Western Governors University

[IrishJohn]

My wife is going to do her BA in early childhood education at WGU, so we know a bit about the process and requirements. You do realize that student teaching (demonstration teaching) is a REQUIREMENT for a teachers license, and WGUs programs (BA and MA) are designed to get you not only the degree but also the license.

Yes, I know this now thanks to sanantone. I didn't see this at the WGU website under the description of the program nor was I told this by their advisers. I'm in a different situation from your wife though because I already have a BA degree and only need the license to teach. As sanantone posted, some states have special programs to attract working adults from other career fields due to the teacher shortage. My home state of Virginia has this which is called the Career Switcher Program. The downside is that the cost is approx. $4,000 with no financial aid available to pay for it, but the upside is that no unpaid internship of "12-20 weeks" is required. Assuming I can get the financing in place to pay for the program and get accepted, I should start in September and receive my 1-year probational license by the end of the year. After one full year teaching I should complete the program and receive the regular teaching license. It's a good program for those who already have their bachelor's degree and of course if they have the money to pay for it.