New SAHM Looking to Take Online Classes

The University of Cincinnati has a very good on-line program. They are about as affordable as any other college. I do have to caution you though, this is not a good time to be looking for a position in the teaching field. Many public schools are cutting back and the charter schools are not governed as well as they need to be. I am certified Kindergarten through the 8th grades and am working daycare because the jobs are just not out there. You may want to specialize in Special Ed. There is a bigger demand for that.

I don't know much about specifics as far as teaching programs go, but I would strongly recommend that if you take online classes, you take them from an actual "brick and mortar" school that offers online education versus an "online school." I have heard some negative things as far as the University of Phoenix goes in regards to job seeking - I'm sure there are variables, but many employers don't take their degrees as seriously as one from a traditional school (even if you do take all online classes there.)

L.,
If you want to be an Elementary Ed. teacher, you need to take classes specifically for that - check Ohio's requirements - they're structured kind of wierd. I think ECE (Early Childhood) is K-4th, then there's certification for 4th-6th and 7th-12th, so make sure you know what you're getting with your degree. I got my degree in SC and cannot transfer it b/c the school was not accredited - make sure once you've gotten the degree that you can get licensed in Ohio! This has caused me many headaches over the years, so check out schools very carefully. Good Luck - we need more good teachers out there!
E. - left a elementary teaching career to be a SAHM :)

Hi,
Taking Online classes are hard. You have to do some research on the subject. I attend DeVry University but I am also active duty military, so tuition is cheap. Online classes are expensive. Look into online classes at a university. The main thing is to do some research and make sure to look for how long each semester is. Some semesters are 8 weeks or 15 weeks. The classes that have the least amount of weeks are more expensive. If you have any questions please email me back.

T.

I have taken online classes through the KY virtual academy and I think they have ed. classes there. Many schools are offering online classes now - some colleges allow you to earn the entire degree online and you get the same kind of sheep skin the traditional students who physically go to class room get. I would suggest visiting different schools websites and seeing what they have by way of online classes. The only negative thing that I was warned about and found to be true is; it's too easy for an online instructor to load you down with more work than you'd get in the class room. It's easy for them to get carried away because they just have to make the assignments without doing the lecturing so I don't think most of them realize they'll getting too heavy handed. Good luck!

*I agree that a real physical college would be best. I think the University of Phoenix is risky and ridiculously expensive compared to community colleges.

Columbus State Community College and Sinclair Community College are both great inexpensive options. Clark State is great too. However, Early Childhood Education requires hands-on courses that cannot be taken online. Most elective courses are available online, but mathematics and labs are not. Sinclair does have an Early Childhood Education Center that your 3 and 4 year old would be able to participate in during the time you need take classes on campus.

Hi! I've been taking classes online with the University of Phoenix for over a year. I am majoring in Accounting, but they do have an Early Childhood Education degree. I started my college career at the University of Akron, and U of Phoenix is actually LESS expensive (not to mention the hundreds of dollars you save on textbooks!). In addition, U of Phoenix has the same accredidations. I did a lot of research before signing on. The U.S. Department of Education website reccommends U of Phoenix and it has been VERY convenient because I don't have to leave to go to classes and complete the work when I am able. Good luck!

I am currently taking online classes through CSCC and love it. It gives me time at home and the classes are easy to understand and follow. Good Luck

I took some online classes for a few years while my children were little, it is hard to stay focused. The work is all done on the computer or at home so you must make time for it. Once you get the time adjusted into your schedule it works great. You are able to take university classes in your pajamas at any time day or night. Good luck and let your daughter know she'll have a mid life crisis herself someday. HA-HA

Hi,

I am currently a student at Otterbein college and I am a 31 yr old mother of 2. Otterbein offers the masters in Education online if you are interested. I have taken many classes online and it has it's ups and downs. The flexibility is awesome, but you must be a motivated person. That means even if you are not going to "class" you have to make yourself carve out about 5-8 hours a week per 5 credit class. Not to mention you have to be very organized because you usually print out alot more papers and handouts from the web than you would normally get in class. In fact, I 've taken a few online classes where the class text has been posted online.

Since you are going into education, you also have to remember you have to complete a certain amount of time in a classroom. At Otterbein, there are quite a few classes that come with a outside the classroom hourly component from tutoring hours, to teaching.

Hope this helps.....you can do it ( I have 2 kids and I will graduate in the spring)

Good Luck,

R.

I am currently enrolled with the University of Phoenix and love the program. You have a sense of structure based on your weekly assignments and participation, but you are able to work around your own schedule. I have been doing great and I am currently in my fifth block of classes. I willave my Associates in Nov 07 and my BA in Nov 09. They offer great loans and you still can apply for federal money through Fasfa. They do seem alittle pushy in the beginning, but you contact them and they see that there is something there was wants further education. From there, if you are not interested just tell them and they will leave you alone. Good Luck! If you have any other questions just let me know.

Liberty University is a Christian University based in Virginia that is accredited by the main accrediting body that also accredits Kent, University of Akron, Ohio State, etc. They are less expensive than the U of A I know and the theology is interesting if learning interests you... You can qualify for the same financial aid options as any other university and if there are on-campus requirements, they are done usually in one-week intensives.

I have taken online classes from Tri-C and loved it. Fill out the FAFSA and see how much federal aid you can get and go from there. If you start now you can be in class in January!!

L.,
ME TOO! Please share any advice that you get. From what others have told me - University of Phoenix is the best, but one of the more expensive ones. Plus, they are very pushy (or desperate) - we emailed to get more information and now they call almost every day to see if we have made a decision.
A little about me: I am a SAHM of four children, ages 8, 6, 4 & 18 months. I have a little time before my youngest is off to school so this seems like the perfect time for me to get my degree. Good luck in your endeavor! If you can, share anything that might be helpful.
Thanks,
C.

If you are looking to be an elementary teacher you need to take classes for Elementary Education. Early Childhood Education is for preschool teachers. They can sometimes have the same schedule at elementary schools but many times are full time. Good luck with your decision!