THANK YOU!! This is exactly what I was looking for, though I couldn't explain it very well... you made my morning!!!

What about...

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/educator_preparation/career_switcher/index.shtml

OP here again. I am leaning toward a full Master's right now, as it does look like the best long-term option for me (just dreading a 2-year commitment, I guess... I have always done well in intensive environments, and was looking for something accelerated that I could mostly do at my own pace.)

Also, has anyone done the FAST TRAIN program at George Mason University?

I think with MCPS, you eventually have to get your Masters degree anyway. If you go the Masters route, you will likely have to supplement with additional undergraduate courses as well depending upon what your original major was....

I think with MCPS, you eventually have to get your Masters degree anyway. If you go the Masters route, you will likely have to supplement with additional undergraduate courses as well depending upon what your original major was....

14:35 here I also wanted to mention, a lot of times if you contact the department head of the area of interest at colleges, they are more than happy to provide you possible program plans and discuss details with you as well as answer any questions that you have. That's what I did when I started looking into going back to school for my Masters. I spoke with at least 4 schools to get an idea of what their program looked like, etc.

More great info, thank you!!

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for providing this info. As it's really early stages for me, it does help. To the PP who mentioned the intensive program in DC schools, could you provide any more info or websites where I could research it?

I guess I am somewhat confused about which path I should take --a Master's to build on my previous degree, or a BA in Early Education given that my previous degree is not in education? (though I have a few years' experience in a classroom) I also know of something called a post-bac teacher certification program that is almost exclusively online (except for classroom practice at the end.) It seems like there are different ways to reach basically the same goal --teaching young children-- and I am trying to figure out what would be best. State would be VA, more than likely. Any more advice?

Sure, no problem.

DC Teaching Fellows: http://dcteachingfellows.ttrack.org

Other states may offer similar programs, and I think Teach for America targets career changers too. If your in Virginia, I found this, I remember looking into similar programs when starting my Masters but I decided to go the more traditional route since I already had my Bachelors in EC. This list has DC Teaching Fellows, Teach for America, and other groups too. Worth looking into: http://www.science.vt.edu/stem/teaching-jobs.html

You can probably do your Masters in Education, as opposed to another Bachelors degree. But it's really up to you, do your research and I'm sure you'll be able to make a sound decision.

Good luck with everything!!

13:43 PP here, great info, thanks. A few colleges offer programs mostly online, but practicum-type experiences are still required so programs can't be done 100% online. Hopefully OP can find something that fits her needs.

Most graduate-type programs are really flexible with scheduling and so forth for people who are working/have a family while pursuing their degree. Some schools offer intensive classes in the summer (in person and online) and night classes.

My graduate degree has taken about 2 years, with taking classes in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Thank you for providing this info. As it's really early stages for me, it does help. To the PP who mentioned the intensive program in DC schools, could you provide any more info or websites where I could research it?

I guess I am somewhat confused about which path I should take --a Master's to build on my previous degree, or a BA in Early Education given that my previous degree is not in education? (though I have a few years' experience in a classroom) I also know of something called a post-bac teacher certification program that is almost exclusively online (except for classroom practice at the end.) It seems like there are different ways to reach basically the same goal --teaching young children-- and I am trying to figure out what would be best. State would be VA, more than likely. Any more advice?

In Maryland, it IS possible to get certified to teach elementary grades by using an online program; the programs work with local schools to arrange observations and student teaching. There are quite a few teachers in my area who have gone that route. For secondary education (higher grades), I'm not sure the same online training is possible. MCPS has a lot of information on their website about certification programs and which colleges offer them. Hood College is one that is known for second-career educators.

To add to the above...

There are some alternate teaching preparation programs (i.e. DC Teaching Fellows) but the program is pretty intense (6 week intensive training, working in high need DC schools).

PP here...oops there's a typo. I typed "there" instead of "their." I apologize!

If you have any further questions feel free to ask!

Exclusively online degrees in the education field are near impossible, especially if you want to be certified in the elementary grades because most states require practicums/internships, and student teaching in the schools to be certified at that grade level.

My Bachelors degree is in Early Childhood, and my Masters degree will be in Special Education. Even though I did student teaching for my Bachelor's degree, I'm required to have at least a practicum experience to graduate.

You'll also have to take the PRAXIS tests for licensure. There's the PRAXIS I (3 tests) that everyone has to take, and the PRAXIS II (tests depend on area of certification and state)

There are tons of colleges in the DC area, the best thing you can do is check around for schools near you and see what programs they offer and if any components are online. I know some programs offer 50/50 in person and online classes, etc. You can check American University, University of MD, Loyola, Hood, McDaniel College, just to name a few.

If your researching online programs, always check to make sure the program is accredited before you sign up. Some programs advertise that they are certified (like University of Phoenix), but the the your state's education department. may not offer you a teaching licensure depending on what there licensure requirements are. As well as researching colleges I would encourage you to visit your state's department of education to check their licensure requirements.

Here's MD:
http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/certification/?WBCMODE=Presentatio%25%3e%25%3e%0d

Virginia:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/index.shtml

DC:
http://www.ed.gov/category/location/district-columbia

I have been thinking about going back to school to earn a teaching-related degree (mainly interested in early education or lower elementary grades.) I have a BA in foreign languages and previous experience teaching (languages) to adults. Degree would have to be online. Any suggestions re programs and best/shortest way to licensure?

Thanks!