Top 10 Fastest Online Teacher Certification Programs

Becoming a teacher, for many, is a career choice driven by passion and heart. It takes a lot of skills to be a great teacher, and a lot of schooling, too. Many teachers have their master's degree in education or a field related to their subject matter. Earning a teaching certification takes time and money, but choosing an accelerated teaching certification is one way to quickly advance from student to teacher.

What Are Online Accelerated Teacher Certification Programs?

Accelerated online teaching certification programs provide a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional teaching certification programs. These programs are primarily designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education. Coursework includes curriculum planning, lesson delivery, behavior management, and more essential skills for soon-to-be teachers.

What Is the Quickest Way To Get a Teaching Certificate?

A quick teaching certification program can take as little as one year for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and study rigorously. The quickest way to earn your teaching certificate is to apply for an accelerated online teaching certificate program.

Best Accelerated Teaching Certificate Programs

Below are some of the best online accelerated teacher certification programs offered in the U.S. Keep reading to learn more about these high-quality, low-cost programs.

1. Moreland University

Moreland University offers a nine-month teaching preparation program that is 100% online and leads to a teaching certification in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. With only one synchronous virtual class per week, this program is designed for students who also juggle family, work, and other commitments.

This program is broken up into eight modules, including a 12-week practical where students get to hone their skills with the help of a mentor teacher.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,200 in total
• Program length: Nine months
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC)

2. University of Wisconsin

This accelerated program in elementary education prepares students to teach pre-K through 8th grade. Coursework is 100% online except for a semester-long student teaching placement.

There are many options for additional certifications, including adaptive physical education, English as a second language, reading specialist, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $465 per credit
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Lamar University

Lamar University prepares Texas residents to earn their teaching license with a low-cost, 12-month program. Teachers-in-training will learn about scaffolding lesson plans, inclusive teaching, and student assessment in this 100% online program.

Lamar University also allows students in its Alternative Certification Program (ACP) to put their coursework and credits toward an online Master of Arts in Teaching, effectively reducing the cost of that degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,561 in total
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Edgewood University

Edgewood University partners with over 50 Wisconsin school districts to offer reduced tuition to graduate students seeking a Master of Arts in Education. This fully online program is primarily asynchronous to allow students to study while simultaneously student-teaching in person.

There are three tracks to choose from: elementary and middle education, cross-categorical special education, and secondary education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,750 total if employed in a partnered school district; $19,800 total if employed in a non-partnered district
• Program length: 12 to 14 months
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Wilson College

Wilson College offers Pennsylvania residents the chance to earn their Pennsylvania teaching license online. Areas of study include elementary education, secondary education in various subjects, special education, and more. Graduates of the program praise its flexibility for non-traditional students, high-quality professors, and diverse specialization opportunities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,635 per three-credit course
• Program length: 12 to 18 months
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Clarke University

Clarke University's accelerated elementary education program allows Iowa residents to earn their teaching certificate in as little as 18 months. This program is designed for students who already hold either an associate degree or have 60+ college credits, and includes a reading endorsement for all graduates.

The program is cohort-based, allowing students to connect and develop professional relationships that will carry with them into the workforce.

• Estimated tuition cost: $608 per credit hour
• Program length: 18 months
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University offers a 12-month online accelerated Master of Teaching Math and Science for Washington state residents. Student teaching is a year-long experience, with online classes held in the evenings to allow prospective teachers to maximize their practical experience.

Graduate students can expect to co-teach with their mentor teacher, applying the knowledge they gain in their evening classes in a practical setting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $670 per credit
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

How We Rank Schools

Learn.org has a rigorous set of criteria with which we rank schools. Below are just some of the factors we consider when selecting a featured program.

• Accreditation: We only feature programs accredited by a national or regional accrediting body. This ensures the legitimacy of the program, as well as employer recognition.
• Program length: All of the programs above can be completed in less than two years to quickly and efficiently turn students into teachers.
• Reputation: We feature programs with great reputations earned through employer recognition and high student success rates. We look for success stories, employment rates after graduation, and student reviews to determine a program's reputation.
• Affordability: Chasing your academic dreams shouldn't have to mean breaking the bank, so we look for affordable programs to feature here on Learn.org. Affordability can be determined by looking at a program's tuition, grant and scholarship opportunities, and even the length of the program.

How Do I Choose the Best Accelerated Teaching Certificate Program Online?

It can be hard to choose the right accelerated teaching certificate program for you, but there are a few key factors that can help you make a decision. Looking for affordability, accreditation, and student testimonies is a great way to start narrowing down your options. It's also important to look at license reciprocity if you're considering moving out of the state in which you obtained your license. New York, for example, has reciprocity in most of the 50 states, meaning you could teach almost anywhere with a NYS teaching license.

FAQs About Accelerated Teacher Certification

Choosing the right accelerated teacher program is important, and there are lots of factors that can make a program a good or bad fit for you. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about earning an accelerated teaching certificate.

What Are the Requirements for Accelerated Teacher Certification Programs?

Most accelerated teacher programs require applicants to have an associate or bachelor's degree, or at least 60 college credits earned at an accredited institution. There may be additional application requirements such as transcripts, GPA requirements, or a personal statement.

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Certified Teacher?

Becoming a certified teacher can cost anywhere from just over $7,000 to nearly $20,000. It depends on the program, prior college credits, the rate at which you study, and if there any any additional costs to sit for your teaching certificate exams.

Are Accelerated Teacher Certification Programs Harder Than Traditional Routes?

Accelerated teaching certificate programs are not necessarily harder than traditional programs, but they feature a compressed format, and more independent study is required. If self-motivation and self-pacing are difficult for you, an accelerated online program may also prove challenging.

Do Teachers Make More Money With a Master's Degree?

Yes, teachers often make more money with a master's degree. Teachers who hold a bachelor's degree in education can obtain a master's degree in special education, literacy, or another valuable subject to increase their earning potential.

Can I Get a Teaching Degree in Two Years?

Yes, it is possible to get a teaching degree in two years if you already have a bachelor's degree or an associate degree. Many accelerated programs focus on the fundamentals of teaching, so prior knowledge and a prior degree are essential to streamline your path to earning a teaching degree.

Explore Education Degrees Online

Becoming an educator is a dream for many, but the high cost of higher education can prevent amazing would-be teachers from achieving their goals. Luckily, Learn.org features top-tier education programs online to help reduce the cost of achieving your academic and professional dreams. Explore more online education degrees here on Learn.org.