How to Become a Teacher Online: Programs, Requirements & Salary

The best online colleges for teaching degrees make it possible to earn full state certification without leaving your current life behind.

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Demand for qualified teachers is growing across every grade level and subject area in the United States.

Keep reading to find out exactly what credentials you need, how much teachers earn, and how to get started today.

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Teaching Credentials Explained: What You Actually Need

Understanding the difference between a teaching degree and a teaching certification is the first step to planning your path. These are related but distinct credentials — and you need to know what each one means in your target state.

Teaching degree refers to your academic qualification — typically a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Education, or a bachelor’s degree in a specific subject (like Mathematics, English, or Science) combined with a formal teacher preparation program.

Teaching certification (or licensure) is the state-issued credential that legally authorizes you to teach in public schools. Certification requirements vary by state but generally involve:

Completion of an approved teacher preparation program (usually included in your degree)
Passing scores on state-mandated exams such as the Praxis series, edTPA, or state-specific tests
A minimum number of supervised student teaching hours (typically 12 to 16 weeks)
Background check clearance
Application to the state’s Department of Education for the actual license

There is also the alternative certification route: designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and want to become teachers without completing a full four-year education degree. These programs are typically one to two years and can often be completed entirely online.

📊 Key Distinction: If you want to teach in private schools, certification requirements are often less strict or not required at all — private schools set their own hiring standards. Public school teaching in all 50 states requires a valid state teaching license.

Is an Online Teaching Degree Recognized by Employers and States?

Yes — as long as the program is regionally accredited and state-approved as a teacher preparation program. Online teaching degrees from recognized institutions are fully accepted by state licensing boards and school districts nationwide.

The key factor is not the delivery format (online vs. in-person) but whether the program holds:

Regional accreditation from one of the six U.S. regional accrediting bodies
CAEP accreditation (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) — the specialized accrediting body for educator preparation programs
State approval in the state(s) where you intend to seek licensure

Western Governors University’s College of Education, for example, is CAEP-accredited, regionally accredited, and approved in all 50 states as a teacher preparation provider — meaning graduates can pursue licensure in any state where they complete required exams and student teaching hours.

When evaluating any online school to become a teacher, always verify state approval directly by contacting your state’s Department of Education or using the CAEP program search tool before enrolling.

State Requirements: What Each State Expects from Teachers

While requirements vary across all 50 states, most share a common framework. Here is what you can generally expect regardless of where you plan to teach:

Requirement	Typical Standard	Notes
Degree	Bachelor’s degree minimum	In Education or content area + prep program
Teacher Prep Program	State-approved program required	Included in most education degrees
Praxis or State Exam	Passing score required	Varies by grade level and subject
Student Teaching	12–16 weeks supervised	Usually completed locally even for online programs
Background Check	Required in all states	FBI and state checks standard
CPR/First Aid	Required in most states	Can be completed locally at low cost
License Renewal	Every 3–5 years	Requires continuing education credits

A few states — including Texas, California, and Florida — have additional content area exams beyond the Praxis. Several states also have residency requirements for the student teaching component, which must be completed within that state regardless of whether your degree program is fully online.

If you are considering becoming an online teacher for virtual schools or remote learning platforms, some employers — particularly at the K-12 level — accept teachers licensed in their home state who can teach remotely to students in different states, provided certain multi-state agreements are in place.

Average Teacher Salary in the US in 2026

Teacher compensation varies significantly by state, level, and subject area. Here is a realistic picture based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and state salary surveys:

Kindergarten and Elementary Teachers: Median annual salary of approximately $61,620 nationally. Top-paying states include California ($86,940), New York ($85,790), and Massachusetts ($83,910).
Middle School Teachers: Median salary of approximately $62,360. Subject areas in STEM command premium pay in districts facing teacher shortages.
High School Teachers: Median salary of approximately $62,360 nationally, with significant variation by subject and district. Special education and bilingual education teachers often qualify for additional stipends.
Special Education Teachers: Median salary of approximately $62,950, with shortage stipends available in most states due to high demand.
School Principal (after earning master’s degree): Median salary of approximately $101,520 — a common advancement path for experienced teachers who complete an online master’s in education or educational leadership program.

💡 Loan Forgiveness for Teachers: The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program forgives up to $17,500 in federal student loans for teachers who work five consecutive years in a low-income school or educational service agency. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) provides an additional pathway to full loan forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying payments while employed at an eligible school. These programs significantly improve the financial picture for educators who used student loans to fund their education.

Best Online Colleges for Teaching Degrees in 2026

These programs are consistently recognized for quality, state approval breadth, and value for aspiring educators:

Western Governors University (WGU) — College of Education: Fully online, CAEP-accredited, approved in all 50 states. Offers Bachelor of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Teaching, and specialized programs for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. The flat-rate tuition model (~$3,975/term) makes WGU one of the most affordable online teaching schools in the country.
University of Phoenix — Education Programs: Regionally accredited, widely recognized, with a broad catalog of teaching degrees and certification programs. Strong student support infrastructure for adult learners managing work and school simultaneously.
American College of Education: A nonprofit institution specifically focused on educator preparation. 100% online, regionally accredited, and offers programs starting at approximately $395 per credit hour for graduate education degrees.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — Education Degrees: Offers fully online B.S. and M.Ed. programs in Education with per-credit costs well below the national average. Strong financial aid packaging for qualifying students.
Arizona State University Online — Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College: A top-ranked education school with fully online teacher preparation programs. Regionally accredited and approved in multiple states, with robust student support and placement resources.

How to Apply for an Online Teaching Degree: Step by Step

Determine your target state’s licensure requirements by visiting the Department of Education website for that state. Note the required exams, subject endorsements, and student teaching guidelines.
Choose a regionally accredited, CAEP-accredited, state-approved program that is explicitly authorized to deliver its teacher preparation program to students in your state.
Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov to determine your federal financial aid eligibility. Education degrees are fully eligible for Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and other federal aid programs.
Submit your application with required materials: transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and any required GPA minimum (typically 2.75–3.0 for education programs).
Arrange your student teaching placement. Most online programs allow you to complete your student teaching in your local area. Contact the program’s field experience office early — placements often take one to two semesters to arrange.
Register for and pass your required state certification exams (Praxis, edTPA, or state equivalent). Most programs offer preparation support and practice materials.
Apply for your state teaching license through your state’s Department of Education after graduating and passing all required exams.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Teaching Degrees

Can I become a teacher with an online degree?

Yes — provided you graduate from a regionally accredited, state-approved teacher preparation program. The degree’s online delivery format has no bearing on your ability to receive a state teaching license or secure employment in public or private schools. School districts evaluate candidates based on credentials, state licensure, and skills — not whether the degree was earned online or in-person.

How long does it take to complete an online teaching degree?

A bachelor’s in education typically takes 4 years for new students, or as few as 2 to 2.5 years with transfer credits or at competency-based schools like WGU. Post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs for career changers typically take 1 to 2 years. A master’s in teaching (MAT) generally requires 18 to 24 months. Accelerated programs can reduce these timelines significantly for qualified adult learners.

Do I need to do student teaching even in an online program?

Yes — student teaching is required for certification in all 50 states and cannot be completed virtually in most cases. However, online programs allow you to complete your student teaching locally at a school near your home, coordinated by the university’s field placement office. You do not need to travel to the university’s home state. Plan for student teaching 12 to 16 weeks before your projected graduation date.

Can I become a teacher online without a degree?

You cannot teach in U.S. public schools without at minimum a bachelor’s degree and state certification. However, some states allow provisional or emergency certification while you complete your degree, particularly in shortage subject areas like STEM, special education, and bilingual education. Some private schools and tutoring organizations also hire instructors without formal teaching degrees. Substitute teacher certification is also available in most states with fewer requirements.

Are there free online programs to become a teacher?

Fully free accredited teaching degree programs are rare, but significant financial aid is available. Federal Pell Grants, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH Grants — up to $4,000/year for those who commit to teaching in high-need areas), state grants, and Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs collectively make it possible for many aspiring teachers to complete their education at very low or zero net cost. The FAFSA is your starting point for all of these programs.

⚠️ Editorial Notice: This content is independent and has no affiliation with any university, state Department of Education, or accrediting body mentioned. Program details, certification requirements, and salary figures are subject to change. Always verify current state licensure requirements directly through your state’s Department of Education and confirm program approval status before enrolling.

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Teaching is one of the most stable, rewarding, and socially impactful careers available. For more guides on education programs, career certifications, and professional development resources, visit our Career section.