If you are considering using a distance education degree to teach, you may wonder if it will give you an advantage over those with a traditional degree. Generally, the answer is no. Teachers who work in schools with unions are required to have their teaching license in the state they reside or work and traditional degrees from an accredited institution – neither of which is required for teachers outside of these teacher-specific regulations. Let us look into detail if a distance education degree valid for teaching jobs or not.
5 Advantages of distance education degree for teaching jobs
1. Highly flexible
A degree from a distance learning program is highly flexible as you can study wherever you want, when you want and even have the option of combining online and traditional classroom learning.
2. Lower costs
Unlike a traditional degree program that requires you to use your own money to pay for tuition and books, distance education programs are generally much cheaper than traditional degrees because you only pay for the things you need to complete your studies, such as textbooks, and software or additional materials.
3. Distance learning is possible to do from home
Distance learning programs usually allow you to complete your studies from home, so you do not have the expense of finding somewhere to live, or moving your family or yourself.
4. Convenient
Distance learning is convenient because you can fit it into your schedule around other commitments such as work and studies.
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5. Flexible start date
It is also possible to start taking distance education courses immediately if you need to fast-track your education. Again, this is a good choice for you.
6 Disadvantages of distance learning degree for teaching jobs
1. Lack of full-time, workplace learning
All distance education programs are not fully online and you will often need to come into a classroom at least once per week to discuss assignments with the teacher. If you cannot find an interesting job to make you come in, this can be very inconvenient.
2. Lack of intangibles
It is impossible to earn the same kind of prestige or recognition with a traditional degree. You may also find it difficult to find employers who know an online degree and will only take someone who has a diploma or degree from an accredited institution.
3. Feeling isolated
Many online students feel isolated and lonely when they have no one around them to study with and no one to help them if they get stuck.
4. Distance learning means no access to campus facilities
It is also difficult for distance education students to gain access to campus resources such as libraries or computer labs.
5. Difficult to transfer credit
Suppose you want to transfer credit from one institution to another. In that case, it is not always easy for distance education institutions that are online-only programs because other traditional institutions do not consider this kind of learning valid tuition or transferable in the same way.
Is a distance learning degree valid for teaching jobs?
Distance education is just one way to obtain a teaching degree, and some graduates choose to work in offices that do not require formal teacher training or degrees. Teachers in special education, music and art are some of the most common non-education careers eligible for distance learning certifications and diplomas.
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Most of these jobs carry more benefits than drawbacks; however, because the requirements for these positions differ so highly between schools, it is important to research what your state has to offer to gain many tax benefits. In addition, these are just some of the many non-education jobs that are eligible for distance learning equivalency programs which often include a certification or diploma.
Unlike traditional education degrees, distance learning does not require a classroom setting so many career paths for students with sites require having to travel for work. Depending on the job you are pursuing, you may be commuting an hour or more each way between home and your workplace.
Many entry-level jobs include a distance education degree, but most of these positions require students to live on campus in a dormitory. These jobs include positions as administrative assistants and cafeteria workers.
While most traditional teachers work outside the classroom during the summer, many positions can be filled with a distance education degree. Some seasonal jobs involve being an assistant or supervisor at camps or resorts and summer programs for children.
These jobs require great physical stamina. For example, you may have to commute between home and work on your own using public transportation, be a volunteer at an animal shelter or perform farm work for the summer months. In addition, teachers who work outside of the classroom in these positions often find much less job security than in traditional classrooms.
Conclusion
Distance education is often fairly new, but some programs have been around for decades. While there are many benefits of completing a distance education program compared to a traditional classroom-based degree, you will find that most positions require licensure or certification which requires students to be employed in a classroom setting as opposed to working full-time on campus.
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