Check out what you need to earn a Bachelor's degree in Teaching, including what the degree is, the pros and cons, steps to get it, program length, online options, what you'll study, and career possibilities.

Key Points

• A bachelor's degree in teaching is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students to become certified teachers in elementary, middle, or high school.
• Pursuing a teaching degree offers several benefits, including the opportunity to shape young minds, job stability, and the ability to make a positive impact on the community.
• The admission process involves meeting specific requirements, applying to a teaching program, exploring financial aid options, and completing the program.
• The degree typically takes four years to complete and covers a range of subjects, including educational theory, classroom management, and subject-specific content.
• Graduates with a teaching degree can pursue various career paths, including entry-level teaching roles, graduate school, and other education-related professions.

What is a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching?

A bachelor's degree in teaching is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students to become certified teachers in elementary, middle, or high school. The program combines coursework in education theory, pedagogy, and subject-specific content with hands-on experience in the classroom through student teaching or internships. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for teaching certification in their state, which is required to work as a public school teacher.

Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching

Pros

• Opportunity to shape young minds and make a positive impact on the lives of students
• Stable job market with a projected growth in employment for teachers
• Potential for career advancement, such as becoming a school administrator or curriculum developer
• Ability to work in a variety of educational settings, including public and private schools, charter schools, and international schools
• Potential for flexible work schedules and summers off

Cons

• Challenging work environment with high levels of stress and responsibility
• Relatively low starting salaries compared to other professional fields
• Ongoing professional development requirements and the need to stay up-to-date with educational trends and policies
• Potential for limited job opportunities in certain geographic areas or subject areas
• Potential for burnout due to the demanding nature of the job

How to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching

1. Meet the Admission Requirements: To be accepted into a teaching program, you will typically need to meet the following requirements:

• Minimum GPA (often 2.5 or higher)
• Passing scores on standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT
• Completion of prerequisite courses in subjects like English, math, and science
• Submission of a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and other application materials

2. Apply to the Teaching Program: Once you have met the admission requirements, you can apply to the teaching program at your desired university or college. The application process may include an interview, a background check, and the submission of additional materials.

3. Explore Financial Aid Options: Financing a bachelor's degree in teaching can be a significant investment, but there are several options available to help make it more affordable:

• Scholarships and grants: Many organizations, schools, and government agencies offer financial aid specifically for aspiring teachers.
• Student loans: Federal and private student loans can help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
• Work-study programs: Some universities offer on-campus employment opportunities that can help offset the cost of attendance.

4. Enroll and Complete the Program: Once you have been accepted into a teaching program, you will begin taking courses in education theory, pedagogy, and subject-specific content. You will also complete hands-on teaching experiences, such as student teaching or internships, to gain practical experience in the classroom.

List of Online Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching

For those looking into an online bachelor's degree in Teaching, there are many choices available. Dreambound is a website to consider, offering a flexible and cost-effective Teaching degree program.

Dreambound is an online education platform that partners with accredited universities to deliver top-notch, affordable degree programs. Their online bachelor's degree in Teaching is designed for students needing a convenient and adaptable learning option.

Some of the schools and programs available through Dreambound include:

Liberty University Online

Program:

• BS: Teaching English as a Second Language

Cost Range: $20,000 - $45,000

Western Governors University

Program:

• BS in Elementary Education (Interdisciplinary Studies)

Cost Range: $20,000 - $30,000

How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching?

A bachelor's degree in teaching typically takes four years to complete. During this time, students will take a combination of general education courses, core education courses, and subject-specific courses related to their desired grade level or subject area. The program may also include student teaching or internship experiences, which provide hands-on training in the classroom.

What to Expect from a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching

A bachelor's degree in teaching covers a wide range of topics, including educational theory, classroom management, instructional strategies, and subject-specific content. Students can expect to take courses in areas such as:

• Child or adolescent development
• Curriculum design and implementation
• Classroom assessment and evaluation
• Special education and inclusive practices
• Educational technology and digital learning

In addition to classroom-based coursework, students will also participate in hands-on teaching experiences, such as student teaching or internships, to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.

What Can You Do with a Teaching Bachelor's Degree?

Graduate School Preparation

A bachelor's degree in teaching can serve as a strong foundation for pursuing a master's degree or doctoral degree in education. Graduates may choose to specialize in areas such as educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, or special education. These advanced degrees can lead to career paths in school administration, instructional coaching, or postsecondary education.

Entry-Level Teaching Roles

The primary career path for graduates with a bachelor's degree in teaching is to become a certified elementary, middle, or high school teacher. Depending on their area of specialization, they may teach a specific subject, such as English, math, or science, or work as a general classroom teacher.

Career Opportunities

In addition to traditional teaching roles, graduates with a bachelor's degree in teaching can also pursue the following career opportunities:

• Tutoring or private instruction
• Curriculum development
• Educational technology specialist
• Instructional designer
• School counselor
• Educational administrator

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for elementary, middle, and high school teachers in the United States is around $84,380, and the job outlook for these positions is projected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Final Thoughts

A bachelor's degree in teaching is a versatile and rewarding path that can lead to a fulfilling career in education. Whether you aspire to be a classroom teacher, an educational leader, or a specialist in the field, this degree can provide the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of students. If you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching, Online Teaching Bachelor's Degree, or BS in Teaching, be sure to research the specific requirements and programs offered by various institutions to find the best fit for your educational and career goals.

If this guide isn't quite what you had in mind, have a look at the other guides below to see if there's one that's a better match:

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