Continuing Teacher Education

Overview

The continuing teacher education degree is one that was recently introduced. Continuing teacher education provides teachers with the opportunity to learn and gather new information about the latest theories in education, practical knowledge of new teaching methods, as well as professional networking with other teachers. Typical areas addressed by continuing teacher education include classroom management, teaching and care of students with special needs, evolving skills in language, mathematics and science, ensuring health and safety in the classroom and school, and different teaching strategies among others. All states require that teachers periodically update themselves through continuing education. This is a way of ensuring that the best quality of education is being provided to the students and that teachers are geared to face new challenges.

Benefits

There has been a teacher shortage in the recent days; as a result, the career options for teachers are bright. In addition, continuing education helps in the advancement of career for teachers and/or in changing the subjects taught, if necessary. Although the salary for teachers varies from state to state, at the entry level, they can expect to earn $31,000 per annum, on an average. Continuing teacher education combined with experience will help increase the salary up to approximately $70,000 per annum.

Costs

The costs of a continuing education program for teachers depend on the subject taught and the organization that conducts the course. Online courses are also available, which ranges from $360 for a short term course to $353 per credit hour for a masters certificate.

Schools

Continuing teacher education can be in the form of short term or long term courses, such as a master's program. Online courses give a lot of flexibility and convenience to teachers. Some of the colleges or universities that offer courses in continuing teacher education include Glengarry University, University of Phoenix, and Walden University.

Testing & Preparation

Enrolling in a continuing teacher education program requires that one be certified as a teacher. This implies that the applicant must have completed his/her under graduation in teacher training. No specific tests are required to enroll in this program. An aptitude for the chosen subject and any prior knowledge will work to your advantage.

Financial Aid

As the applicants are normally employed as teachers, the institutions by themselves do not provide any financial aid. Teaching Tips provides information about scholarships available to teachers. Alternatively, teachers can apply for loans such as Direct loans and Stafford loans or ascertain if their employer will sponsor them.