How Much Are Teacher Training Courses in 2023

Teachers must take training courses to be licensed and gain the necessary skills and knowledge —equipping them to teach at any level.

Teacher training courses help aspiring teachers and those already in the teaching profession achieve success in their careers by meeting their students' learning needs.

There are several teaching courses a teacher can take to help improve their skills and achieve professional growth. 

The cost of teacher training courses vary depending on the subject, location, and mode of study. However, they may cost you an average of $10,000 to $30,000. We will look at this in detail.

Let’s explore the various teaching courses and their costs to help you make an informed choice.

What is a Teacher Training Course?

A teacher training course is the training and support given to professionals who wish to become licensed teachers. The training equips teachers with skills and strategies that help them connect with students in a learning environment.

Aspiring teachers are also empowered with the knowledge to instruct, assess and lead students toward academic excellence.

Teaching courses are designed on a short-term basis to serve their purpose quickly and effectively.

The programs provide a direct link between the teacher, learners, and the curriculum. They’re designed to evolve as the student and teacher’s needs evolve.

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 teachers and learners in the following ways:

• Better student management: Teachers can instruct and engage their students professionally, creating a healthy learning environment.
• Teaching different student personalities: Teachers learn how to approach and guide all students, including those who are slower or have learning disabilities
• Modern pedagogy strategies: Aspiring teachers learn to use modern teaching strategies to improve students' test outcomes in a modern world.
• Professional growth: Teachers, especially those who’ve been teaching for years, get the opportunity to advance their careers, teach at a higher level, or even move into leadership roles. 

Pursuing a teacher training course allows you to learn skills, strategies, and tools that will prepare you for a successful and rewarding career as a teacher.

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 student 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 people are mostly transitioning from other careers and are passionate and talented in teaching a particular subject.

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

The Cost of Teacher Training Courses

A teacher training course may cost you $10,000–$30,000, depending on the teacher training institution.

The price is determined by the course you’re studying, the subject you’re focusing on, and where you’re applying from.

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

Course	Institution	Price	Duration
Science of Social and Emotional Learning	Northwestern Kellog 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	$16.99	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 testing fees can add $120–$300 to the applicant costs. For instance, the $35 licensing fee and $50 registration fee for Praxis.

Also, 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 Texas Teaching Fellows and Teach for America programs include discounted teacher training and assistance with student loans.

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: 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 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 Teachers 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 I Can Earn from Teacher’s Courses 

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

• Praxis core: This is a computer-delivered test that takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. It helps assess the basic skills and knowledge required for prospective teachers.
• Principles of learning and teaching (PLT): This is a series of exams designed to assess aspiring teachers' competence from kindergarten to grade 12. It’s a requirement for certification in most states.
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards(NBPTS) certificate: This certification system helps recognize and promote high-achieving teachers in their field.
• Early childhood education: This certification is awarded to individuals who have completed a program of study in early childhood education.
• Elementary education certification: This is a certification for aspiring teachers who have completed a program of study in elementary education.
• Secondary education certification: This is awarded to prospective teachers who have completed the course requirements for high school.
• 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

It may become overwhelming when choosing a teacher training course. Follow these tips to choose correctly.

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.

Also, 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. 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, as this will help you become a better teacher.

We’ll suggest a few things 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:

• Creating a study schedule and completing assignments on time,
• Actively participating in class discussions 
• 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.

Become a Better Teacher

Teacher training courses improve your chances of success as a job applicant and help you better meet your student's learning needs.

As a prospective teacher or a teacher who’s already practicing, you too can better yourself with a teacher training course. You can even take more than one if time and resources allow you.

Taking advantage of the available teacher student loans and scholarships can help you even with limited resources.