Can My Dreams of Teaching English Be Fulfilled By An Online Degree?

Online degrees have opened up educational possibilities to people who could not afford the time in the past. Many new careers and skills can be learned completely online. Teaching, however, requires a great deal of hands-on experience. Will an online teaching degree ever become a reality?

The Elusive Teaching Degree

Having gained a degree in English literature 12 years ago, I often thought about teaching English as a career. After having my second child, I successfully applied for a one-year, post-graduate teaching degree. One unexpected baby and cancelled application later, I am trying to figure out how I could juggle a teaching degree with three children. While I have juggled for years now, with three children you cannot afford to drop the balls.

Catch 22 - Is There a Flexible Route To Becoming a School Teacher?

As a lover of language and literature, Catch 22 is one of my favorite books. Like many other people interested in teaching, English or otherwise, I find myself in my own Catch 22. I really need to find a flexible teaching program that I can do on a part-time basis. However, to get onto a flexible or distance-learning teaching program, you need substantial experience of teaching. But I am not allowed to start teaching English without a teaching degree. Frustrating isn't it?

What Teaching Programs Can You Pursue Online?

There are many excellent teaching programs available online, but most of these degrees and certificates are aimed at existing teachers. Here are some examples:

• Early childhood education
• K12 education
• Educational leadership

There are some indirect, part-time routes into teaching using online degree and teaching programs. You need to be determined and resourceful, and you might already be working in education. I will start looking at these teaching programs next time.

About the Author

Fran Walker is a freelance writer, editor and researcher specializing in educational, health, safety and domestic issues. Previously, she spent five years in marketing in the self-help, health and health and safety sectors before leaving to start a family. She now edits and writes content for the U.K. Health and Safety Executive. Fran graduated in 1993 with an honors degree in English Literature

Sources

• www.teachforamerica.org