobs, but classroom experience is highly recommended. Cyber school teachers should consider volunteering or temporarily working for any type of educational project or program. This may be at a public school, community center, summer camp and even the local library.
Related Resource: Become a School Counselor
In order to become a cyber school teacher, candidates must have relevant skills, education and work experience.