Traditional Student Path

The majority of new teachers graduate from a four-year institution, where they complete programs that prepare them for teaching a broad range of curriculum areas and age groups. Programs vary from colleges and universities but generally are offered for the preparation of early elementary (grades K-4), middle grades (grades 5-8), and secondary (grades 9-12) teachers. Teachers are also trained for specific subject areas such as art, business, health, physical education, technology education, music, and Special Education (Program for Exceptional Children). The programs include working in schools, culminating with extended student teaching or internship experiences of usually 8-10 weeks.

Campus-Based Teacher Education Programs in the SREB States

Campus-based programs are favorable to many students who prefer face-to-face interaction with their professors and peers. Students may also seek the "traditional" college experience, including dormitory life and extracurricular activities. Others may feel more comfortable in traditional programs because they like to attend classes on a regular schedule for a specific number of hours a week, with the workload being spread more evenly week by week.

E-Learning Preparation Programs

Distance learning programs are convenient for someone who does not live in close proximity to a college or university campus or for students whose family, work, or other obligations are not compatible with more traditional class scheduling. Distance learners typically state that they enjoy the flexibility that online study provides. For many adults, distance learning, online learning, or as many are now calling it, e-learning, provides opportunities to start or continue their educational pursuits while working, raising a family, or when they do not have immediate access to a campus. E-learning can be undertaken in a variety of forms, but its central feature is that the learning takes place when the instructor and students are not in a traditional "face-to-face" classroom. Traditional interaction, whether between faculty and students or students with their fellow learners, is conducted through some form of technology. These technologies, more and more, are the computer and the Internet.

E-learning offers options not available in on-campus learning situations and provides flexibility and convenience for a growing number of adult learners needing to balance work and family responsibilities.

Many students who have not experienced e-learning may be unsure about taking a course, or an entire program, in this format. To learn more about e-learning, determine whether it is right for you, and to see if you are ready for e-learning, visit the Expanded The Teacher Center web site.