In pursuance of these objectives the government also provides assistance to spouses of serving personnel who want to prepare themselves for high demand careers that can greatly help the serviceman family’s transition to civilian life and also provide military spouses with jobs following military moves as long as the member remains in service. There are a number of accredited institutions in the country that offer educational and training courses to military spouses under the CAA (Career Advancement Accounts) that funds the educational expenses of military spouses of active duty military personnel under the Military Spouse Career Advancement Initiative.

The CAA program is geared to provide military spouses with portable career opportunities. A ‘portable career’ is one that has a credential which is recognized in several states and for which job opportunities can be found across the nation. A number of ‘high demand occupations’ that exist in several ‘high growth industries’ for military spouses have been identified by the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor. These are selected high growth industries, which are expected to add a large number of jobs to the economy. These are industries that offer the widest scope in portable careers.
The high demand occupations within these industries are growing at a pace much faster than average creating high employee demand.

Five industries have been identified by the government and categorizes as ‘hi-growth’. These include Financial Services, Health Care, Information Technology, Construction and Education.

Given below is a list of portable careers under each separate category. The list is not exhaustive but provides a fair idea of available job opportunities for qualified military spouses and is important from the point of eligibility for funding under Career Advancement Accounts.  Any occupation under these industries is eligible for CAA funding.

Financial Services:- Credit Analyst, Claims Adjusters, Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks, Bank Teller, Tax preparer etc.
Health Care:- Dental Hygienist, Radiology Technician, Practical/Vocational Nurse, Pharmacy Technician etc.
Information Technology:- Database Administrator, Data Communications Analyst, Computer Support Specialist etc.
Construction:- Pipe fitters, Steamfitters, HVAC mechanics and Installers, etc.  
Education:- Teacher’s Aide/Assistant, Child Care Worker etc.

Some occupations outside the above industries but falling under the CAA ‘in-demand occupations’ are also eligible for CAA funding support.

A distance learning education degree is the most convenient and efficient way to higher income and greater career opportunities in the field of education. Employed teaching professionals desirous of advancing their careers to leadership roles, such as superintendent, principal or dean, prefer distance learning education courses. Such courses expand their knowledge and provide exposure to diverse educational settings.

A number of distance learning education degree courses are available with various specialization options. Some of the specialization options offered by various universities are administration and supervision specialization, curriculum and instruction specialization, specialization in early childhood education, specialization in special education, teacher education specialization, educational leadership programs, etc.

Different Levels of Distance Learning Education Degree Courses

A certificate course in education is an entry level program. It teaches elementary skill sets to enhance your professional effectiveness. Certificate credits may be applied towards degree programs.

Bachelor’s degree programs lead to elementary and secondary teacher licensure. The students gain the pedagogical skills and knowledge helpful in becoming competent and effective educators.

Master’s degree specializations help students to develop new competencies and enhance skills and abilities to teach more effectively or advance to administration or leadership roles.

PhD or EdD specializations strengthen critical thinking, research, and problem solving skills. It prepares learners to become transformational leaders who will strategically manage and lead complex educational organizations. It enables the participants to meet the challenges in the field of education confidently and competently.

Reviewing Available Resources

The College of Education at the University of Phoenix Online offers over 80 individual professional growth courses. Some of these graduate level courses may lead to endorsement in a specialty area such as bilingual education or reading. These courses are available 100% online and are offered in a concentrated and intensive format.

The School of Education at Capella University offers many programs to educators to advance their careers. More than 2,400 educators have chosen this institution for their online education degree and certificate programs in K-12, higher education, and continuing and adult education.

The University of Scranton has been mentioned by US News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” survey as one of the 10 finest Master’s Universities in the North for the past 11 years. This university offers master’s degree programs in curriculum and instruction, and in educational administration.

Distance learning education degree programs are designed for educators interested in gaining knowledge and expertise in their chosen fields. Educators, as an integral part of the school community, facilitate the development of students who are the future of the nation and productive citizens in a changing society.