Free Online Lectures and Courses for Education

Teachers play a role in shaping our lives from preschool all the way to adulthood. Those who wish to inspire future generations might discover their calling in an education program. Aspiring teachers, school administrators, librarians, and trainers can specialize in instructing students at various ages, such as early childhood, K-8, or high school. Those who enroll within an education degree program can also choose to specialize in certain teaching topics, such as language arts, social studies, chemistry, or mathematics.

Positions within teaching, school administration, and corporate instructional design are open to job seekers with a strong background in either childhood or adult education. Overall, education majors gain deep insights into skill development, learning abilities, and leadership practices; this expertise makes them valuable members of any community.

Sample Courses

Prospective educators will take a wide breadth of courses at the undergraduate level, which will cover the fundamentals of pedagogy, childhood development, and instructional techniques. Some courses may even delve into recent national and state politics that impact teaching regulations, resources, and curricula. The course load for this degree will vary from student to student, depending on one's specialization, which is generally selected when the student applies to an undergraduate program.

Special education courses help prospective educators gain a strong familiarity with autism spectrum disorders, physical disabilities, and assistive technologies within academics. Early childhood education courses focus on the psychological and physical stages of infants and toddlers, their nutritional needs, and classroom safety techniques. Elementary education courses emphasize language and logic developments amongst students in grades K-8. Secondary school courses allow aspiring teachers to focus on developing curricula for any number of high school subjects they will go on to teach, often to the exclusion of other core areas of education.

Possible Specializations

Before students are admitted into an undergraduate education program, they are generally required to apply for one of the following specializations: special education, elementary education, secondary education, or early childhood development. A special education degree prepares teachers to work with students of diverse ability and disability backgrounds. Educators who wish to focus on the academic development of toddlers or K-12 students can choose a degree path that corresponds with students in a particular age group within the age group.

Degree Types

In addition to the various degree specializations, students can also apply to education degree types ranging from the associate to doctoral level. The following degree types can determine the amount of time a student remains in college and possible career choices.

Associate

Since most states require a bachelor's degree for teacher certification, most colleges only provide associate degrees to students who intend to use the credits toward a bachelor's degree in the future. This two-year degree can help students grasp the general fundamentals of teaching techniques, but an associate degree alone will not lead to licensure.

Bachelor's

This degree type usually takes students four to five years to complete. Students are generally encouraged to choose a specialty right when they apply, since it will dramatically influence the curricula and on-site classroom training experiences. A bachelor's degree in education can prepare students to take their state board exams to receive a teaching certification.

Master's

This graduate degree is usually pursued by educators who wish to refine their expertise in certain academic subjects and teaching techniques, such as teaching advanced biology to high school students or teaching English studies to elementary learners. Others might pursue a master's degree to gain school administrative experience or school counseling experience.

Ed. D. or Ph.D.

There are two doctorate level degree options available for prospective graduate students – a Ed.D or a Ph.D. The Ed.D. focuses on developing skills and practical techniques to apply as educators or administrators at a school. The Ph.D. route tends to emphasize research and experiments of a more theoretical nature.

Ideal Candidates for Education

An education degree is a great fit for natural leaders and lifelong learners. Teachers, school administrators, and counselors will be expected to lead large groups of students, while remaining open to new teaching ideas and academic approaches. Candidates who effectively collaborate with others will find success in the field of education. Educators are frequently called upon to work together with parents, communities, and other teachers.

Career Pathways

Students who graduate with a degree in education can pursue several career paths within classrooms, libraries, publishing houses, and even businesses. Teaching at the classroom level is a very popular option, but students holding an education degree can also work as administrators, overseeing the operations of an entire school or school district. Education graduates are often valued by companies that need employee training curricula and instructional materials. Publications that specialize in textbooks and training manuals often hire education graduates, since they are acquainted with a wide-range of learning styles, instructional needs, and current academic standards.

Teachers at the kindergarten and elementary levels can expect to earn an average of $53,090 a year, with an average job outlook growth rate of 12% before the year 2022. Graduates who work as teachers at the high school level make a slightly higher wage, $55,050 annually on average. However, the job outlook for high school teachers is significantly lower than other grade levels, with an unfavorable growth rate of 6% before 2022. Librarians have the most favorable pay rate, reaching an average of $55,370 a year, however their job outlook has the less-than-favorable growth rate 7% before 2022.

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Education Journals & Trade Magazines

  • Journals

    • American Educational Research Journal

      Split into two sections, the AERJ studies the impact of systemic policies, and explores the latest strategies in practical teaching theory.

    • American Educator

      Published quarterly by the American Federation of Teachers, this journal explores the broad topics affecting education and educators in today’s world.

    • Childhoods Today

      This is an international forum designed exclusively for the publication of articles by postgraduate students in the field of childhood studies.

    • Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education

      CITE is an online, peer reviewed journal sponsored by five professional associations and, as such, is the only journal of its kind dedicated to teacher education in the use of technology.

    • Current Issues in Education

      CIE publishes articles on a broad range of education topics (pre-K, K-12, and higher education) both nationally and internationally.

    • Current Issues in Education

      This journal presents scholarly thought and promotes dialogue about research and policy in an effort to bring educational theory into more practical and widespread classroom use.

    • Democracy & Education

      This journal focuses on articles about policies, structures, and teaching and learning practices associated with pre k-12 education.

    • Early Childhood Research & Practice

      Published by the Clearinghouse on Early Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this web-only journal features articles related to the education of children under eight.

    • Early Childhood Research and Practice

      This journal focses on strategies, training, needs and more as they pertain to the development and education of early childhood.

    • Education Next

      Bold change is needed in American K–12 education, but Education Next partakes of no program, campaign, or ideology. It goes where the evidence points.

    • Higher Education in Review

      HER is an independent, refereed journal published by graduate students of the Higher Education Program at the Pennsylvania State University.

    • International Journal of Special Education

      This is an international journal for special education teachers focused on many of the aspects that relate to special education learning and teaching.

    • International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

      This journal is a resource for teachers, educators, and students to work together to ensure quality higher education learning.

    • Journal of Effective Teaching

      This peer reviewed journal focuses on discussions of teaching excellence at the college level with regular issues containing articles on effective teaching and the scholarship of teaching.

    • Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education

      This journal is aimed at those interested in all aspects of how learning is facilitated, and how it is experienced and achieved by students in higher education.  

    • Journal of Science Teacher Education

      Published by the Association for Science Teacher Education, JSTE is the primary forum for new research on improving the quality of in-service education of science teachers at all levels.

    • McGill Journal of Education

      The MJE is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary, open access, bilingual scholarly journal published three times a year which embraces a broad conception of education.

    • Research in Middle Level Education

      This journal is dedicated to improving the educational experiences of middle school students by providing vision, knowledge, and resources to educators.

  • Trade Magazines

    • Best Evidence Encyclopedia

      The BEE is a free web site created by the Johns Hopkins University School of Education's Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education (CDDRE.)

    • Early Childhood News

      Resources, articles, ideas and more for early childhood learning and teaching.

    • Education Week

      Online magazine with resources, tips, advice, blogs, news and more for secondary learning.

    • Education Week Teacher

      This digital publication delivers news, analysis and reviews on a wide range of topics that are of interest to teachers at all grade levels.

    • Language Magazine

      Language Magazine is published 12 times a year and is aimed at supervisors, department heads, admins and government officials involved in education.

    • Teach Magazine

      The magazine is the most widely read education publication in Canada, covering topics and issues of interest to teachers and administrators in grades K-12.

    • Teach Primary

      Published in the UK, it is available in three versions: Teach Nursery, Teach Primary and Teach Secondary. The site also provides news and product reviews.

    • Tomorrow's Teachers

      The National Education Association produces Tomorrow's Teachers once a year for NEA student members and individuals who are new to the teaching profession.

    • Yes Magazine

      Available in both print and online, Yes Magazine combines and explains high-level theory and practical application in engaging, easy-to-replicate ways.

Education Grants & Scholarships

  • Grants

    • International Reading Association Constance McCullough Award

      Deadline: June 30th

      Award Amount: $4,000

      This award is available to members of the International Reading Association for investigation of reading-related problems and to encourage professional development outside of North America.

    • McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Teacher Development Grants

      Deadline: January 15th – April 15th

      Award Amount: $10,000 per year for up to 3 years

      The grant supports teachers in the creation and implementation of new and original K-12 classroom instruction and is renewable for up to three years, provided eligibility requirements are met.

    • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Study & Active Professionalism

      Deadline: May 2nd

      Award Amount: $24,000

      This grant is for teachers of mathematics at all grade levels who wish to improve their understanding and appreciation of mathematics by completing additional coursework to pursue an advanced degree.

    • TEACH Grant

      Deadline: Same as FAFSA

      Award Amount: $4,000

      Available to students willing to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low income families and students.

  • Scholarships

    • A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship

      Deadline: May 2nd

      Award Amount: $2,000

      Available to grad students currently teaching K-12 gifted education and have been a member of the National Association for Gifted Children for one year.

    • AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program

      Deadline: March 31st

      Award Amount: $8,000

      Applicants for this program must be the dependents of AFT members. They also award ten grants to AFT members for continuing education.

    • Alexis Kate Special Education Teacher Scholarship

      Deadline: April

      Award Amount: $500

      Education students with a declared major in special education may be eligible for this scholarship, provided by Eden Autism.

    • American Educational Research Association Minority Dissertation Fellowship

      Deadline: November 1

      Award Amount: $12,000

      This scholarship is available to members of racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in higher education who are in dissertation.

    • American Montessori Teacher Education Scholarships

      Deadline: May 1

      Award Amount: $1,000

      Every year, the American Montessori Society awards teacher education scholarships to aspiring Montessori teachers.

    • Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

      Deadline: December 1

      Award Amount: $2,000

      Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible.

    • Dr. Alma Adams Scholarship

      Deadline: April 30th

      Award Amount: $10,000

      Awarded for: community service related to tobacco prevention, the use of visual arts, media or creative writing to impart a culturally relevant message.

    • Educational Advancement Foundation

      Deadline: April 15th

      Award Amount: Varied

      Applicants must be a full-time sophomore or higher at an accredited school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) and have a record of community service.

    • FFNFF Scholarship Fund

      Deadline: April 15

      Award Amount: $1,000

      This scholarship is awarded to high school graduates accepted to a higher institution for an education program and is awarded annually.

    • Gates Millenium Scholars

      Deadline: varies

      Award Amount: varies

      Awarding 1000 scholarships each year, this foundation offers a broad range of scholarships including healthcare administration and management.

    • Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation

      Deadline: February

      Award Amount: varies

      Sociology majors interested in pursuing careers in public service can apply to become a Truman Scholar.

    • James Madison Memorial Foundation Fellowships

      Deadline: March 1

      Award Amount: Up to $24,000

      Two types of fellowships are available, both requiring fellows to teach American government or social studies at the secondary level for one year.

    • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Prospective Middle School Mathematics Teacher Course Workshop Scholarship

      Deadline: May 2nd

      Award Amount: $3,000

      This is available to undergraduates preparing for a career as a middle school mathematics teacher and are in the process of completing their junior year.

    • Outlaw Student Scholarships

      Deadline: April 14th

      Award Amount: $500

      This program offers four of these scholarships each year, and unlike other scholarship programs, they are awarded every three months.

    • Patch Early Childhood Education Scholarships

      Deadline: May 31s

      Award Amount: $750

      Patch for the Community Scholarships are available through most Patch sites and may only be used to cover the cost of tuition at in-state schools.

    • Phi Delta Kappa International

      Deadline: April 1st

      Award Amount: $1,000

      Available to high school seniors planning to become educators, with connections to PDK or who are members of the Future Educators Association.

    • Phi Delta Kappa Prospective Educator Scholarships

      Deadline:

      Award Amount: $1,000

      More than 30 scholarships are awarded each year to prospective educators who have a connection to PDK .

    • Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Course Work Scholarships

      Deadline: May

      Award Amount: Up to $10,000

      Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for college students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics.

    • Public Schools Administration Scholarships

      Deadline: April 1

      Award Amount: $7,500

      Doctoral students at an accredited postsecondary institution in the US and majoring in Public School Administration are eligible for this scholarship.

    • Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

      Deadline: varies

      Award Amount: Up to $10,000

      This scholarship is awarded to STEM majors who intend to teach in the future.

    • STEM Teacher Scholarships

      Deadline: April 1st

      Award Amount: $5,000

      The AFCEA foundation awards at least fifty scholarships annually to students who are pursuing a degree to teach science, technology, engineering or math.

Education Internships

  • Breakthrough Collaborative

    Deadline: February 25th

    This highly competitive internship offers participants the opportunity to spend a summer teaching in traditionally underserved and under-privileged communities.

  • Brooklyn Museum

    Deadline: March 31st

    Students and young professionals wishing to gain valuable fieldwork experience in designing, facilitating and teaching programs that address the needs of adults, school children and families.

  • Department of Education

    Deadline: July 15th

    The U.S. Department of Education offers several internship opportunities for students interested in education administration and policy. Programs include policy, research and public affairs.

  • Education Pioneers Summer Interns

    Deadline: varies

    Various positions in various cities for students actively pursuing education degrees.

  • Fermilab

    Deadline: Multiple deadlines between January 10th - March 31st

    The world renowned Fermilab offers a number of internships for high school, undergrad, grad students, and secondary school educators with interests in particle physics experiments.

  • GeoVisions

    Deadline: Multiple deadlines, depending on position

    This international internship program has both paid and unpaid opportunities worldwide in locations ranging from Myanmar to Nicaragua that afford participants live teaching experience.

  • Global Career-Building Internships

    Deadline: N/A

    These are international internships are ideal for individuals interested in a career in secondary education as teachers, elementary school principals or librarians.

  • JPL Teacher Internships

    Deadline: N/A

    JPL's STAR interns choose from a network of national, independent and university laboratories and spend a summer developing their research skills.

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art Internships

    Deadline: varies

    Offered for college and graduate students, the MMA offers students a number of paid and unpaid internships.

  • NASA Education Associates Program

    Deadline: year-round

    Offers students, post-docs and faculty the opportunity to work with scientists on NASA projects in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

  • Smithsonian Internships

    Deadline: varies

    The Smithsonian Institute offers an incredible number of different internship opportunities in various departments.

  • Teach for America Internships

    Deadline: varies

    Teach for America prepares interns for professions in education.

  • U.S. Department of Education Internships

    Deadline: March 15, July 15, November 15

    For students interested in gaining work experience in government and federal education policy and administration.

  • WEDIKO Children's Services

    Deadline: March

    Opportunity to work with at-risk kids helping to build their self-motivation, decision-making skills, and social skills.

  • YAI: Internship Opportunities

    Deadline: varies

    YAI internship programs in the field of developmental and learning disabilities are available to undergraduate or graduate students looking to gain experience in health and human services.

  • Yes! Magazine Education Intern

    Deadline: June 30

    The education intern will have an opportunity to assist in all aspects of the growing YES! Education Outreach Program.

Education Student & Professional Organizations

  • Student Organizations

  • Professional Organizations

    • Association of American Educators

      This is a non-union organization of teachers in the U.S. It is dedicated to promoting non-partisan growth and excellence among U.S. educators.

    • Education Students Association

      The association provides resources and information for education students in all disciplines and grade levels to supplement their formal training.

    • Future Educators Association

      As a member of the PDK family of associations they are dedicated to providing support to students interested in pursuing a career in education and have done so since their founding in 1937.

    • National Art Education Association

      The National Art Education Association is the leading professional membership organization exclusively for visual arts educators.

    • National Association of Biology Teachers

      Dedicated to promoting excellence in teaching biology, they provide opportunities for anyone interested in the latest trends in life science education.

    • National Association of Special Education Teachers

      The NASET is dedicated to meeting the needs of special education teachers and those preparing for the field of special education teaching.

    • National Council of Teachers of English

      The purpose of the NCTE is to promote literacy and ultimately empower students to achieve full participation in society as effective and passionate readers, speakers, and writers.

    • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

      The public voice of mathematics education, supporting teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students.

    • National Education Association

      The NEA, the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education.

    • National Rural Education Association

      The NREA is the voice of all rural schools and rural communities across the United States.

    • National Science Teachers Association

      The NSTA is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

    • NEA Student Program

      The NEA's student program assists individuals interested in leadership opportunities, networking and research in the field of education.

    • The Association of Teacher Educators

      This is an individual membership organization exclusively focused on improving teacher education for both school-based and post-secondary educators, with members from 700 universities.