Distance Learning Teacher Preparation Programs: How Do They Work?

Online teacher education programs are available, though many institutions choose to offer only parts of their teacher education programs online, creating a hybrid program rather than one that is fully online. Online teacher preparation programs often provide for student teaching by coming to an agreement with the student's local school district.

Online Learning Options for Prospective Teachers

There are several institutions that offer online or hybrid degree options for prospective teachers, some of which provide for students to complete their student teaching requirements with a local district. Online-only programs almost always either provide for student teaching in such a way or allow students to complete the degree portion of their work online, then complete their student teaching at a predetermined location. Hybrid degree programs, because they usually require a student to live near the campus and attend some classes there, usually allow students to complete their student teaching requirements in the usual manner.
Usually, online teaching programs work much like other online degrees, providing students with a login to school education software that can be accessed via the Web. This software usually combines email, forum, and instant messaging communication with a system that allows students to take test and turn in assignments. This may also provide real-time grading of a student's work and audio or video conference capability to allow for easier class interaction.

Requirements for Teacher Certification and Licensing

In order to teach at a public institution, teachers must have both a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university, usually in the subject they will teach, and a teaching certificate, which is often earned at the same time as the student's degree. Requirements for teaching certificates vary because the programs that offer them are state-approved, but usually a teaching certificate must include a period of student teaching, also considered an internship, which requires some kind of in-person contact.
Online-only colleges and universities will sometimes work with students' local school districts to place them in a school for a term of in-classroom teaching. This provides for the student teaching requirements of licensure and gives prospective teachers invaluable face-to-face experience with a class and still allows prospective teachers to complete their degrees in an online format.