Are Online Teaching Degrees Respected?

In the year 2013 with gas prices out of control, federal funds for education being more tightly regulated than ever, and so many families working more than one job, I am amazed that people still question online schooling. Some people are even startled that you can earn a degree in education online. Head up people, I did not just get mt BA online; I'm now working on my Master. So I thought I would share some of the advantages of getting an online degree in education as seen through the eyes of the professionals that matter.

Let's begin with the fact that WGU Indiana earned 3 out of 4 stars when evaluated by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). That's out of 1,100 colleges by the way. What were they rated highest in? Student teaching best practices. That is pretty interesting when you consider that WGU Indiana students are not going to a daily class to try to get pointers for their student teaching experience. Do we get assistance? Sure, but we have to make it a point to ask for it. When it is asked for, there is no question that WGU Indiana is top notch at responding to student requests.

Moving right along...

WGU Indiana is not just another online school. Their program is competency based, which means you don't have to listen to lectures on material that you are well versed in. You go at your own pace, so you get time to focus on the areas you need the most instruction in. How do employers see this? How about seeing that you did something like 80 credits in 2 years? That's a pretty significant show of motivation.

Employers today are looking for people who are motivated. In the field of education, it is part of your job to go above and beyond. In fact, one system of measuring teacher competency allows for 15% of your total score to be based on your volunteer activities. If you aren't motivated as a teacher, you aren't going to be employed. Period.

The bottom line is that in the field of education, online degrees are earning respect. In fact, I recently learned that 90% of the employers who hire WGU graduates are pleased with what they got. 99% of them would hire another WGU Indiana graduate. Are online teaching degrees respected? I would say that the answer is a resounding "yes".