How I Got Involved Teaching Online

The field of online teaching is opening up as more degree programs are approved. See how to apply.

I have been teaching online for more than two years now. My colleagues and others find that interesting; they want to know how I got involved, how does one take a course online, and how can they get a job? Of course, they always want to know what I earn teaching online (It comes out to about $200 dollars a week per course that I teach.). And, what kind of time commitment is there to teach online?

A few years ago, my school district teamed up with a Masters Online program and we teachers were able to obtain a Masters in Reading, Instructional Technology, Administration, or in Special Education. I received a Masters in Educational Administration and became certified as a principal in the state of New Jersey (now to find a job as one—really difficult!). Before I graduated, since I already had a Master’s in Elementary Education, and an endorsement in Special Education, I clicked on a little link way at the bottom of the university’s web page that said “online employment opportunities” and simply applied, after reading that I only needed a master’s degree and some years of practical experience. I was accepted and trained for three weeks (having been in the program, I already knew the workings of the system—it was easy!). I now teach Education Courses, the content and rigor of which match up with many of those that are in the traditional face-to-face format.

I spend about an average of an hour or two per evening per class, depending on what the assignments are due for that week (there is always a paper due, a journal entry which summarizes the reading and content of the topic for the week, two discussion questions, for which there is a certain quality, quantity and level of participation involved).

I find the experience very satisfactory; adult learners are an interesting bunch—much more goal-oriented than middle schoolers, but not quite as willing to question authority!