Certificates for Teachers
Certificates for Teachers
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We offer a variety of certificates for educators that can be completed online1 to support working professionals. These certificates are program certificates, which are different from the teaching certificates or licenses an individual may apply for and earn from a state department of education or licensing agency. Explore areas of specialization such as elementary education, secondary education, special education or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
If you are interested in preparing for initial teaching licensure, our L.E.A.P. to Teach certificate program may be a great choice. This program is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree, but are not already working as a teacher, to prepare for initial teaching licensure. Licensure programs may require additional in-person field hours as well as student teaching courses.
For those who already have a master’s degree and a background in teaching, we offer certificates of completion in areas such as history, math, English and communications that can prepare you to teach these topics in two or some four-year institutions.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences, and student teaching.
Enter the classroom confidently with certificates for teachers from Grand Canyon University.
Our certificates for teachers are designed to build upon your foundational knowledge in education and teach you focused skills in a specific area of expertise. These certificates can provide educators with the competencies to work in their chosen specialization, such as special education, distance learning or instructional coaching.
Graduates with a certificate, when combined with a bachelor’s or master’s degree and teaching licensure, may be able to work as a:
Preschool teacher
Kindergarten teacher
Elementary school teacher
Middle school teacher, except career/technical education
Secondary school teacher, except career/technical education
Preschool special education teacher
Kindergarten special education teacher
Elementary school special education teacher
Middle school special education teacher
Secondary school special education teacher
Special education teaching assistant
Adult basic or secondary education and ESL instructor
Education and childcare administrator
Median annual wage for high school teachers as of May 20242
by Niche.com as having the best college for education in Arizona for 20253
If you feel called to transform lives through education, consider earning one of GCU’s certificates for teachers. Our certificates cover a range of specializations within education that can teach you new skills and strengthen your existing competencies. Our graduate certificate programs do not lead to education licensure, with the exception of Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach programs.
You’ll have the opportunity to study lesson planning and assessment skills, supporting diverse learners and applying evidence-based teaching practices. If you are looking to develop new areas of expertise in education, a certificate may help support your professional growth.
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Many resources are available to support you on your teaching journey and to help you get the most out of your time at GCU. Check out our student support services and learn more about the College of Education and our certificate programs.
While pursuing a professional development certificate, knowing what to look for in your program is helpful in making your decision. Attending an accredited university and ensuring you meet the admission requirements are important factors when working toward your certificate. If you are interested in certificates for teachers, you will have access to support throughout your educational journey as you benefit from online learning.
Grand Canyon University has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Studying at an accredited institution ensures that the quality of education meets accrediting body standards.
The ability to study online supports working professionals and educators with busy schedules. Online students have opportunities to interact with faculty and peers, so they don’t miss out on the community that comes with a traditional degree program.
The exact admission requirements for certificates will vary depending on the program. Graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree. To learn more about your program’s admission requirements, visit the admission page.
If you are interested in learning more about our certificates for teachers online, explore our frequently asked questions to help you decide what program is right for you.
A certificate is an academic program designed to deepen existing competencies in teaching methodologies, classroom management and specialized areas of study. Certificates for teachers can also help existing teachers to gain endorsements in areas like special education or TESOL.
Most certificates for educators are 16 to 18 credits, so the length of the program will depend on multiple factors, including how many credits you enroll in at a time and any additional student teaching requirements. Certificates are designed to take less time to complete than a degree. For more information on how long it may take to complete your continuing education certificate, fill out the form on this page to contact a university counselor.
Our certificates for teachers do not lead to initial teaching licensure, as they are designed for teachers who are already licensed. If you are interested in gaining initial teaching licensure, our L.E.A.P. to Teach programs in elementary education and secondary education can be a non-traditional pathway to teaching licensure for those with a non-teaching bachelor’s degree. Earning certificates can also benefit teachers who already have a teaching license and would like to gain new skills.
Completing online courses for teachers can be a flexible option for educators who need to balance multiple responsibilities. Completing coursework and attending lectures online can help educators save commuting time by allowing them to study from anywhere with an internet connection. Certificates are a great way to advance your skills without the commitment of completing a full degree program.
Teachers can benefit from a dedication to continuous learning by developing new teaching methodologies, staying up to date on trends in education and gaining additional knowledge in specialized areas. Earning one of our certificates for teachers can help you explore new opportunities and support your professional goals