By Helen Hoffner and Jack Mills
After teaching for a few years, Madeline Church enrolled in an online graduate program to earn a master’s degree and certification as a reading specialist. The tuition was steep, and the assignments were challenging, but she persevered. Her dreams were dashed, however, when she completed the graduate program with A’s but could not be certified as a reading specialist in her home state. Although the program’s website stated that it met national standards, it did not fulfill the certification requirements of her state.
In America, each state sets its own policies for certification. Although most states require similar coursework, there are variations. Pennsylvania, for example, requires candidates for any type of teacher certification to earn three credits in teaching English language learners. California requires courses in the U.S. Constitution. Online programs that attract students from across the country cannot guarantee that their sequence of courses will meet the certification requirements of every state. Many excellent online programs are available, but they don’t all lead to certification.
Ask these questions before investing time and money in a certification program:
- Who has accredited the institution?
In the United States, there are more than 60 organizations that accredit colleges and universities, but not all of these groups are trustworthy. Instead of just asking if an institution is accredited, ask for the name of the accreditation agency. The most respected ones are the six regional accreditation agencies:
- The New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- The Northwest Accreditation Commission
- The Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Students who earn credits in programs accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies are more likely to be able to transfer those credits to other universities and colleges, and their degree will be respected by employers.
- Does the program lead to certification in the desired state?
Just because a program says that they follow national standards does not mean that every state will accept their courses for certification. Before enrolling, check with your state’s department of education. Does your state accept courses from that institution for certification? What courses and field experiences are required for certification in your state?
- What support services does the college/university offer to students in online programs?
Ideally, an institution should offer equal services whether students attend classes on campus or online. These services could include having academic counselors available by telephone, access to library databases for research, and help in registering and studying for certification exams such as the PRAXIS series. Many colleges and universities have certification officials on staff who can assist you.
Selecting an Online Certification Program
Earning teaching certifications online can be a great way to grow professionally without attending classes on campus. Make sure the program you select, however, is accepted by your state’s department of education. The links below can help you find a program that will lead to the certification you desire in the state in which you want to work.
- Preparing for Certifications: Kappa Delta Pi (KDP): KDP offers a guide that answers questions regarding traditional as well as alternative routes to certification. This link will take you to information on state requirements and certification testing requirements.
- The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): When selecting an online graduate program, the first question to ask is who has accredited it. The CHEA can help you find an accredited and respected program.
- State Contacts and Information: U.S. Department of Education: Each state sets requirements for teacher certification. Use this link to find the requirements of the appropriate state.
Concluding Thoughts
Online programs offer enriching opportunities to engage in professional discussions and gain additional certifications without having to travel to a university. Before enrolling, however, teachers must be wise consumers and check the requirements of their states.
Dr. Hoffner is a Professor and Coordinator of the Reading Specialist Program at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Mills (Holy Family University alumnus) has been working in New Jersey Public School Districts for 27 years and has taught at Strawberry Mansion High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Mills holds two Bachelor’s Degrees and a Master’s Degree in Education.