Alaska’s nickname is “The Last Frontier” and, in many ways, it still is. Alaskans agree that education is among their most pressing challenges – a last frontier, so to speak. While Alaskan students receive a good education, it cannot be denied that there’s plenty of room for improvement. The State of Alaska has among the largest achievement gaps with poor rankings in reading and math scores.
Fortunately, Alaskans have recognized the problem and sought to address it through its Education Challenge. The plan aims to transform Alaska’s public education system into an extensive network of high-achieving, family-friendly, and relevant learning opportunities.
If you want to become part of the transformation, now is the best time to earn an online degree in education. Here are the things that you must know about becoming a teacher/educator in Alaska.
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Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Alaska
Aspiring and current educators who want to earn a teaching certification in Alaska must submit their application to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. The Teacher Certification Office is the specific office that issues the seven types of teacher certificates.
Note that every type has its specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. When in doubt, request information from the Office.
Initial Two-Year or Three-Year Certification
The certification is offered to applicants who:
- Have completed a teacher preparation program
- New to the teaching profession (i.e., less than two years of teaching experience)
The application requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Passing scores on basic competency and content area exam
- Completed teacher preparation program
- Completed four compulsory trainings
The initial two-year certificate can be extended for one year. Applicants for the three-year certificate must have completed at least three semester hours each of Alaska studies and Alaska multicultural courses.
Once the three-year certificate has expired, you can choose to apply for either the initial five-year or the professional certificate.
Initial Program Enrollment
The Initial Program Enrollment certification is offered to applicants who meet all these requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program
- Have sponsorship from an Alaska school district
- Passing scores on a basic competency and content area exam
- At least five years of content area teaching experience
- Completed four Mandatory Trainings
Reemployment Certification
The Re-employment certification applies to teachers whose master’s or professional certificate expired for more than one year. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Never been issued an Alaska Reemployment Teacher certificate
- Issued an Alaska teacher certificate valid for two years, minimum
- Unable to meet Professional Certificate requirements
- Completed four Mandatory Trainings
Initial Five-Year Certificate
The requirements for issuance of the five-year initial teaching certificate are:
- Held an initial teacher certificate
- Completion of approved teacher preparation exam
- Completed four Mandatory Trainings
- Passing scores on the basic competency exam and content area exam
- Completion of three semester hours each of Alaska studies and Alaska multicultural courses
- Completed six semester hours of recency credit
Professional Certificate
Applicants for the Professional Certificate must comply with these eligibility requirements:
- Two years of teaching experience with a valid teacher certificate
- Passing scores on the basic competency exam and content area exam
- Completed teacher preparation exam
- Completion of three semester hours each of Alaska studies and Alaska multicultural courses
- Completed six semester hours of recency credit
Out-of-State Professional Certificate
As its name implies, the Out-of-State Professional Teacher Certificate applies to educators with teaching licenses issued by another state. Teaching licenses and certifications issued outside of the United States don’t fall under this category.
Applicants must meet these eligibility requirements to be considered:
- Holds a bachelor’s degree
- With a current and valid out-of-state teacher license or certificate
- At least two years of teaching experience
- Completed four mandatory trainings
Master Teacher Certificate
If you have a national board certification, you can apply for Alaska’s Master Teacher Certificate. Eligibility requirements include:
- Current NBPTS-issued National Board certification
- With either a current Initial or Professional certification
- Completed four Mandatory Trainings
- Meets Professional Certification requirements
Applicants for every type of certification must also submit a completed application form, pay the application fees, and submit a fingerprint card.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
Applicants to online education programs in Alaska undergo the same admission process, criteria, and requirements as their on-campus counterparts. But the specifics are different for every university featured here. When in doubt about the admissions process, you should communicate with the proper university officials.
In general, the admissions requirements for online undergraduate programs in education are as follows.
- High school diploma
- At least 2.5 grade on the 16-credit high school core curriculum
- At least 2.5 cumulative GPA
Applicants to the online graduate programs must take note of these requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 3.0 GPA (General GRE scores required for below 3.0 GPA)
- Official transcripts
- One year of relevant satisfactory teaching or administrative experience
- Personal statement (4-5 pages)
- Three letters of reference
- Resume
- Completed graduate application
Other requirements may be required depending on your selected graduate program. These can include a completed Alaska Student Teacher Authorization Packet and Elementary Teacher Education Academic Analysis and Life/Work Form. An interview may also be required.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Alaska
- Elementary School Teachers $70,919
- Middle School Teachers $71,790
- High School Teachers $71,800
- Special Education Teachers $68,492
- Principals $128,948
- Vice Principals $107,021
- School Superintendents $194,294
- School Counselors $70,130
- Librarians $77,511
- Instructional Coordinators $58,451
Scholarships for Future Educators in Alaska
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of in-state tuition and fees in Alaska is $8,849 per year (rank #37). Aspiring and current educators seeking to reduce their education-related costs should consider these scholarships.
- The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship is open for NEA Aspiring Educator members. There are up to five $2,500/student scholarships awarded every year. Applicants must submit letters of recommendation and a completed application form.
- The University of Alaska Teacher Internship Scholarship Program welcomes both undergraduate and graduate students in teacher preparation programs. Undergraduate students can receive a full-tuition scholarship and a $10,000 stipend. Graduate students receive a $10,000 stipend and tuition support.
- The Indigenizing Education for Alaska (IEA) Scholarships are open for Alaska Native undergraduate students majoring in education. Scholars receive tuition and fees assistance and book allowance for two courses in Alaska Native history, language, or studies.
The 3 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Alaska
Alaska’s vast land area makes it challenging for Alaskans to earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees in education. The geographical barrier, particularly in rural and remote areas, is a significant hindrance. Fortunately, the most prominent universities in Alaska offer many of their on-campus programs in an online format.
These three universities also:
- Have regional accreditation awarded by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The regional accreditation is a guarantee of quality academic instruction, student support services, and financial aid.
- Provide students with a wide range of education programs
- Guarantee affordable tuition and fees
Note that these three universities are all part of the University of Alaska System. Each university maintains separate accreditation.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks, the first and flagship university of the University of Alaska System, holds the distinction of being a triple threat, so to speak. The public land-, sea- and space-grant research university takes pride in its innovative approach to higher education that fosters individuality.
The School of Education promotes UAF’s tradition of innovation in its academic programs. The online education programs also foster professionalism, cultural responsiveness and awareness, and effectiveness among its students. All academic programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), a testament to their excellent quality in teacher education.
BA in Elementary Education
Students develop their teaching competencies in math, science, social studies, and language arts. The professional coursework covers teaching competencies vital for teachers in kindergarten until grade eight.
Students tackle a professional curriculum with an emphasis on theory and its applications as well as research. Graduates not only gain content knowledge but, more importantly, develop their classroom management and leadership skills.
BA in Secondary Education
Graduates of the BA in Secondary Education program possess both an undergraduate degree and a professional education licensure. UAF offers many academic subject areas for students to choose from. These include art, chemistry, biology, mathematics, history, earth sciences, and English, among other languages.
Students must work with their academic advisors for their academic plan and course sequence. The 121-credit program includes courses in:
- Introduction to Secondary Education
- Developing Literacy in the Content Areas
- Classroom Organization and Management
- Technology Applications in Education
- Multicultural Education and School-community Relations
Students complete a year-long supervised teaching internship and other field experiences.
BM in Music Education
The 124-credit BM in Music Education program offers three concentrations – K-12, Elementary, and Secondary. This is an excellent program for aspiring teachers with a passion for music education, particularly within the context of Alaskan culture.
The courses are an interesting mix including:
- Northern Lights String Orchestra
- Child Development
- Alaska Native Education
- Becoming a Music Teacher in the 21st Century
Students complete a Practicum in Middle-level Music Methods course, too.
MEd in Special Education
The MEd in Special Education has the distinction of being Exemplary Status by Quality Matters awardee. This is intended for current K-12 special education teachers and related professionals.
Students can choose from many combination options within the MEd in Special Education program:
- With Initial Teacher Certification
- With Additional Endorsement
- Initial Special Education Teacher Certification
- Teaching Endorsement in Special Education
MEd in School Counseling
The research-intensive MEd in School Counseling program features intensive coursework, internship, and field practicum. Students prepare for success in school settings and rural communities across Alaska.
Courses include Foundations of Counseling, Counseling Theories and Applications, and Counseling Skills. The Research in Counseling and Educational Settings course can be challenging.
MEd in Elementary Education
Current teachers can earn the MEd in Elementary Education degree in one year while maintaining their employment. Students earn both the master’s degree and K-8 teacher certification.
The 45-credit curriculum features courses based on local culture and knowledge. An internship and fieldwork experience strengthen classroom learning. Courses include:
- Reading, Writing, Language Arts: Methods and Curriculum Development
- Classroom Management Communication and Collaboration
- Assessment of Literacy Development
MEd in Secondary Education
The 36-credit MEd in Secondary Education program provides students with teacher education grounded in Alaska’s culture, geography, and history. Students have a bachelor’s degree in a content area and seek first-time teaching licensure. Completion of the post-baccalaureate licensure program is a must.
UAF also offers many certificate and post-baccalaureate licensure programs including:
- Elementary K-8 post-baccalaureate
- Secondary education post-baccalaureate
- Local Knowledge Educator Undergraduate Certificate Program
- Special education post-baccalaureate
- K-12 post-baccalaureate
Students can also pursue minors in elementary education, secondary education, or early childhood education.
- In-state Tuition: $7,896
- Online Education Degrees: 7
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University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage, the largest university in the UA System, prides itself on extensive industry connections and groundbreaking education. The School of Education promotes lifelong learning, too, and emphasizes its transformative power in the lives of its students and alumni.
UAA doesn’t offer online bachelor’s degree programs in education. If you’re interested, check out its BA in Early Childhood Education with three concentration choices – Licensure to teach Pre-K through 3rd grade, Professional Early Childhood Educator, and Child Life Specialist.
These three graduate programs are offered online.
MEd in Educational Leadership
The two-year MEd in Educational Leadership program enables students to pursue Alaska’s Type B Administrative Credential endorsement. Students can also earn a graduate certificate in educational leadership with a principal endorsement (K-12).
This is a self-paced program where students use learning modules. Note, however, that students progress as a cohort. Students develop their research and leadership skills toward effective, efficient, and responsive leadership in educational settings.
MEd in Special Education
Students in the MEd in Special Education program prepare for the challenges and rewards of teaching K-12 students with special needs. There are two concentrations – elementary and secondary – both of which feature intensive coursework, field experiences, and advanced internships.
There’s a special education graduate certificate offer for certified teachers, too. Students create an ePortfolio as a culminating requirement.
MEd in Teaching and Learning
The MEd in Teaching and Learning program requires the completion of a comprehensive portfolio including an applied research project. Students gain advanced teaching and learning knowledge in a robust Alaskan context. The 30-credit program features courses like Leadership in Alaska Culture and Social Justice Issues for this reason.
- In-state Tuition: $8,376
- Online Education Degrees: 4
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University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast is known for its student-centered academic and workforce development programs. The School of Education is home to aspiring and current teachers and education leaders who want to serve Alaskans. UAS also provides opportunities for Alaska’s Indigenous teachers through its Preparing Indigenous Teachers & Administrators for Alaska Schools (PITAAS) program.
BA in Elementary Education
The 120-credit BA in Elementary Education Program has a 4-year time-to-degree. Students complete intensive coursework as well as a nine-month internship and mentor-supervised practicum experiences. University advisors guide students throughout the program.
BA in Special Education
This is also a 120-credit, 4-year program for motivated students. Students complete a teaching practicum. Graduates develop their cultural awareness and responsiveness in educational settings. The program also awards a Teaching Certificate with a K-12 teaching endorsement to graduates.
MAT Elementary Education K-8
The MAT Elementary Education K-8 program awards an elementary K-8 Initial Teacher Certificate recommendation for completers. Students complete 36-39 credits. Courses include Literacy in the Intermediate and Middle School Grades and Math Methods in the K-8 Classroom.
MAT Secondary and Middle Grades Education
The MAT Secondary and Middle Grades Education is a 36-credit program that can be completed in 11 months. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn a teaching certificate.
Students complete challenging coursework with courses in Secondary Methods for Teaching in the Humanities and Curriculum Development, among others. A full-time, year-long teaching internship is required for graduation.
MAT in Special Education
Students in the MAT in Special Education seek initial teaching certification in special education. The 39-credit program includes a student teaching requirement. Courses include Early Childhood Special Education and Assessment of Students with Disabilities.
MEd Educational Leadership
The 36-credit MEd Educational Leadership program features a cohort model. Students prepare for future roles as school administrators. Courses include Introduction to Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instructional Leadership.
MEd Reading Specialist
Students in the MEd Reading Specialist program complete 33 credits of intensive coursework. The program emphasizes improved student literacy at the P-12 level. Courses include Language, Reading and Culture, Developing Reading, and Reading and Cognition.
MEd Special Education
This is a 33-credit program featuring rigorous courses like Early Childhood Special Education and Assessment of Students with Disabilities.
UAS also offers the following related online graduate certificate programs:
- Elementary Education K-8
- Reading Specialist
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Superintendent
- In-state Tuition: $6,960
- Online Education Degrees: 8
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