Question: Do the teachers at online schools have the same credentials as teachers at other schools?
Answer: Yes, teachers at online schools must
have the same certifications as teachers at traditional schools. All
states require public school teachers to posses both a bachelor's degree
and state-issued certification, as well as complete a certain amount of
internship hours, otherwise known as student teaching experience. It
generally takes individuals four to five years to earn their degree and
become fully certified. Upon completion of the credential program,
individuals usually have to pass a test which tests them on their
knowledge in the content area they wish to teach in. They will then be
issued a teacher certificate for the grade levels that they are
permitted to teach.
Similar to a teaching position at a traditional school, teachers
interested in teaching online must complete a teacher application which
also requires several professional references. Teachers must also
interview for the position. Virtual teachers will generally reside in
the same state in which their students live, but there are some schools
that do not have this requirement. Online teachers will also receive
evaluations from administrators similar to the evaluation process in a
traditional school setting. The evaluation process usually requires
teachers to be observed by their administrators while conducting a
class.
Interactions between students and their teacher will be different in
an online situation. While there are typically live webinar sessions,
students will be expected to complete their lessons independently.
Students can often contact their teacher through the online classroom
portal, email, or even by phone.
Teachers' credentials are most likely available for viewing. If a
personal introduction is not made by the child's teacher, it may be
reasonable for the family to ask to view the credentials if it's
something of concern. Many teachers will have credentials beyond what is
the minimum requirement. Some of these additional certifications may
be: special education, English as a second language, gifted and
talented, or a highly qualified status in a specific content area
.
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