Best Certifications for Education

Graduate certificates in English and related topics are available at several colleges and universities throughout the nation. Participants generally possess bachelor’s degrees, but admittance requirements vary by institution. The purpose of these programs is to give current teachers opportunities to expand their career path and teach undergraduate courses at two-year or four-year schools of higher education. Those enrolled will received advanced training in the English discipline and the field of education.

Those who receive certificates of completion will have more career opportunities at college and universities, technical schools, and textbook publishers, to name a few. Graduates often qualify to work as English and literature teachers for undergraduate institutions. Other potential jobs include language and literature instructor, professional writer, curriculum specialist, researcher, and educational materials creator.

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Graduate certificates in history and related topics are available at several colleges and universities throughout the nation. Participants generally possess bachelor’s degrees, but admittance requirements vary by institution. The purpose of these programs is to provide current teachers with the knowledge necessary to instruct at two-year or four-year academic facilities. These certificates typically serve as ideal continuing education pathways for educators seeking to further advance their careers. Those enrolled will build upon their preexisting knowledge of American and world history to make it more applicable to undergraduate classrooms.

Those who receive certificates of completion in history will be qualified to pursue positions in higher education. Graduates often apply for jobs as college and university professors, although some find work with companies that specialize in educational research and publishing.

Graduate certificates in mathematics and related topics are available at several colleges and universities throughout the nation. Participants generally possess bachelor’s degrees, but admittance requirements vary by institution. The purpose of these programs is to provide students with the mathematics content and pedagogical knowledge needed to teach effectively at community colleges. Those enrolled will learn various ways to engage new learners with important mathematics concepts that are essential for success in continuing their studies or pursuing employment.

Those who receive certificates of completion in mathematics are often able to teach college mathematics with sufficient depth and rigor while planning for and responding to non-standard questions. Graduates can apply for instructor positions in higher education.

Most public-school preschool teachers are required to have bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education (ECE), but some states are satisfied with associate degrees or high school diplomas. Requirements vary for private school teachers.

Certificates in early childhood education and related topics are also available at several colleges and universities throughout the nation. The purpose of these programs is to help those enrolled become more effective preschool teachers or administrators. Students will learn how to set young children up for future academic success while fostering love for learning.

Graduates will qualify to work with children from birth to age eight, which makes them eligible for a wide variety of career opportunities. In addition to preschool teacher, those with certificates can apply for work as childcare providers, after school care workers, and childhood camp counselors.

Most public-school elementary teachers are required to have bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and must obtain licenses though their state boards of education. Licensure expectations are different every state. Requirements also vary for private school teachers.

Certificates in elementary education and related topics are also available at several colleges and universities throughout the nation. The purpose of these programs is to help those enrolled become more effective elementary school teachers or administrators. Students will learn how to set young children up for future academic success while fostering love for learning.

Graduates will qualify to work with children at the elementary level, which is up to fourth grade in some areas and up to sixth grade in others. This may vary from state to state.

Most public-school, high school or secondary education teachers are required to have bachelor’s degrees and must obtain licenses though their state boards of education. Requirements vary significantly by state.

Certificates in secondary education and related topics are also available at several colleges and universities throughout the nation. The purpose of these programs is to help those interested in teaching math, science, English, or social studies to high school students (grades six to 12). Those enrolled generally complete extensive coursework in their content areas and participate in supervised field experiences.

Graduates are often prepared to apply for state licensure and or certifications when applicable. Those with certificates can seek employment as high school teachers, middle school teachers, lead teachers, and department heads.

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is administered by the Council for Professional Recognition. This is a widely recognized certification for early childhood education (ECE) professionals. It is based on a core set of competency standards that ensure those in the field become qualified educators for young children. CDAs know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children.

CDA candidates will need to pass the CDA Exam, which is a 65-question, computer-based exam that test knowledge of basic early childhood best practices in thirteen functional areas. There is also a Verification Visit component of the CDA credentialing process, during which candidates are observed while working with children/families as a lead teacher in a specific age group.

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The Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) credential is administered by National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA). While it’s designed specifically for early childhood educators and teachers, the certification is ideal for professionals who have not completed a college degree or who have degrees in other fields. CCPs are viewed as highly qualified in childcare and early childhood education.

CCP candidates must be 18 years of age or older and possess high school diplomas or the equivalent. They also need 720 hours of child care experience serving children between birth and six years of age within the last five years in a licensed center-based early childhood program. Other requirements include 180 hours of education and training that reflect nine Professional Ability Areas as defined by NECPA. A portfolio, parent evaluations, observation assessment, letters of endorsement, writing samples, and passing score on the National Early Childhood Education specialist credentialing exam are also necessary.

The Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE) credential is administered by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). This classification signifies highly skilled expertise, experience, and commitment to the special education field. It also represents professional qualifications in a specific field. Notably, the BCSE does not replace state licensing or recertify professionals.

Candidates must possess a minimum of a master’s degree from a United States or Canadian institution accredited by a regional, state, provincial, or national accrediting body. The degree must be in a field involved with students with special needs or related fields. The BCSE consists of seven in-depth course modules.

The Special Education Teacher Certification credential is administered by the American Board and available to professionals in Florida, Wisconsin, Idaho, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and several private and international schools. There is a standard and premium version of this program, with the ladder providing more resources. Both programs require students to pass the same exams.

This is the only certification for professionals with graduate degrees who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to serve individuals with disabilities across a wide range of disabling conditions. These professionals offer highly specialized services that evaluate, determine, coordinate, and manage the rehabilitation process.

CRC candidates must be enrolled in or graduates from master’s-level CACREP-accredited academic programs. Evidence of the completion of a 600-hour supervised internships is also required. Notably, there are alternatives for those working on or graduated from programs not accredited by CACREP. Applicants with master’s or doctoral degrees in related fields of study may also be considered.

Graduate certificates in gifted education and related topics are available at several colleges and universities throughout the nation. Participants generally possess bachelor’s degrees and work as teachers, administrators, school psychologists, or behavioral analysts. The purpose of these programs is to empower enrollees to identify and serve highly capable students by creating the necessary conditions for success in advanced learning. Curriculums vary, but many focus on theory and pedagogy as it relates to high-performing students.

Those who receive certificates in gifted education will know how to develop and provide the most current and relevant instructional methods and services to gifted learners. Graduates often qualify for jobs as education administrators, gifted teachers, guidance counselors, teacher assistants, and vocational education teachers.

Graduate certificates in education administration and related topics are available at many four-year colleges and universities at the master’s level. Participants must usually possess bachelor’s degrees prior to enrollment and may need teacher licensure and/or experience in administrative roles. The purpose of these programs is to provide students with knowledge in areas related to the management of human resources, administration, and finance. In addition to classroom instruction, internships are common. This allows enrollees to put the knowledge gained into practice prior to joining the workforce.

While credentialing requirements are set and managed by each individual state, those who receive certificates in education administration may have the qualifications necessary to obtain licensure as school administrators. Most graduates seek leadership positions in schools and school districts.