To become a teacher in Virginia, you will need to hold an undergraduate degree, graduate from a teacher preparation program, and pass two exams.
In Virginia, you will also need to meet state-specific requirements to become a fully licensed teacher. Virginia's state-wide initiative includes courses on identifying child abuse and dyslexia.
Virginia is a beautiful state for teachers. With a high starting salary and low teacher-to-student ratios, Virginia is a wonderful state to start your educational career.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDE) handles teacher license applications.
Access thousands of practice questions so that there are no surprises on the exam
The correct answers are highlighted with green below. Create an account to keep studying for the .
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create Account
Virginia is home to over 36 state-approved teacher preparation programs. Many of the institutions will offer programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Here is a list of some notable universities in Virginia:
Whether you are looking to complete your teacher preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level, there are many options.
You can find a list of the state-approved programs here.
All programs will include coursework on educational pedagogy and theory. Every state-approved program will provide opportunities for student teaching with an experienced mentor.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountAll Virginia educators are required to participate in student teaching. This is a critical state requirement and you cannot graduate from a state-approved program without completing this obligation.
In addition to the basic educational requirements, which will be met during your teacher preparation program, Virginia requires teachers to earn additional certificates before licensure.
Virginia requires all teachers to take a class on child abuse recognition. You will need to show verified proof of a completed class before becoming the teacher of record. The state offers courses at no cost, but some districts will have their training course to fulfill this requirement. The Board of Education must approve the course for it to count toward licensure. The certification will be recorded on your teaching license.
Virginia requires educators to take a Dyslexia Awareness Training course. The state offers a free online course that can be located on the VDE website. You will need to print your certification of completeness and include the document with your application materials. The course must be completed in one session.
The Virginia Department of Education has partnered with Old Dominion University to design a short course on Behavior Intervention practices. This course has five brief modules and one cumulative quiz. Once you pass the quiz with an 80% or higher, you will receive a certificate of completion. This document must be included with your application materials.
Virginia requires educators to pass two exams: the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Praxis Subject Assessment from the Praxis Series of exams. The Praxis Subject Assessment will vary depending on your endorsement area and intended grade level.
Special education and elementary school teachers will also need to pass a Reading Assessment exam before licensure.
Virginia requires all educators to undergo a criminal history background check.
Virginia will run a background check with the NASDTEC clearinghouse as well. This background check verifies that all of your previous teaching licenses are held in good standing.
Virginia also requires educators to show proof of CPR and AED training at the time of your application. If you do not hold a certificate for CPR and AED training, you will have to take a class before the completion of your application. You must include your CPR and AED certificate with your application materials.
The Virginia Department of Education processes all teaching license applications. You will need to include the following documents with your application:
Once you have gathered all of your materials, you must submit all documents in one single packet to the Virginia Department of Education: Department of Teacher Education and Licensure.
It typically takes eight to ten weeks to have your application reviewed.
Virginia operates on a tiered licensing structure.
Collegiate Professional License: New educators receive this license with is valid for five years. To apply for this license, you must provide proof of an undergraduate degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, all state-required certifications, and passing scores on all appropriate exams. This license is renewable.
Postgraduate Professional License: This license is designed for educators who have met all requirements for the Collegiate Professional License and hold a graduate degree. This license is valid for five years and can be renewed.
Technical Professional License: This license is designed for individuals with at least two years of work experience in a career or technical field. You must hold at least a high school diploma and take nine semester hours of professional studies coursework. This license is issued upon recommendation. This license is valid for ten years and is renewable.
Provisional License: This license is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree but have not yet completed a teacher preparation program. You will need to meet all of the requirements for the Collegiate Professional License within three years. This license is not renewable.
Alternative Route to Licensure: This license is designed for individuals following non-traditional routes. There are a few state-approved programs that are eligible for this license (see Alternative Routes to Licensure section). You will need to work closely with a mentor for the first year.
Career and Technical Education License: This license is designed for individuals with at least four years of work experience in a career and technical field. You will need to meet other requirements for licensure as defined by the Board of Education. This license is valid for three years.
The Virginia Department of Education does allow out-of-state educators to apply for licensure. You will need to meet all of the requirements for the traditional license application and include a photocopy of your current teaching license.
Virginia is a participant in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. The following states have reciprocity with Virginia and may qualify for a streamlined application process:
Alabama, Indiana, Nevada, South Carolina, Arizona, Kansas, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Arkansas, Kentucky, New Jersey, Tennessee, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Maine, New York, Utah, Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, Vermont, Delaware, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Washington, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Missouri, Oregon, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Nebraska, Rhode Island
It is important to note that all out-of-state educators will still need to complete the child abuse and dyslexia courses and provide a first-aid certificate.
If you have held your current teaching license for more than three years, you are exempt from taking the state assessments.
Virginia recognizes the importance of diversity among educators and has thus created many alternate pathways to licensure. These pathways are designed for individuals who are looking to make a career switch or individuals who did not complete a teacher preparation program at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Career Switcher Program: This program is designed to streamline a career switch for working professionals. To enroll in a state-approved career switch program, you will need to A) complete the application, B) possess a bachelor's degree, C) complete requirements for your endorsement area (this requirement can be met through academic or professional experience), D) have three years of work experience, E) pass all Virginia licensing exams. Five institutions offer this program:
Virginia also encourages individuals with career and technical experience to become vocational teachers. To apply for a technical professional license, you must possess a high school diploma and take nine semester hours of professional studies. You will also need to show proof of at least two years of entry-level experience and four years of supervisory experience. You need to hold a professional certificate in the field you are seeking to teach in.
Educators in Virginia typically earn, on average, $59,356. Entry-level teachers earn, on average, $44,795 annually. If you have a graduate degree, you will earn $2,500 more annually.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia has experienced a shortage of qualified teachers. There are over 1000 current openings for educators across the state. The state is home to over 2000 public schools, many of which have various openings.
Katie Slaughter, M.A. has taught middle school science and math for over 6 years. She has helped lay a foundation for personalized learning in her school and has presented internationally about what she is doing in her classroom. She has successfully passed numerous Praxis exams. Katie completed a B.S. in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University and an M.A. in Teaching from Georgetown College.
 |
Complete the practice test below to test your knowledge.
Choose your answers below. Complete the 15 questions then click "See Results."
The correct answers are highlighted with green below. Create an account to keep studying for the .
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create Account
