Online Education a Valuable Tool for Teachers (and Students, Too)

by Joe Cooper
Online Degrees Columnist

Online education is not just for adults; some students put the Internet to educational use well before college. It's a great way to solve teacher shortages as well, through online teaching degree programs.

Many states in the U.S. are facing teacher shortages, making teaching degree programs an important resource to many communities across the country. States like Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and Hawaii are facing shortages of near 30% in some cities. Incentive programs are already in place for students who complete degree programs and enter teaching contracts.

Online Education for Teachers
North Carolina schools are doing their part to address their teaching shortage. One college is offering an online degree program to students who have already completed their general education. The online teaching certification will qualify them to begin working in K-12 schools throughout North Carolina after graduation.

The program offers specializations in general curriculum, math/science, and special education. Because these students have already completed their general education, the online degree program allows students to graduate sooner.

Online Education for Kids, Too
Even students in grades K-12 are benefiting from online education. A virtual online school is now available to students at a charter school in Kansas, thanks to administrators who have worked to provide a viable education alternative to parents who want to homeschool their children.

By enrolling in online education, parents often save $1,500 to $2,000 compared to standard tuition.

As the Internet becomes an even larger resource in the coming years, online education will play a more central role in the lives of students and teachers. Time and cost savings make it a sensible alternative for families and individuals alike.

Sources
The Johnson County Sun
News 12 Carolina, "ECU helping North Carolina teacher shortage"
Press-Register, "Teacher shortage in Mobile"

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.

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