Interviewing Principals to Obtain their Perceptions of Certified Teaching Candidates with a Degree from an Online Teaching Program
Online education continues to increase in popularity and one degree currently offered is a bachelor degree of education. Once graduates complete their online degree in education, they will begin to seek employment. Those seeking positions in K-12 education settings do not know if they will have the same opportunity to get hired as someone from a traditional degree program. Many of the studies concerning online degrees have focused on the programs and the evidence shows leaders have negative perceptions of online programs. Previous researchers on this topic have failed to address the issue of an online degree earner getting hired. Based on the growth of online education, it was necessary to find out if K-12 principals’ perceptions of online education programs may prevent graduates of online teacher programs from successful employment. The purpose of this qualitative critical case study was to explore how K-12 principals’ perceptions directly related to the hiring of licensed graduates with bachelor degrees from online teaching programs. Current principals in a county in Virginia were contacted to participate in phone or email interviews using predetermined questions. Principals’ answers were reviewed, analyzed and the data were categorized, patterns identified, and conclusions reported in order to establish their perceptions of teaching candidates with a degree from an online teacher preparation program. The results identified numerous factors related to principals making hiring decisions of teacher candidates, however, where or how they complete their degrees is not one of them. Additional studies are recommended in difference districts or regions to determine if this is consistent nationwide or just for this particular county.
