People with a college degree in their field earn an average of $10,000 more per year than those without one, so earning an online teacher degree is a good investment. Consider degree program costs, duration of study and course of study when applying to various programs. Prestige and rigor are also important factors to consider. Apply to schools that are accredited through institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that prospective employers will find your degree acceptable.
Aside from convenience and a potential salary increase, gaining your teacher education degree online allows you to connect with others in your field. According to Dr. Katharine Hansen, author of "A Foot in the Door: Networking Your Way into the Hidden Job Market," between 75 and 95 percent of job openings are never disclosed to the general public. Instead, these jobs are awarded to insiders who hear about them via word of mouth. Gaining your online teacher education degree brings you into contact with a variety of people in the field and one step closer to this hidden market.
Online teacher education degrees offer a great deal of freedom but little institutional accountability or support. Unlike a traditional classroom setting, the online education forum does not facilitate ease of communication or a broad exchange of ideas. To benefit from the networking and learning opportunities of online teacher education degree programs, take the initiative of establishing and maintaining relationships with fellow students and professors across the digital divide.
Carefully review the Web material and contact information of all degree programs you consider. Scammers set up sites that mimic true education institutions in an attempt to lure eager learners into parting with their money. Some of these programs even claim to be legitimately accredited. Upon further research, you'll learn that the accrediting institutions are not recognized by any governmental or educational institution. Check with trusted colleagues in your field to about the legitimacy of the institutions you're considering.