Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning (Paperback)

~ (Author), Mariah Bear (Author), (Author), Thomas Nixon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The first directory to online and off-campus degree programs for aspiring teachers and working educators. This title shows educators how they can earn a fully accredited bachelor'¬?s, master'¬?s, doctorate, or teaching credential on their own time, from their own home, and within their budget." -Today'¬?s School"[A] life-changing career book. . . . John Bear invented the publishing niche for distance learning . . . his newest edition is a winner." -syndicated columnist, Joyce Lain Kennedy

Product Description

It’s no mystery that one of the keys to improving our nation’s schools is to staff them with better-qualified teachers. However, the traditional means for improving or gaining teaching skills—through an education degree or certificate program—can be time-consuming and costly, making it difficult for teachers and aspiring teachers to take their skills to the next level. Education authorities John and Mariah Bear have found the answer, and it’s a surprisingly sensible and readily accessible one: distance learning. As the Bears’ research reveals, over 100 top-notch programs offer fully accredited education degrees and teaching certificates that you can earn on your own time, from your own home, and within your budget. Whether you’re looking to break into the profession with a certificate, boost your salary with a master’s, or tackle educational theory with a doctorate, BEST EDUCATION DEGREES shows you how to choose and complete a great program without putting the rest of your life on hold.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press; illustrated edition edition (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580083331
• ISBN-13: 978-1580083331
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #487,133 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #56 in	Books > Nonfiction > Education > Education Theory > Non-Formal Education
  #85 in	Books > Nonfiction > Education > Technology & Distance Learning > Distance Learning

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Distance Learning Resource, August 20, 2001

By	Russell A. Morris (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

Dr. John Bear has once again provided the distance learner with an excellent resource volume. This newest addition to the Bears' Guide collection is a must have for those interested in educational programs via distance learning. Co-authored by Mariah Bear, Tom Head and Thomas Nixon, "Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees" profiles over 350 fully accredited distance learning credential and degree programs, ranging from the bachelor's through the doctorate. An entire chapter is devoted to meeting teacher licensing requirements, along with contact information for all fifty states.

As in previous editions, the value and importance of a properly accredited degree is discussed. Since degree mills have become problematic, both in the US and abroad, a degree from a properly accredited school is essential. Accreditation by an agency recognized by the US Dept. of Education, or its foreign equivalent, assures broad utility and recognition of a degree. By profiling only schools with this type of accreditation, Bear provides the distance learner with credible, legitimate and substantive options.

Several specific areas are detailed in terms of degree emphasis and specialization, e.g., administration, educational technology, religious education, library science, special education, distance education, K-12 and early childhood education, curriculum, etc.

Without reservation, this book is recommended for anyone interested in distance learning educational programs, as well as for reference use.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book, but not a new version, November 12, 2003

By	Talessen "Talessen" (USA) - See all my reviews

I don't know why Amazon says this book is from January 2003, as the used one I ordered says 2001. I already had this edition and used it well to seek out a Bachelors completion program in 2001. I read it cover to cover and selected a school based on some of the more specific comments on completion programs - very good advice, and a very good school - great personal service. I also have Bear's Guide to Earning a Degree by Distance Education, which I used to search out an MBA in the UK, and I've loaned that one to friends. He does a great job. I've also read his work on accreditation extensively, since I work for a non-accredited school. Too bad this book isn't up to date as now I want an MSc in Education and Technology and there have been alot of changes in the past two years particularly in this area. For example, the London program I liked in 2001 has been discontinued and the new one won't start til 2004. I was hoping for more ideas on where to turn now.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Want to earn an Education degree via distance learning?, October 28, 2002

By	"thekingster" (Georgia) - See all my reviews

I have a few of John Bear's books in my study and this book is a terrific publication. If you would like to earn your Education degree via distance learning...this is the book for you. You will find its authors have compiled an excellent resource pointing you in the right direction. Plenty of information is given concerning specific state certification and how you can navigate the need for student teaching via distance learning.

Buy this book if you are serious about earning an education degree!