5 Free Ways to Explore Teaching Programs and Find the Right Match
Learn how to connect with program advisors to find your future teacher preparation program fit.
Author: Karley Wise-Rader
Learn how to connect with program advisors to find your future teacher preparation program fit.
Author: Karley Wise-Rader
Finding the right teaching program can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Every state offers a wide range of pathways, each with unique benefits and program design. You’re probably already comparing programs based on cost, subject areas, schedule flexibility and program duration.
These are all great factors to consider while searching for a program. However, did you know you can connect directly with each program to further narrow down your list? Program advisors and admissions staff are ready to answer your specific questions for free. All you need to do is ask! So… where do you start?
Reaching out directly to program faculty is one of the best ways to find out if a program fits your goals. Instead of relying only on generic website details, you get direct answers straight from advisors and recruiters. This advice comes straight from TEACH’s very own experts, Angela Wunderlich and NiKole Nickerson! Here are five free ways to get answers and evaluate your options.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree or college credits, ask an admissions advisor to evaluate your transcript and help you map out your shortest path to your teaching certificate. This is also a good time to ask if you can earn add-on certificates or if you can earn an advanced degree by taking a few extra courses. For example, reading literacy, multilingual education and special education teaching certificates, as well as a master’s degree, may be a few credits away!
"Start by emailing an advisor and saying, 'Hey, can you just review my transcript?' Many folks will do that for free and they'll be able to say something about your transcript that they would recommend this program for you or that program for you" – Dr. Nikole Nickerson, TeachNC Partnerships Manager
Join information sessions hosted by program faculty to ask questions about workload, hands-on experiences and mentoring styles. This is a great opportunity to connect with future mentors and professors who can give you specific examples directly from their experience. You can find these sessions posted on a university’s school of education website, or sign up for email lists to get notified for future events.
TEACH shares information sessions and webinars to support our partner teacher programs, too! You can learn more on our events page.
Schedule a visit with professors to get a feel for the culture and mentorship style. Meeting with faculty face-to-face is also the perfect time to ask about active alumni networks and community support. You can even try asking to sit in on a class to get a glimpse of the classroom culture. Finding a program that aligns with your values and offers a strong cultural fit sets you up to succeed during your time in the program.
Ask advisors which local school districts they partner with for student teaching or residencies to get a preview of your potential career placement. Finding a program that works with districts you’d love to be a part of is an important detail that can easily be overlooked. It’s more common than you think to be hired directly by the district you student teach at!
Take advantage of free career fairs on campus to compare multiple pathways and meet district recruiters. This is a valuable time to connect with future advisors and gather direct details. Consider asking questions about financial aid opportunities, workload and time commitment to compare multiple programs. You can find event details online through a university’s school of education website or a university’s career center!
"The first thing that I always recommend to people is to ask a follow-up question about the sticker cost of a program… many students don't pay the full cost due to scholarships and district partnerships. When making your list of programs, include a variety of options, and follow up to see what financial aid is available." – Angela Wunderlich, TeachMN Partnerships Manager
Our coaches are teaching experts and can help you figure out where to start.
Prefer to start exploring on your own? Use our Program Explorer to compare teaching programs near you.