January 2008 — News

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K-12 Online Teaching Endorsements: Are They Needed?

by Patricia Deubel, Ph.D.

Georgia's endorsement became effective in 2006 (Davis et al., 2007, p. 8). I suspect that it is only a matter of time before other states follow. We need to have some national consensus as to minimal PD for teaching in the online environment. The question remains as to whether or not K-12 online teaching endorsements are actually needed or if they will be considered "a plus, but not required" for employment, as Carnevale (2003) suggests. It's too early to make a definitive statement, as the research base linking endorsements to K-12 online programs is yet to come. Perhaps in the long run, subject matter expertise will take priority as in post-secondary education and states will agree that it will "be acceptable if a teacher who provides distance education to elementary/secondary school students is licensed in any state in the subject matter being taught" (NEA Policy 13, sec: Student Learning, 7a). States do need, however, to examine their licensure/certification policies in recognition of the growth of K-12 online education. In any case, I've provided food for thought.

Resources

World Wide Learn: Certificate and degree programs and training courses in online learning and teaching online

Georgia's 505-3-.85 Online Teaching Endorsement Program

References

Carnevale, D. (2003, October 31). Learning online to teach online. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 50(10).

Davis, N., Rose, R., & NACOL Research Committee and Working Group (2007). Professional development for virtual schooling and online learning. Available: http://www.nacol.org/docs/NACOL_PDforVSandOlnLrng.pdf

Harris, D. N., & Sass, T. R. (2007). The effects of NBPTS-certified teachers on student achievement. Available: http://www.nbpts.org/resources/research/browse_studies?ID=139

McColskey, W., Stronge, J., et al. (2005). Teacher effectiveness and student learning. Available: http://www.nbpts.org/resources/research/browse_studies?ID=13

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. (2007). 55,000 reasons to believe: The impact of national board certification on teacher quality in America. Arlington, VA: Author. Available: http://www.nbpts.org/resources/research

National Education Association (n.d.). Policy statement 13: Distance education. Available: http://www2.nea.org/he/policy13.html