Teacher Preparation Program

Your Gateway to Becoming a First-Time Teacher

If you have a passion for teaching and are ready to turn hard work into a successful career, enroll today in Walden’s online Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.).

This accelerated online program is ideal for those who already have a bachelor’s degree and who are interested in becoming a teacher. This online program is well-suited for independent, self-directed learners with excellent time management skills. It incorporates a series of academic requirements, or milestones, designed to ensure you have acquired the necessary competencies and expertise to be a more effective educator. At each milestone, your progress within the program will be evaluated using assessments that align with national professional standards. Walden’s faculty will help you master core concepts and principles, while our student support services can provide additional academic, advising, and technical assistance. Successful advancement beyond each milestone certifies that you have the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to make a positive impact in your classroom, school, and community.

This program features:

• Virtual Field Experiences as well as school-based field experiences
• Assignments that provide classroom-based teaching experiences
• A reflective, research-based approach to learning
• Best practices from national industry experts via videos
• A curriculum based on state and national industry standards

Online Teacher Preparation Program Specializations  

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

Gain a general understanding of the guidelines and requirements of the teacher preparation programs with the Teacher Candidate Guidebook. After you download the guidebook, please call 1-866-492-5336 to speak with your enrollment advisor for assistance in reviewing the information.

• Teacher Candidate Guidebook (abridged version)

Estimated time to completion is 20 to 24 months. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

• Important note on teacher licensure
• Information for prospective Alabama and Washington state students

Learn More

• What You Can Expect from the Master of Arts in Teaching Program
• Definitions of Early Childhood Education, Emotional/Behavior Disorders, and Learning Disabilities
• National Education Experts
• ePortfolio
• Learning Outcomes

*Walden University’s teacher preparation program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching for licensure in Minnesota. Walden’s enrollment advisors can provide individuals with guidelines and other information about licensure. It remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with the out-of-state licensure requirements for the state in which he or she seeks to be licensed.

Note to all Pennsylvania residents: Walden University’s teacher preparation program and special education endorsement programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching as leading to licensure and endorsement, respectively. Because these programs are not reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, candidates are instructed to apply for Pennsylvania certification as out-of-state graduates of a teacher preparation program.

For assistance in deciding which online degree program fits your goals, request information or speak with an enrollment advisor by calling 1-866-492-5336. A list of international toll-free phone numbers is available for students outside the United States.

Other Recommended Master’s Programs

• Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• Psychology
• Nonprofit Management and Leadership