If you’re looking for a rewarding career, then consider teaching. Not only does it give you the chance to change a student’s life, but it also opens up several avenues for career growth.
One of the best ways to break into the field and become a certified teacher in as little as one year is through accelerated teaching degree programs. But what is an accelerated teaching degree? Are they as good as regular teaching degrees?
In this article, we will explain an accelerated teaching degree and why you should pursue it. We will also list the top five accelerated teaching degrees.
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What Is an Accelerated Teaching Degree?
So, what is an accelerated teaching degree? Let’s break it down.
Definition
An accelerated teaching degree is a streamlined program that lets you earn your teaching certification in 12-18 months. This saves you about two to three years! You’re still getting all the same credentials as someone who went through a standard four-year program. However, they are very intensive, which means you can expect to spend more days pulling an overnighter.
Program Formats
Accelerated programs come in a few different formats:
- Online: This allows you to take courses from anywhere, making it perfect if you’re balancing other obligations.
- Hybrid: This combines online learning with in-person fieldwork. This format best balances flexibility and hands-on experience.
- On-campus: Traditional classroom-based programs are available, though these are less common for accelerated tracks.
Unlike traditional 2-4 years teaching programs, fast-track teaching degree programs would rarely offer part-time enrollment. Some might, but depending on your previous credentials.
Eligibility Criteria
Accelerated programs are perfect for:
- Aspiring educators: This is an excellent route if you’ve always wanted to teach and already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
- Career changers: If you’ve worked in a different field and are now looking to move into teaching, an accelerated program can help you quickly transition.
- Paraprofessionals: If you’re already working in schools as an assistant, you may already have some experience needed to step into a teaching role with an accelerated degree.
Typical requirements include having some college credits, a bachelor’s degree, or prior experience in education, though it depends on the specific program.
Benefits of an Accelerated Teaching Degree
Now, let’s explore the main benefits of accelerated teaching degrees:
Faster Time to Completion
One main reason for the growing demand for accelerated teaching degrees is its speed. Say goodbye to spending 2-4 years in school and hello to dedicating only 12-18 months of study time.
Cost-Effectiveness
Their faster completion time not only saves you time, but also money. Will you pay less in tuition? Maybe. You have to know that the tuition for accelerated teaching degrees is a bit similar to its traditional counterparts. However, you’ll be saving on other costs like commuting and campus events.
Flexible Learning Options
Accelerated bachelor’s degree in education can be pursued online and on-campus programs. This flexibility is especially valuable for balancing work, family, and school. Plus, it also gives you more school choices.
High Demand for Teachers
Did you know that there’s a shortage of 44 million teachers worldwide? The sooner you earn your teacher certification, the quicker you can help fill the teacher shortage. Schools are constantly looking for certified educators, especially in areas like special education, STEM, and early childhood education.
Specialized Tracks
Teaching is among the broadest fields. You can choose to teach STEM, arts, early childhood education, special education, and much more. It gives you better control over your career trajectory.
How Accelerated Teaching Degrees Work
Time to delve deeper into how these programs work.
Condensed Curriculum
The curriculum is condensed because accelerated teaching programs are designed to be fast. Instead of spending 4 months on a single class, you can complete it in 6-8 weeks. It’s a lot of material in a short amount of time, so expect a pretty intense workload.
Credit Transfer Options
Some accelerated programs allow you to transfer credits to speed up your learning. These programs still have the same coursework length, but you can save time by using your transfer credits to skip certain classes or requirements.
Student Teaching Requirements
Some students pursue online accelerated teaching degree programs, thinking they can bypass hands-on experience. However, this is not entirely true. Accelerated degrees require more fieldwork than traditional programs to fully prepare you for the classroom.
Certification Preparation
The best part is that these programs are designed to help you become fully certified to teach. They’re aligned with state licensure requirements, so you’ll be ready to start teaching as soon as you graduate.
Top 5 Accelerated Teaching Degrees
University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – Accelerated Online Bachelor of Education
- Focus: Early Childhood Education and ESL certification
- Duration: As few as 14 months
- Features: Fully online with flexible start dates
Western Governors University – Accelerated Teaching Programs
- Focus: Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education degrees
- Duration: Self-paced, often completed in 12 months
- Features: Competency-based model and affordable tuition
Grand Canyon University – Fast-Track Bachelor of Education
- Focus: Early Childhood and Elementary Education
- Duration: 18 months
- Features: Online coursework combined with in-person fieldwork
University of West Alabama – Online Accelerated Teaching Degrees
- Focus: Multiple areas, including Early Childhood and Secondary Education
- Duration: 12-18 months
- Features: Flexible online format for working professionals
Liberty University – Accelerated Teaching Licensure Program
- Focus: Elementary and Special Education tracks
- Duration: 12 months
- Features: Online program with hands-on teaching components
Who Should Pursue an Accelerated Teaching Degree?
We’ve already answered your questions; “What is an accelerated teaching degree?” Now, it’s time to define who these programs are best fitted for.
- Career changers: If you’ve been working in another field but want to make the switch to teaching, this is an ideal way to get your certification without starting from scratch. For example, accelerated early childhood education degrees can help individuals with different backgrounds transition into ECE in less than a year.
- Paraprofessionals: If you’re already working in a school setting as an aide, an accelerated degree can help you move into a full-time teaching role.
- Recent graduates: If you already have a non-education bachelor’s degree and want to get into teaching, an accelerated program lets you skip over the general education requirements.
- Working professionals: Balancing a job, family, and school can be tough, but with the flexibility of accelerated programs, you can pursue your dream of teaching without putting your life on hold.
Challenges of Accelerated Teaching Degrees
Short-term teaching degree programs also have their downsides. Before you choose this path, take note of these challenges.
- Intensive workload: Teaching degrees with accelerated coursework offers a very condensed time frame, which will require you to work twice as hard as traditional learners. Its fast-paced nature will require strong organizational skills and self-discipline.
- Limited time for deep learning: You’ll have less time to dive deeply into topics. The focus will be more on covering the essentials rather than going into every detail.
- Balancing responsibilities: Juggling work, family, and school can be a real challenge, especially with the intensity of accelerated programs.
How to Choose the Right Accelerated Teaching Degree
Here are a few important guidelines on how to earn a teaching degree quickly:
- Check for accreditation. You want to make sure educational authorities recognize the program.
- Verify licensure alignment. Make sure the program will help you meet state certification requirements.
- Choose the right format. Decide if you prefer online, hybrid, or in-person courses.
- Look at the specialization options. Fast teaching degree options for career changers offer several specializations. Ask yourself what area you want to teach in and look for programs offering that.
- Consider support services. Make sure there are resources like academic advisors and career counseling to help you succeed.
Steps to Succeed in an Accelerated Teaching Degree Program
As we’ve said, fast-track teaching degrees are very challenging. To make it through successfully:
- Develop time management skills. Create a structured schedule for coursework and personal responsibilities.
- Stay organized. Use tools like planners, calendars, and task management apps.
- Engage actively. Participate in discussions, seek feedback, and build.
- Leverage support networks. Connect with peers, mentors, and professional organizations.
Conclusion
So, what is an accelerated teaching degree? Well, they are the quickest path to teacher certification, allowing you to apply for positions in as few as 12-18 months! They help you save both time and money by shortening the length of your studies.
However, these programs are very intense. You’ll need strong organizational skills and self-discipline to stay focused and avoid distractions. If you’re excited to change careers quickly and can handle a fast-paced environment, this could be the right path for you!
