Top Teacher Licensure Programs

I'm still looking for information on teacher licensure programs, and I've decided to take a look at a full range of programs, without regard to cost.

What are the top teacher licensure programs for elementary education at the graduate level?

 

I've shopped all over Texas, because I am also in the market (though I'm pursuing alternative certification).

The consensus seems to me that Tarleton University's program is top-notch down here. If one can take admission criteria as an indicator of quality, then that also lends credibility to their program. They are tougher to get into than some.

I am unsure if their traditional 2-year program is available via DL. Their alt. cert. program is, via TMATE, and is very highly regarded.

I will actively watch this thread for my own selfish reasons! There is also this thread, which I'm sure you've seen: http://www.degreeinfo.com/distance-learning-discussions/27725-m-ed-degrees.html.

 

I'm pursuing an alternate route as well.

 

I wouldn't be that concerned with having a "top notch" teacher education program. The stuff you learn in the books is NOTHING compared to what you'll learn in the classroom. You can get the same education at any school, but it's what YOU invest in the classroom that'll make you a good teacher, not the program you went through. That's just my opinion, of course, but there are definitely people with degrees and credentials who have no business being in a classroom.

-Matt

 

I would agree with this. My friends who are teachers have told me that once you've graduated and become certified no one really cares where you went to school. If you're certified then you're certified and that's all that matters. You might get a bonus gift if the principal (or whoever does the hiring) went through the same program as you but if you want to play those odds then you're probably going to do better just by going through the local state university.

 

You took the words out of my mouth Matt. I would go as far to say that most principals will judge you based on your personality, far above what school you attended. If you have a great personality and attend a state school I would think you have a leg up on just about everyone.

Edit- I just noticed what Kizmet said and I agree with that as well. Most teachers attend state schools and do graduate work within the county from cohorts offered and taught by the nearest state school. In small areas, you might be better off graduating from the mid-tier school. In my area, Tennessee Tech is king. I would say 2/3 of all teachers, including myself, did coursework / obtained their degree from there.