STATESBORO — Georgia Southern University has expanded its online degree options for teachers who want to advance their educational level. Teachers who already have an undergraduate degree may now apply for two online graduate degrees: Master’s of Education in Instructional Technology, and Master’s of Education in Accomplished Teaching. Online classes for both degrees will begin Jan. 9.

More than a year ago the Georgia Department of Education, the Board of Education, the Board of Regents and the Professional Standards Commission agreed on three levels of standards for teachers in Georgia: initial teaching, accomplished teaching and exemplary teaching. Each level builds on the next.

“We are currently accepting enrollment from teachers at the initial teaching level—those who have completed bachelor’s programs—for an online program that will move them up to the accomplished teaching level,” said Cindi Chance, dean of the College of Education. “The online classes will begin in January 2008. In a natural progression, we expect that a fully online exemplary teaching degree at the educational specialist level will become active in 2009.”

Students who opt for the new online programs will learn from faculty at a number of locations throughout the University System, but they will be able to register through a single Web site. Across the University System, online programs will have a common admissions site, a common start date, common registration and students will be able to pay with one check.

More information about the new online degrees is available by calling 1-800-679-6801 or at http://online.georgiasouthern.edu.