More than 1 million veteran teachers are nearing retirement, according to the National Education Association, creating a need for an estimated 2 million new teachers over the next decade. To help answer the call for qualified, trained teachers, Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership has developed new state-approved teacher preparation programs to provide other career professionals a gateway into a second career as a teacher.

Eligible candidates must have completed a bachelor’s program. Students can choose to earn the credentials that lead to teaching in 16 months or pursue an optional Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree by taking only two additional courses.

Walden’s post-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs include the following program areas:

• Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3)
• Special Education, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K–12)
• Special Education, Learning Disabilities (K–12)

The college "is recognized already as one of the premier providers of online teacher education," said Dr. Susan Saxton, the college's acting dean at the time. "Now we've applied our quality curriculum and educational experts to teacher preparation programs to help more working professionals make the transition into the rewarding career as a teacher."

More Information

• Read about the curriculum.

• Refer someone to Walden.

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