How Much Are Teacher Training Courses in 2024

Becoming a teacher requires passion, education, and a commitment to shaping the future. As an aspiring educator just beginning your career path or an experienced teacher looking to expand your skills, teacher training courses are vital in your professional development. 

Teacher training courses equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet your students’ learning needs and help you stay current with the latest teaching methods and educational trends.

When considering teacher training courses, one of the biggest factors to consider is cost. 

The price of these courses varies widely based on the level of the course, the institution offering it, and the mode of delivery (online or in-person). Additionally, specialized training courses offering unique certifications come with a higher price tag.

In this guide, we'll explore the cost of various teacher training courses. We'll break down the factors that influence pricing and help you make an informed choice about your teacher training investment.

What is a Teacher Training Course?

A teacher training course is a program designed to prepare individuals for the responsibilities of teaching and to support the ongoing development of practicing teachers.  

These courses equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to create effective learning environments and guide students toward academic success.

For aspiring teachers, these courses cover foundational aspects of education, including:

• Pedagogy
• Classroom management
• Curriculum design
• Assessment strategies 

They provide the essential tools for new educators to engage with students, create a positive classroom atmosphere, and deliver lessons that meet educational standards.

Teacher training courses are not just for prospective educators. Practicing teachers also benefit from these courses as part of their professional development. 

They offer opportunities to stay updated with the latest teaching methods, integrate new technologies, and explore advanced topics relevant to their subject area or grade level. These courses help experienced teachers refine their skills and adapt to changing educational trends.

Most teacher training courses are designed in a short-term format to ensure teachers can quickly apply their learning in real-world settings. 

Benefits of Teacher Training Courses

Before teachers are licensed to teach in a classroom setting, they have to take teacher training courses. 

Apart from the license, the training program equips them with valuable teaching skills that benefit educators and learners.

Let’s look at these teaching skills in detail.

Better student management

Effective student management is vital for a successful classroom. Teacher training courses provide educators with strategies to maintain order and engage their students professionally.

Through these courses, teachers learn various techniques for addressing disruptive behavior, setting classroom expectations, and implementing effective discipline. 

Mastering student management allows teachers to focus more on instruction and less on resolving conflicts, leading to a smoother and more productive classroom.

Teaching different student personalities

Every classroom has a mixture of diverse personalities, learning styles, and backgrounds. Teacher training courses help educators understand this diversity and adapt their teaching methods to cater to a wide range of students. 

These courses cover differentiated instruction, which allows teachers to tailor lessons to meet individual needs. Teachers also learn about psychological and social factors that influence student behavior and performance. 

With this knowledge, they can create lesson plans and classroom activities that engage all types of learners, including those who are slower or have learning disabilities, the highly motivated, and those who need additional encouragement.

Modern pedagogy strategies

New teaching methods and technologies keep emerging regularly due to growing student needs. Teacher training courses help educators stay current with modern pedagogy.

They introduce teachers to innovative instructional techniques, such as project-based learning, flipped classrooms, and gamification.

They also cover the integration of technology in the classroom, showing teachers how to use digital tools and resources to enhance learning. 

Professional growth

Teacher training courses enable educators who’ve been teaching for years to advance their careers, teach at a higher level, or even move into leadership roles.

These courses offer opportunities for teachers to learn about new educational trends, technologies, and best practices. They also provide a platform for networking with other professionals, sharing experiences, and gaining inspiration. 

Professional development through teacher training courses also helps educators stay current with educational standards and maintain teaching credentials.

Types of Teacher Training Courses

You can pursue several training courses and become a licensed teacher. Some are local, while others are global educational programs. You can take the courses online or physically attend the institution of your choice.

Let’s take a look at the options available.

Traditional Approach

In the traditional approach, the student goes to the university to obtain a bachelor's degree in education, which takes four years.

After the bachelor’s degree, the student completes a teacher training program to gain real-life teaching experience.

The prospective teacher may also be required to take the state-specific certification to be licensed as a teacher in some states.

Non-Traditional Approach

The non-traditional approach greatly benefits those with a bachelor's degree in another field unrelated to education. These are mostly career changers transitioning from other professions and are passionate and talented in teaching a particular subject.

These programs often involve a combination of coursework, mentorship, and on-the-job training. They are mostly offered online on platforms and universities, providing flexibility for those with work or family commitments.

The program takes less than two years to complete, and the prospective teachers must pass a state exam for licensing.

The Cost of Teacher Training Courses

A teacher training course may cost you $7,685–$32,605, depending on the teacher training institution.

The price is determined by whether the institution is private or public, the course you’re studying, the subject you’re focusing on, and where you’re applying from (in-state or out-of-state.)

The table below shows some courses and their price and durations.

Course	Institution	Price	Duration
Science of Social and Emotional Learning	Northwestern Kellogg School of Management	$1,500	6 weeks
Higher Education Teaching Certificate	Harvard Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL)	$2,400	8 weeks
Digital Learning and Teaching	American College of Education	$2,200	1 year
Classroom management	Udemy created by Scott Graham	$49.99	23 Lectures 2 hours total duration

Licensing and Additional Fees

In addition to the cost of the training course, there are some other charges and additional fees you should keep in mind.

The certification exam fees can add $120–$300 to the applicant's costs. For instance, the $35 licensing fee and $50 registration fee for Praxis.

Additionally, sending your score reports to a specific state for licensure can cost up to $120 per test. Ensure you’ve considered all the additional charges to avoid unexpected situations.

Discounts and Promotions

Teacher training courses can be found at a discounted or promoted price. You should take advantage of the discount and save some money, which can come in handy during your course.

For example, the Teachers of Tomorrow programs in various states include easy payment plans that allow you to start learning after paying a registration fee that can be as low as $49.50, depending on the state.

States with a high teacher demand often offer these incentives to get more qualified teachers in their classrooms.

Online Teacher Training Courses

Depending on your field of interest, you can find an online course that can help make you a better teacher and a more suitable job applicant.

Online courses offer a flexible schedule that you can tailor to your preference. They’re also cheaper and can be attended from any location.

The following are examples of online courses you can take:

• Social and emotional learning: Provides educators with skills to manage the social and emotional needs of their students
• Music education: Provides individuals passionate about music and teaching with strategies to teach musical concepts in a classroom.
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language): Awards certification for educators who would like to teach English to non-native English speakers.
• Educational technology: Provides educators with skills and strategies to integrate technology into their teaching practice.
• Higher education: Awards certification to educators with teaching competency in institutions of higher learning such as colleges.
• K-12 education: Provides certifications for individuals qualified to teach in K-12 classrooms. 

When to Take a Teacher Training Course?

Before becoming a certified teacher, you must have completed the teacher training courses in your field. Most teacher training courses are taken before teaching in a classroom setting. However, you can still attend them as a training teacher or when switching careers.

Depending on the curriculum and the college, most programs last between a few weeks and a year. You should consider taking online classes if you still need to keep your day job while pursuing the teacher training course.

Online classes offer flexibility which allows you to continue working as you study. They can also be done from anywhere you prefer and at a convenient pace.

The course will prepare you for teaching and the challenges that come with it, especially in the first weeks. For example connecting with students, managing the workload, and enforcing rules and procedures for expected behavior.

What to Expect from Teacher Training Courses 

Without certification, you cannot teach in a classroom. Certification helps demonstrate your competencies to future employers and makes job searching easier.

The courses also help you become a better teacher as they go deeper into practicing teaching than degree programs do.

Once done with the teacher training course, you can apply for teaching jobs in your state.

Examples of Certificates and Credentials You Can Earn from Teacher’s Courses 

There are several teaching certificates and credentials you can earn from teacher training courses, including:

• Early Childhood Education (ECE): Qualifies you to teach children from birth to kindergarten.
• Elementary Education: Qualifies you to teach children from kindergarten through grade 5 or 6.
• Secondary Education: Qualifies you to teach a specific subject area in middle school or high school.
• Special Education: Qualifies you to teach students with special needs.
• National Board Certification (NBPTS): This certification system helps recognize and promote high-achieving teachers in their field. Possessing it demonstrates advanced teaching skills and knowledge.
• TEFL Certification: Qualifies you to teach English to students who speak other languages.
• Reading Specialist Certification: Qualifies you to provide specialized instruction to students who are struggling with reading. 
• Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) certification: This certification recognizes educators with the specialized knowledge to teach gifted and talented students in academic or artistic excellence.

How to Choose the Right Teacher Training Course

Now that you've decided to embark on the rewarding path of becoming a teacher, you need to select the teacher training course that perfectly aligns with your goals and aspirations. 

Let’s look at some factors to consider in order to choose the course that sets you up for success in the classroom and a fulfilling teaching career.

1. Decide on your field.

Before taking a teacher training course, you should decide which field you want to focus on.

The most crucial factor is to choose a field you’re passionate about and one that aligns with your career goals.

Other considerations include your previous experience, education, job market, and demand for teachers in the field.

2. Research requirements to teach in your state.

The state requirements for teacher certification and licensing will determine which fields you are qualified to teach in. For example, to teach in a specific subject area like math or science, you may need to have a degree in that subject and pass a subject-specific certification exam. 

To research the teaching requirements in your state, you can start by visiting the website of your state's Department of Education. 

There’s a section dedicated to teacher certification and licensure. You’ll get all the information on the specific requirements and qualifications needed to become a teacher in that state. 

3. Compare different teacher training courses.

Compare the different course curriculums and look for programs that strongly emphasize practical, hands-on experience. 

Additionally, compare the cost of different programs and financial aid availability. Look into scholarships and grants specifically for teacher education students.

Don’t forget to compare the program format online or in person. Choose the format that best fits your learning style and schedule. 

4. Check if the course is accredited or not.

When evaluating a course, it's crucial to confirm whether it has received accreditation. Accreditation is a formal endorsement from a regulatory body, indicating that the course meets established standards for quality and rigor. 

This approval process involves comprehensive assessments, curriculum reviews, and adherence to educational best practices.

Opting for an unaccredited course can lead to significant disadvantages. For instance, your diploma may not be recognized by other schools or educational institutions, which could hinder your ability to further your education or obtain certain jobs. Additionally, unaccredited courses might not provide the depth of knowledge or skill set that accredited ones do.

Here are some key advantages of enrolling in accredited teacher training courses:

• Employability: Employers are more likely to hire candidates with credentials from accredited programs, as they know these programs meet industry standards.
• Qualification pathways: Credits or qualifications from accredited courses often count towards further education or certifications, facilitating career advancement.
• Experienced instructors: Accredited courses employ more skilled and knowledgeable lecturers, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.
• Professional recognition: Completion of an accredited course is often acknowledged by professional bodies and associations, which can be crucial for joining certain organizations or advancing in your career.

To determine if a course is accredited, you can start by checking with the institution directly, reviewing information on their website, or consulting with the relevant accreditation bodies, which are the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP.)

If in doubt, seek independent reviews or contact educational experts to avoid the pitfalls of enrolling in unaccredited programs.

5. Submit your application for the training course.

To submit your application for the teacher training course, gather the required documents such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.

You’ll likely be required to complete an application form with your personal information, educational background, and information about your teaching experience and goals.

Some programs may require you to submit a personal statement that provides insight into your background and reasons for wanting to become a teacher.

Pay the application fee and submit your application either online, in person, or through mail.

Pro tip: Check the specific application requirements and deadlines of the program you are applying for and submit your application as early as possible.

How to Make the Most of Your Teacher Training Course

Once you’re enrolled in the course, it’s important to maximize its value to become a better teacher.

Here are a few tips for you to get the most out of the teacher training course.

Plan Your Activities

Once enrolled in the teacher training course, planning your activities will help you stay organized and on track with your coursework.

Planning will also help you manage your time effectively to balance your coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family. You’ll be able to set and achieve specific goals, such as completing assignments on time or studying for exams. 

Stay on Top of the Course

By staying on top of your coursework, you can ensure that you understand the material and are well-prepared for exams and other assessments. This can lead to better academic performance and help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field.

You can stay on top of your coursework by:

• Actively participating in class discussions 
• Creating a study schedule and completing assignments on time
• Reviewing training material regularly to identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts.

Consult Professors when Uncertain or Need More Information

If you are struggling with the learning material in your teacher training, don't hesitate to ask your instructors or professors for help. Asking for help will help you understand better and provide you with additional explanations or examples.

Asking for help also helps you develop a better relationship with your instructors. This is because it demonstrates that you are invested in your education and are willing to put in the effort to succeed.

Have Enough Time to Sleep and Rest

Getting enough rest is important when pursuing your course. Sleep is essential for maintaining physical and mental health and well-being, directly impacting your ability to learn, focus and perform academically.

Adequate sleep and rest will also help you stay alert and focused, which is essential when you need to pay attention in class and complete assignments.

Top 5 Teacher Training Courses in 2024

There's a path perfectly suited to your interests as an aspiring educator. Once you’re licensed, your success will greatly depend on your professional development.

 In this section, we’ll explore teacher training courses, highlight their features, and their costs in 2024.

1. SimpleK12 

SimpleK12 is your go-to online resource for professional development tailored for teachers. It provides educators with tools and resources to elevate their pedagogical approaches and enhance student learning.

The platform offers courses in differentiation strategies, effective assessment techniques, educational technology tools, classroom management tactics, and innovative teaching methodologies, 

All these resources are accessible to you for just $29.99 per month. Invest in your growth as an educator with SimpleK12 and enrich your teaching practice.

2. Coursera 

Coursera offers educators a selection of professional development courses tailored to enhance their teaching skills. Each of Coursera's teacher training programs provides certification upon successful completion.

For just $49 per month, you can gain unlimited access to various professional development courses, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. 

3. EdWeb 

EdWeb is an online platform designed specifically for teachers. It's like a virtual community where teachers can connect and grow together.

There are numerous professional development courses to enhance your teaching skills. Additionally, there are webinars available where you can learn from experts in the field. 

Everything on EdWeb is absolutely free.

4. Professional Development Institute

The Professional Development Institute provides online courses to help K-12 teachers grow in their careers. 

The course prices vary, but many courses are available for $120. You can also opt for a course that includes university credit for $304. 

5. Harvard University

Harvard University offers online professional development courses specifically designed for teachers. These courses cover topics in education and classroom practice. 

These courses are flexible, allowing teachers to balance their professional development with their teaching responsibilities. They include multimedia content and interactive exercises with fellow educators. 

Many of Harvard's online PD courses offer certificates of completion. The prices vary depending on the particular course.

Become a Better Teacher

Enhancing your skills through teacher training courses boosts your chances of landing a job and equips you to effectively meet the diverse needs of your students. 

If you're an aspiring educator or already in the field, investing in further education can make a major difference in your career.

Consider a teacher training course to broaden your expertise and enrich your teaching practice. 

Don't let financial constraints hold you back. Explore available teacher student loans and scholarships to support your professional development journey.

With access to these opportunities and your passion for teaching, you can continually improve as an educator, positively impacting your career and the lives of your students.

Company	Contact	Country
Alfreds Futterkiste	Maria Anders	Germany
Centro comercial Moctezuma	Francisco Chang	Mexico