Jan. 24 is the International Day of Education, and there’s probably no population who understands the value of education better than teachers.
Though it can be challenging for educators to balance the demands of teaching while pursuing an education themselves, online learning provides a flexible pathway to earn a graduate degree or additional professional credentials.
In fact, Georgia State Online offers three different options for current educators who want to expand their professional opportunities and increase their earning potential. With additional teaching endorsements, graduate certificates and master’s degrees available, Georgia State Online has options to fit a variety of needs and goals.
Endorsements
Ready for a change? Individuals who already hold a current, renewable teaching certificate are eligible to pursue additional endorsements in subjects outside of their current content area. Georgia State Online offers six different endorsements in the following content areas:
- Computer Science
- Dual Language Immersion Early Childhood Education
- K-5 Mathematics
- Online Teacher Support and Coaching
- Reading
- Urban Education
The credit hours needed to complete an endorsement vary by content area, ranging from six to 15 hours. All classes are offered fully online and some can be completed during the summer term.
Graduate Certificates
Earning an online graduate certificate typically requires more coursework than an endorsement, ranging from 15 to 18 credit hours. Graduate certificates are well-suited for educators who are interested in gaining a new perspective to enrich their teaching, seeking a new career pathway or looking to advance to leadership roles in their schools.
As school districts seek to integrate more science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts into their curriculum, current educators may find the need to enhance their understanding of these principles. Georgia State Online’s STEM Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate can help educators develop the science, mathematical and digital literacies necessary to meet those demands.
Those who are interested in pursuing opportunities in the ever-growing fields of online learning or instruction design will find their fit through either the Online Learning Design and Development Graduate Certificate Program or the Instructional Design and Technology Graduate Certificate Program. Both certificates prepare individuals to pursue careers in the education, non-profit or corporate sectors, giving current educators the ability to explore pathways both in and outside of their field.
Teachers who have already earned an education-related master’s degree are eligible for the Educational Leadership, Tier I Certificate, which qualifies them for entry-level school or school district leadership positions.
Master’s Degrees
Georgia State Online offers three master’s degrees that are tailored for current teachers. Master’s degrees require a minimum of 36 credit hours, but the time investment is worthwhile given that advanced degrees often equate to salary incentives and promotions in the education field.
The Elementary Education, Online M.Ed. meets the needs of teachers who desire an advanced degree and an additional endorsement. Students in this program benefit from a focused area of study and the opportunity to hone their pedagogical skills to serve as teacher leaders.
Educators who do not currently hold a master’s degree and want to qualify for entry-level school leadership positions can pursue both their graduate degree and tier I certificate through Georgia State’s Online Master's in Educational Leadership, Tier I program.
Teachers who want to earn an advanced degree and pursue a more in-depth study of instruction design should enroll in the Instructional Design and Technology, M.S., an expansion of the certificate program.
Regardless of the program, teachers who choose to pursue further education through Georgia State Online will receive high-quality instruction at a flexible pace and reap the rewards for years to come.