Choosing an Education Degree Program

A major goal of every teacher preparation school is to educate future teachers in the most effective methods of instruction for a variety of different learning styles. Each teaching degree program offers a unique experience, leaving it to you to decide which one is right for you. There are many questions that are important to consider while you hunt for your ideal education degree program:

College Accreditation: Is the education program accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE), or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)? Is the accreditation national or regional? See our teaching school accreditation article for more information.

Flexibility: Does the school offer an education program that allows you to work while completing your coursework? Does the school allow you to transfer credits from education courses at other schools or give you credit for previous teaching experiences?

School Curriculum: Does the focus and philosophy of the education degree program match your interests in becoming a teacher? Is the program designed using standards developed by specialized professional associations, such as the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics?

Student Teaching: How much student teaching experience does the school offer? Does the school partner with veteran teachers to mentor you in classroom and administration environments? To learn more about being a student teacher, read our article on that subject.

Career Services: What percent of graduates pass the state licensing exam? What is the job placement rate after graduation? For more information, see our teaching exam article.

The campus is a very important part of the education experience. Students and faculty spend a lot of their time making use of the classroom and available resources. Take some time to explore the facilities, and get to know the environment while class is in session. Several additional points may influence your decision when you consider attending a campus-based college:

• Location
• On-campus living options
• Tuition
• Faculty
• Available clubs and extracurricular activities
• Reputation
• Campus and class size

Depending on your learning style, you may benefit more from a larger class size full of intellectual encouragement, or from a smaller class with more individual attention. Education degree programs may offer different financial aid options as well. Check out our college scholarship and financial aid articles for additional information you might need as you become a teacher.

Taking the time to research and explore your options is one of the first steps to take when you decide to become a teacher. Learning as much about the institution and program as possible is essential before committing to your investment. Be sure to visit the campus, talk to professors, sit in on classes and look into the requirements of potential employers to ensure an exciting and fulfilling teacher-education experience.