Did you know that there’s a growing demand for qualified teachers in the United States? This is due to a combination of teacher shortages and increasing student enrollments.
The projected increase in student enrollments is 3 million in the next decade. It leads to a 20% projected increase in annual teacher demand by 2025. More than 316,000 qualified teachers are needed across the country today.
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The most in-demand teaching subjects are in special education, ESL, and math.
The bottom line: Today is the best day to consider earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. But not just any degree, either. You must consider an accelerated education degree program instead of a traditional program.
Here are the reasons why:
- Time efficiency. Earn an education degree in less time (i.e., shorter duration). For a bachelor’s degree, it’s 1-3 years and 12-18 months for a master’s degree.
- Quick pivot for career changers. You’ll have a head start for teacher vacancies.
- Cost savings. The shorter your stay in a degree program, the lower your cost of education.
But being a student in an accelerated program has its challenges, too. An accelerated program features a condensed curriculum, shorter terms, and continuous study. The intensive, fast-paced coursework demands effective time management skills, drive, and focus.
Are you interested in becoming a qualified educator through the fast-track route? Read on and learn about the admission requirements for accelerated education degree programs.
The five key requirements are:
- Previous academic qualifications
- GPA
- Test scores
- Background checks
- Application materials
Each key requirement consists of specific criteria and documents, too. It pays to know them first so you’ll know what to expect.
Requirement #1: Previous Academic Qualifications
In every program, academic credentials top the list of accelerated education program qualifications. Your academic attainment has a significant impact on your academic readiness.
High School Diploma or GED for Undergrad Programs
Accelerated undergraduate programs usually have a minimum GPA requirement for high school graduates. If you’re submitting GED scores, you must have at least a score of 145 on each of the four subject areas.
Check if the programs you’re interested in also require standardized test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT). Excellent scores can make your application stand out.
Bachelor’s Degree for Graduate-Level Accelerated Programs
A bachelor’s degree is among the prerequisites for fast-track teaching degree programs. This applies to both master’s degree programs and alternative route teaching certifications. Your bachelor’s degree can be in a non-education field, such as psychology.
Math, science, and English are among the areas that may have more flexible entry routes. This is due to high demand.
Transcripts and Credit Transfer Evaluation
Applicants should send in their official transcripts from all colleges they’ve attended. You may have college-level credits eligible for transfer to the accelerated program. The more transfer credits approved, the shorter your studies and the lower your costs.
Transfer credit sources include:
- AP examsÂ
- IB programs
- CLEP credits
- Associate’s degree credits
- Military training and experience
- Professional certifications
- Prior learning assessments
You must work with authorized personnel to ensure the proper transfer of credits.
Requirement #2: Minimum GPA or Academic Standing
Strong academics are key to how to get into an accelerated teaching program. You must then highlight your academic achievements in your statement and interview. But it all starts with your grades in individual subjects and your GPA.
GPA Benchmarks
The typical accelerated education programs require a 2.75 – 3.0 GPA for admission purposes. You must have strong intellectual abilities to keep up. It’s for this reason that GPA is one of the crucial entry requirements for education degree programs.
More competitive programs may require higher GPAs (e.g., at least 3.3). Fortunately, many colleges also offer conditional admission or probationary status.
Academic History in Core Areas
Your GPA isn’t all there is to your admission, either. Admissions committees will also consider your grades in core academic courses, including:
- English
- Math
- Social Sciences
In fact, your GPA in these core subject areas may carry more weight than your overall GPA.
Academic Standing for Graduate Entry
Some programs evaluate the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework, too. This is considered a better indicator of academic readiness for graduate programs. It is to your advantage as well if your undergraduate grades improve over time.
Requirement #3: Relevant Test Scores or Entrance Exams
Accelerated teacher certification programs require applicants to present satisfactory scores in other areas. Ask for these specific requirements in the programs you’re interested in:
Basic Skills or Entrance Tests
Most accelerated programs require applicants to submit satisfactory scores in standardized tests like:
- Praxis Core: a standardized test that assesses basic academic skills for aspiring teachers.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): standardized test used for admission into graduate schools.
Many programs also require satisfactory scores from state-specific teacher competency tests.
Waivers for Experienced Professionals
Many accelerated programs also offer test score waivers under certain conditions, including:
- Excellent grades in certain subjects and overall GPA
- Relevant teaching experience (e.g., substitute teacher or teaching assistant)
You may have to submit additional documentation.
ESL/TOEFL for International Students
Are you a non-native English speaker? If you are, you must submit another fast-track education degree admission requirement. You’ll submit satisfactory scores from either TOEFL or IELTS, depending on the program.
Requirement #4: Background Checks and Field Eligibility
Eligibility for accelerated education programs goes beyond good grades, experience, and communication skills. You must also have good character and judgment.
Criminal Background Checks
All education students, especially for licensure-track programs, must undergo a state background check. You must submit to a federal and/or state-level background screening. A clean criminal record is a must because you’ll be working with minors.
Convictions can disqualify a candidate for admission and licensure. Lesser infractions can lead to delays, additional documentation, or hearings.
Fingerprinting Requirements
Some states require fingerprinting before clinical placements or student teaching, too. It is a biometric step that verifies your identity and checks for legal issues. Failure in the fingerprinting process can delay your classroom teaching experience and graduation.
Field Clearance
Yet another set of qualifications for becoming a teacher fast is field clearance. You must secure it from local school districts for student teaching placements.
Requirement #5: Application Materials and Professional Disposition
These are crucial accelerated bachelor’s in education requirements for good reasons. You can highlight your professionalism and communication skills. Then, you can showcase your readiness and motivation for teaching.
On the part of the programs, admissions officers use them to determine your fit.
Application Form and Essays
You must submit a complete and accurate application form. Then, attach strong essays, including:
- Statement of purpose. You’ll answer questions like, “Why teaching? Why an accelerated program?”
- Philosophy of education essay. You must answer questions like, “What is the purpose of education?”
Your resume or CV is a usual requirement, too.
Letters of Recommendation
These are common admission requirements for accelerated education degree programs, too. Most programs require 2-3 letters from academic or professional sources. Your sources must attest to your teaching potential or leadership.
Interview Process
Some programs require a panel or virtual interview to assess communication skills and professionalism.
Disposition Assessments
The best programs also screen for desirable traits in teachers and educators. Empathy, patience, and resilience are considered vital for success.
Bonus: Additional Tips for a Strong Application
Meeting the admission requirements for accelerated education degree programs is one thing. Submitting a strong application packet is another thing. It can mean the difference between admission to and rejection from a dream program.
With that said, keep these tips in mind when creating your application packet:
Highlight your experience with youth and other education-related roles.
Hands-on experience highlights your skills and readiness for classroom teaching. Write down your tutoring, mentoring, and volunteering experiences.
Earn a first aid and CPR certification.
Being certified in first aid and CPR shows initiative and teaching readiness. Many school districts and programs require these certifications.
Engage in professional development early.
Being engaged in the community of educators highlights your commitment to education. Join professional organizations (e.g., NEA). Attend industry events, webinars, workshops, and conferences. Complete online courses in child development, classroom management, and others.
Conclusion
You must be aware of the admission requirements for accelerated education degree programs. The five key requirements are:
- Previous academic qualifications (e.g., high school diploma or bachelor’s degree)
- GPA (i.e., benchmarks and academic history)
- Test scores (i.e., basic skills)
- Background checks (e.g., criminal checks and fingerprinting)
- Application materials (e.g., application form and essays)
But remember that these are only general requirements. You must research the specific requirements for the program you’re interested in. Every college and state have their specific requirements for aspiring teachers, too.
Don’t stop when you’ve met these admission requirements for accelerated education degree programs. You must strive to exceed them and, thus, boost your admission chances.
Once you’re admitted, you’re on the right track toward a successful career in education. Better yet, you’re on the fast track.
