Online Education & Teaching Degrees in Texas: Comparing Schools

Associate Degrees in Education

An associate degree is designed for students who want to enter the education and teaching field as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants. This type of degree provides foundational knowledge in educational theories, classroom management, and child development. It’s ideal for students who want to start working in education as quickly as possible.

A Look Into Education Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is the main stepping stone for a full-time teaching position. Aspiring educators learn skills in teaching methodology and classroom management. They can pursue fulfilling careers as licensed primary or secondary school teachers. Most programs include specialties such as mathematics, science, or literature for students who are interested in specific career roles.

Online Master’s Degrees in Education

Education and teaching students can earn an MEd, or master’s degree in education, for stronger professional development and career advancement. This type of degree is focused on specialized areas such as leadership, curriculum design, and/or special education. It equips graduates with advanced teaching strategies and leadership skills. A master’s degree program is great preparation for specific educational fields like literacy instruction or educational technology.

Doctorates and Graduate Certificates in Education

Education doctorates are advanced degrees designed for seasoned education professionals, including teachers, administrators, and policymakers. A PhD for educators is designed for scholars and researchers who want to contribute to theoretical and empirical foundations in the field.

Graduate certificates are designed for students who want to gain specialized education knowledge without pursuing a full master’s degree.

FAQs from Education and Teaching Students

What is the FAFSA form and how can it help me earn financial aid?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online application that is used to assess students for federal grants and loans. It’s also used by Texas schools and organizations in their individual financial aid processes.

It’s a good idea to submit a FAFSA form as early as possible. You should have your financial details and other information ready before you navigate which financial aid resources might be available to you.

Are accelerated teaching and education degree or certificate programs available in Texas?

Yes; you can find a quicker or more convenient route to a teaching degree or certificate through accelerated degree programs. Some of these programs are available fully online, but many require some in-person or classroom learning. Others might require student teaching hours and hands-on experience as part of the accelerated format.

Transferring credits is generally part of an accelerated program. The state of Texas provides a faster route to a career through its Alternative Certification Program (ACP). It allows students to continue teaching while fulfilling the requirements they need to be fully certified in the state.

Do education and teaching programs in Texas offer grants or loan repayment programs?

Yes; several financial aid options are sponsored by the state. These programs include the Toward Excellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) grant program, which is designed strictly for Texas students and awards up to $5,000 per semester.

The Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program is designed for teachers who want to work in underserved areas in Texas. It’s an annual repayment award. The amount given varies on a student-by-student basis. The college or university you choose can offer information about other state-based financial programs.

What are some in-demand education and teaching jobs in Texas?

The most in-demand areas for young teachers are bilingual education, career and technical courses, technology, language arts and reading, mathematics, and special education, according to data from the Texas Education Agency. Most of the demand is in secondary schools in the state.

Long-time underserved roles for schools in any state include librarians, curriculum developers, and school counselors. Certain areas in Texas – especially those with struggling economies – might have a greater need for teachers.

What other types of roles besides working at a school or university can I get with an education and teaching degree?

Other available jobs throughout Texas include writing and editing roles, technical writing, designing a curriculum instead of directly teaching, working as a lobbyist or fundraiser for non-profit educational organizations, and developing public school tests or career certification exams. Some state libraries hire graduates with an education and teaching degree; those roles include creating programs for adult literacy or teaching computer skills to senior citizens.

Education and Teaching: Salary & Careers for Graduates

Content not available.

Education & Teaching Resources for Students and Professionals

Navigating the educational landscape can be complex. But, various groups, organizations, and communities can help you research education and teaching programs in Texas.

Listed below are resources for legal support, financial aid (for degrees and certificates), professional development, and networking, plus information from like-minded professionals.

Charles Butt Foundation: This group is one of the largest philanthropic organizations for educators in Texas. It offers scholarships for college, research and reporting on education in Texas, and online events for teachers.

My Texas Future: This group was formerly known as College for All Texans. Its website, from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, features a large directory of tools and financial resources for students in the Lone Star State.

State of Texas Financial Aid resources: The comptroller’s office, a state government agency, offers state-sponsored financial aid programs. These programs are designed for Texas students who are enrolled in community and tech colleges or graduate programs at universities.

Texas AFT: This organization is the state’s teachers’ union. Its members advocate for the rights of educators, support staff, and retirees across K-12 and community college settings. The group addresses key issues such as classroom conditions and employee benefits.

Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE): This is a statewide group that offers workshops and support groups. Its website features a list of scholarships that are available to education and teaching students in Texas.

Texas Association of Teacher Educators (TxATE): This organization helps promote teacher education goals and ideals in the state through online resources, conferences, and a journal. Membership is open to professionals who are concerned with improving the education of teachers.

Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA): This group’s mission is to protect the rights and benefits of Texas teachers and instructional staff. It offers legal protection from staff attorneys who can help answer job-related questions and/or concerns.

Texas College Work-Study Program: This organization’s website features many resources, including information on work-study programs, bilingual educational programs, and campus-based programs.

Texas Education Agency (TEA): As the state’s primary authority on education, the TEA plays a pivotal role in shaping educational policies and practices. The organization provides curriculum guidelines, professional development resources, and information about standardized testing.

Texas State Teachers Association: This Texas group is part of the National Education Association. It offers many benefits to educators, including advocacy programs, legal assistance, business and technology services, and leadership development opportunities.

Top Online Education and Teaching Schools in Texas

Students who seek any kind of educational degree or certificate can benefit from comparing schools and determining what is most important to them. The list below features rankings, according to data that two- and four-year schools volunteered to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Schools were ranked based on how many online programs they provide, tuition and fees associated with education and teaching programs, and student-to-faculty ratio.