How Career Shifters Become Teachers through Online Teaching Degree Programs

If you are looking for a career change that offers profound meaning and a chance to make a lasting difference, teaching may be the right path for you. Many professionals from diverse fields find themselves drawn to education, eager to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation. The good news is that making this transition is more achievable than ever, thanks to flexible online teaching degree programs designed for career shifters like you.

Making the leap into a new profession can feel daunting, but the journey to becoming a teacher is a well-defined process. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to earning your teaching license and explain how an online university can support your transition into the classroom.

Why Online Degree Programs Are Ideal for Career Shifters

Online teaching degree programs are uniquely suited for individuals transitioning into the education field from other careers. These programs offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with your current job, family responsibilities, or other commitments. With the ability to study from anywhere, you can progress at your own pace, whether that means accelerating through courses or taking the time you need to thoroughly digest the material. 

Online programs are often designed with career-changers in mind, offering targeted support and resources to help you adapt to your new path. From virtual mentoring opportunities to accessible teaching practicum options, these programs are structured to help you gain the skills and confidence you need to thrive in the classroom. Plus, many online universities provide financial aid and flexible payment plans, making the cost of earning a teaching degree more manageable for those entering a second career.

Steps to Become a Certified Teacher

The path to teacher certification involves several key milestones. Specific requirements vary from state to state, so it is crucial to check with your state's department of education or licensing board for the exact requirements in your area.

Bachelor’s Degree

The foundational requirement for becoming a teacher is a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a different field, you may not need to start from scratch. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate teacher licensure programs or master's degrees that build upon your existing education. For those without a degree, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education or a subject-specific secondary education degree is the first step. Online programs provide the flexibility to complete this coursework around your current work and family commitments.

Background Check

Protecting the safety and well-being of students is the highest priority in education. As a result, all prospective teachers must undergo a comprehensive criminal background check. This process typically involves submitting fingerprints to both state and federal agencies, such as the FBI. The goal is to ensure that every individual who works in a school environment is fit to be entrusted with the care of children. A criminal record may not automatically disqualify you, but it will be reviewed carefully by the licensing board.

Examinations

To demonstrate your knowledge and skills, you will need to pass one or more standardized exams. These tests often cover several areas, particularly:

• Basic skills: Assessments of your reading, writing, and mathematics proficiency.
• Subject matter knowledge: Exams that test your expertise in the specific subject you intend to teach, such as biology, history, or mathematics.
• Pedagogy: Tests that evaluate your understanding of teaching principles, learning theories, student development, and classroom management strategies.

The specific exams required, such as the Praxis series, vary by state. It is important to identify which tests you need to take and prepare for them thoroughly. Some online universities provide practice exams and virtual test-prep workshops to help students build confidence before taking state-required assessments.

Preclinical Experience

Before you lead a classroom on your own, you must gain practical experience in a school setting. Preclinical experiences, often called field experiences or observations, are a core componentof teacher preparation programs. These experiences allow you to observe licensed teachers, assist with small-group instruction, and gradually become more involved in the daily life of a classroom. This hands-on learning helps connect the theories you study in your coursework to real-world educational environments. Online programs facilitate these placements in schools within your local community.

In-Classroom Student Teaching

The capstone of your teacher preparation is the student teaching experience, also known as demonstration teaching or a clinical placement. This is an immersive, full-time commitment, typically lasting one semester, where you take on the responsibilities of a lead teacher under the supervision of an experienced mentor teacher and a university supervisor. You will plan lessons, deliver instructions, manage the classroom, assess student learning, and communicate with parents. This critical experience is your opportunity to apply everything you have learned and prove your readiness for your own classroom.

Additional State Requirements

Some states have unique requirements for licensure. These might include completing specific coursework in state history, health education, or special education laws. You may also need to complete workshops on topics like child abuse recognition or school violence prevention. Staying informed about your state’s specific mandates is essential for a smooth certification process. Always refer to your state’s official licensing body as the ultimate source of information.

Shift to Something Great

Transitioning to teaching is not just a career move—it can be a meaningful career shift that lets you apply your skills in a way that makes a real difference in students’ lives. For career shifters, flexibility and support are paramount. 

WGU offers an educational model designed to meet the needs of working adults who are transitioning into teaching. Our online, competency-based approach allows you to balance your studies with your current job and life responsibilities. At WGU, you progress by demonstrating mastery of course material, not by logging seat time. If you have existing knowledge from your prior career, you can use it to accelerate through your coursework. This model respects your professional experience and can help you earn your degree more quickly and affordably.

If you are ready to turn your passion into a profession, exploring an online teaching degree is an excellent first step. Learn more about WGU’s accredited teacher certification programs and see how you can begin your journey to the classroom.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common inquiries from aspiring teachers:

• Who is eligible to pursue a teaching degree online as a career shifter? Generally, anyone with a high school diploma or GED is eligible to apply for an undergraduate online teaching degree program. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you may be eligible for a post-baccalaureate or master's program leading to licensure. Each university has its own admission requirements, so it's best to speak with an enrollment advisor to discuss your specific background and goals. The primary qualifications are a passion for learning and a commitment to helping students succeed.
• How long does it take to complete an online teaching degree program for someone switching careers? The time to completion varies depending on several factors, including the specific program, whether you are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree, and how many credits you can transfer from previous college coursework. At a competency-based university like WGU, the pace is up to you. Some students with significant prior knowledge and time to dedicate to their studies may finish faster than they would in a traditional, term-based program. On average, students might complete a bachelor's program in two to four years, while post-baccalaureate and master's programs can often be completed in one to two years.
• Will I need to take exams or assessments beyond coursework? Yes. In addition to completing your degree program, all states require prospective teachers to pass standardized licensure examinations. These tests, such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis Subject Assessments, measure your fundamental academic skills and your knowledge of the subject you plan to teach. Your university coursework is designed to help prepare you for these exams, but you will need to register for and pass them independently as part of the state's certification process.