How to Choose the Right Teacher Training Course for Your Career Goals

Teaching is a gratifying profession that requires dedication, passion, and continuous learning. Therefore, gaining a deeper understanding is crucial if you want to become a teacher or advance your career. However, with so many options available, choosing the right course can take time and effort. Today, we'll guide you through the options available, factors to consider, and the right teacher course that aligns with your career goals. 

A good course will provide you with the following: 

• Skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective classroom teacher, improving student outcomes
• Support throughout your teaching career to navigate challenges and achieve professional goals
• Valuable internship opportunity enabling learners to gain practical experience and real-world skills

Now that we've highlighted the importance of choosing the right teacher training course, let's talk about the key factors you should consider before making your decision. These factors can help you identify the course that aligns with your goals, suits your learning style, and provides you with the knowledge you need.

When choosing a career in teaching, there are many options. Each type of teaching career has unique challenges, rewards, and requirements. They range from general classroom teaching to more specific teaching roles. including K–12 teaching, adult education, and online teaching. 

K-12 

Consists of primary and secondary education from kindergarten through 12th grade, with "K" for kindergarten and "12" for the final year of high school.

Adult Education 

Consists of teaching students 18 years or older and may involve teaching in colleges and universities on Advanced literacy skills, job training, or professional courses.

Online Teaching

Consists of teaching students online, often through video conferencing or other online platforms.

The teacher training course should align with the career goals you have in mind. For example, if you want to become a K–12 teacher, you might have to finish a bachelor's degree in your subject area and acquire a teaching certificate.

On the other hand, if you want to go into adult education, you may additionally have to complete a master's degree in your subject area. Finally, a certificate course in online teaching or instructional design might be necessary if you plan to teach online.
‍

When researching teacher training courses, consider a variety of factors, such as:

• Cost of the course
• Length of the course
• Quality of the course
• Availability of financial aid

Types of teacher training courses include certification courses, diploma courses, and degree courses.

Certification Courses

• They are typically short-term courses that provide individuals with the credentials to teach a particular subject or grade level.
• These courses are often offered by universities or state departments of education and may require the completion of a minimum number of hours of classroom teaching experience.
• One of the advantages of certification courses is that they can be completed relatively quickly and may not require a significant financial investment. However, they may not provide as in-depth preparation as degree courses.
• A few of them are Certificate in Elementary Teacher Education (CETE), Certificate courses in Career and Technical Education, Certificate courses in a specific subject, and Certificate courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching.
  ‍

Diploma Course

• Diploma in education courses offer a more focused and specialised curriculum than certification courses while typically demanding lesser time than degree courses.
• These courses provide individuals with a strong base in a particular area of education. These courses often include practical, hands-on experience in classroom settings or internships.
• Furthermore, it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to teach in a specific area, which can be beneficial for those who want to specialise in a certain age group.

• One of the best options is the Diploma in Teaching (PgCTL) from Suraasa. It is a teaching qualification that helps teachers develop skills for teaching in the 21st century, managing Gen-Z students, and using global teaching practices. It is flexible and provides many advantages, such as competitive pay, a high ROI, and lifetime career mentoring. Payment options include scholarships and EMI. PgCTL offers two qualifications in one program, so teachers can choose the one that suits them best. For more information, book a session with your mentor and explore more about the course.
  ‍

Degree Course

• They take longer time to complete and provide more comprehensive training. Degree courses cover many topics, including curriculum design, instructional strategies, and educational psychology, in-depth. 
• They may also require the completion of a practicum or student teaching experience.
• One of the main benefits of degree courses is that they give individuals a deeper understanding of the teaching profession. However, they can be more expensive and time-consuming than a certification or diploma course.
• A few of them are Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed), Master of Special Education (MSE), Master of Education (M.Ed), and Bachelor's Degree courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching.
  ‍

Learning styles are different ways individuals prefer to learn and process information. So before choosing a teacher training course, determine your learning style. Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic are the three main learning styles.

Visual Learners

Prefer to learn through images, graphs, charts, and diagrams. They often have strong spatial awareness and can quickly form mental pictures of information. Visual learners can benefit from visual aids like videos, infographics, and illustrations.

Auditory Learners

Prefer to learn through sound and speech. This is because they can easily understand and remember the information they hear. This kind of learner can benefit from lectures, podcasts, audiobooks, and discussions.

Kinesthetic Learners

Prefer to process information through physical and hands-on activities. They learn best by doing, touching, and experiencing. Kinesthetic learners can benefit from experiments, simulations, role-playing, and interactive activities.

We already talked about three main learning styles; a few more kinds of learners are also there, like social, spiritual, naturalistic, and analytical. So, determine your learning style through self-reflection, observation, and experimentation. Here are some ideas to help you: 

• Several online quizzes can help you determine your learning style. These quizzes ask questions about your preferences, habits, and strengths.
• Think about your past experiences with learning. Which activities or methods helped you learn the most effectively? What strategies did you use to retain information?
• Pay attention to your preferences when it comes to studying, working, or interacting with others. For example, do you prefer to read, listen, or engage in hands-on activities?
• Try different learning methods and observe how you respond to them. For example, attend a lecture, read a textbook, or watch a video, and see which way helps you understand the material best.

Select a teacher training course that aligns with your learning style, as this will boost your daily practice of acquiring knowledge without making it monotonous.

When selecting a teacher training course, determine its feasibility and alignment with your finances. You must consider the course cost, duration, location, and potential benefits or financial burden.

1. Costs Associated with Different Teacher Training Courses

• Research and compare the tuition costs of various teacher training courses
• Consider additional expenses such as books, study materials, transportation, and housing. Evaluate the location and how it may impact costs
  ‍

2. Financial Aid Options

• Look for online or hybrid courses. Online or hybrid courses are often much less expensive than traditional in-person courses
• Consider community college courses. They can be a more affordable option while still providing the necessary training to become a teacher
• Check for employer tuition reimbursement. Some organisations offer tuition reimbursement programs to their employees pursuing higher education
• Look for scholarships, grants, or specific scholarships for teachers that you may be eligible for
• Research student loans, and be sure to understand the terms and conditions of each loan fully
• Consider crowdfunding websites, which can be used to raise money from the public for expenses
  ‍

3. Budgeting for Teacher Training Course

• Prioritise essential expenses like rent, utilities, and transportation
• Seek additional sources of income. Consider taking on part-time work or freelance opportunities to supplement your income
• Cut back on non-essential expenses such as dining out and entertainment regularly
• Textbooks can be a significant expense, so consider purchasing used books or renting textbooks to save money
• Many retailers and services offer student discounts, so be sure to take advantage of them‍
• Look for free resources such as free online courses, youtube videos and educational blogs that can supplement your teacher course

By following these tips and creating a plan that fits your financial situation, you can successfully cover the costs of your teacher training course and avoid excessive or any debt.

Evaluating the content ensures that you receive relevant training that meets your needs. 

Teaching has evolved with time, so it’s important for you to look for new topics and subjects in the course. Some of the most important subjects and topics in 21st-century teacher training courses can include:

Pedagogy

A good teacher training course should cover pedagogical skills, different approaches of teaching strategies, and new-age teaching aids to help you identify the most effective ways to fulfil your students’ diverse needs.

Psychology

You must understand how the young brain works and how students learn. It includes cognitive development, motivation, behaviour management, and mental health. You also can recognise and respond to students' psychological and emotional needs and create lesson plans that are easier for students to comprehend.

Classroom Management

Look for a course that covers strategies for managing student behaviour, addressing discipline issues, creating a positive classroom culture, and fostering student responsibility.

Assessment

A good teacher training course should cover assessment strategies and tools like micro-teaching and teaching observation, rubrics for lesson plans, teacher's diary, reflective teaching, and formative assessments.

Since we’re talking about assessment, it’s also important to make sure that the course adopts modern assessment strategies in its pedagogy. This will help you track your progress consistently and identify how you are learning.

First, ask about the course content

What topics are covered? Does the course meet your expectations? Do you find the content relevant and useful?

Next, inquire about the professors

Are the instructors knowledgeable and engaging? Do they provide helpful feedback and support? Is the course delivered in a way that is accessible and convenient?

Lastly, ask about the delivery format

Is the course delivered in a way that was accessible and convenient? Is the course content presented clearly and effectively?

For a more informed decision, speak with teachers who have taken the teacher training course from Suraasa to get a sense of the content covered.

What do course reputation and accreditation include?

• Accreditation involves external review and evaluation by a recognised agency to ensure the course meets certain standards.
• Course reputation refers to the perception and opinions of the course by students, faculty, alums, and the broader community. A positive reputation ensures quality students, proficient faculty, and suitable job placements. In contrast, a negative reputation can impact funding and the availability of placements.
  ‍

How to research course reputation and accreditation:

• Check the course's website for accreditation, recognition, and awards information
• Verify the course's accreditation status on the website of the accrediting agency
• Reach out to faculty, alum, or current students for their experiences with the course
• Read reviews and ratings on websites such as Niche, GradReports, and News & World Report
  ‍

Impact of course reputation and accreditation on job prospects:

• Accreditation ensures you have met certain standards and are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful teachers
• Employers view accreditation as an indicator of quality and prefer to hire graduates from accredited courses
• A good reputation can help you create a stand-out resume and open up more job opportunities
• Graduates who have completed courses with a poor reputation or lack accreditation face difficulties securing employment or making progress in their careers

By considering course reputation and accreditation, you can ensure that you receive a high-quality education that will prepare you for a successful career in teaching.

Deciding on a course of action can become difficult and unclear when you have looked at various factors and courses. To simplify things, here is an overview of the important factors to take into account before making a final decision:

• Research online resources provided by universities and state education departments to get information on course requirements, application processes, and financial aid opportunities.
• Ensure that the course is accredited and has an excellent reputation so that you receive a high-quality education.
• Talk to current or ex-pats to gain valuable insights into different teacher training courses.
• Attend information sessions offered by universities and state departments of education to learn more about the course and ask questions.
• Look for a course that aligns with your requirements in terms of length and format.
• Look for financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of the course.
• Choose a course that aligns with your career goals, such as one that focuses on a specific subject area.
  ‍

Congratulations on taking the first step towards your dream career in teaching! Now that you've considered various factors and courses, it's important to make an informed decision that will help you achieve your goals. Of course, trusting your instincts is crucial, but so is seeking guidance from experienced professionals, and that's where Suraasa mentors come in. By talking to them, you can learn more about their comprehensive teacher training course, designed to cover all the aspects we discussed earlier. With their expertise and support, you can take the next step towards getting a reputable job in the teaching world. So don't wait any longer; click here to book a session with your mentor today and start your journey towards success!

Q1. How long does it take to complete a diploma in education program through Suraasa teacher training portal?

The length of a diploma in education program through the teacher training portal or institute can vary, usually taking 1 to 2 years to finish. However, if you're looking to become eligible to teach and acquire high-demand pedagogical skills in just 10 months, you should consider PgCTL. Get in touch with our mentor today for more information.

Q2. Are diplomas in teaching programs offered through online teacher training institutes or portals recognised and accredited?

Online diplomas in education programs vary in recognition and accreditation based on the country, institution, and specific program. Research and verify the accreditation status of the teacher training portal and program in your context.

You can check out our Pgctl course, which offers recognised, accredited online teacher training and equips you with high-demand teaching skills within 10 months. You can easily book a session, talk to your mentor and gain more information.

Q3. Can I pursue a diploma in education through the teacher training portal if I already have a bachelor's degree in another field?

Yes, you can pursue a teaching diploma in education with a bachelor's degree in any subject.