Western Governors University

[technoflutemom]

Has anyone had any experience with Western Governors University (http://www.wgu.edu)? I am a little interested in their teaching licensure program.

[LyricB]

I've never heard of it. I wonder how much of the program is online...can you get a teaching certification from a strictly online program?

[jacobmetro]

Yes,

I have heard of them. In fact, I attended for both my Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems and my Masters of Business Administration with emphasis in Technology Management. (Ok, I'll be honest...I have between 45 and 60 days left before I graduate with my MBA).

Yes,

You can get a teaching degree (with hands on help through the certification process) strictly online. The program is quite interesting from an operational perspective. Essentially you go through the program like any other learner until you're ready to earn your certification. Then you and the college find a school and a supervising instructor to "mentor" you and to ensure that you really are doing ok. You work within the confines of this supervised teaching program until you're finished. Ta.Da.

It's a little more complicated than that but not much. From an educational standpoint if you've been teaching for years, you'll fly right through the program. If you are changing careers then you'll be provided the resources needed to graduate and to excell. Hopefully you have some experience in education because it will come in handy.

For me, having ten years of experience in technology management was greatly benefitial. It meant that mainly the program taught me why the principles I have been using successfully so far, are indeed successful.

Jacob

[grammao6]

Is this the program through Western Governor's?
I would like the information as to who to contact for the teaching licensure program.
I have been teaching and tutoring for almost 23 years now.
Thanks,
Gramma

[karenlyn]

It sounds like an incredible program. I've read that the teaching degree programs with a mentor program are really good. Especially for those with less experience in education.

[rubybeetle]

It does sound good! My brother is so close to getting his teaching degree this might help him. He was attending school in another state but it got too expensive and he had to move back to our hometown and get a job.

[chloe2006]

I've heard of this, especially from work at home moms whom I know. They have been reported as having great programs with affordable tuition fees.

[jacobmetro]

Yes, the WGU model is a valid and useful educational process especially for working adults, though I admit that in my undergrad program I virtually tested out of every domain so I didn't learn too much at that level. What it did for me was provide the confidence to say, "I'm just as good as someone with a degree and I've been as good for years before I finished the program."

You can find out about the teachers certification program below:
http://wgu.edu/education/teacher_certification.asp

The graduate-level work was pretty grueling for me primarily because I hadn't been exposed to the nuts and bolts of IT management to the extent that this program tests for competancy in.

Jacob

[cerumen]

Thanks for the link. My DH is needs to complete certification for a BS in Early Childhood. I didn't realize there were any programs that allowed for certification to be obtained!

[ranadeep]

Hi Jacob,

Did you complete your degree? Is it giving you an advantage in your field?

I have about 11 years experience in IT and am considering that degree.

Any reply will be appreciated.

Thanks
Ranadeep