Become certified to teach in Virginia.
Virginia offers several routes to become certified as a teacher within the state. There are over three dozen public and private colleges offering state-approved educator undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Virginia also offers a career switcher program as an alternative route to certification for individuals holding a bachelor's degree with at least five years of professional work experience. Teacher certification in Virginia requires completion of coursework in your chosen teaching area and qualifying scores on Virginia's professional teacher certification exams.
Education Requirements
The state of Virginia requires a bachelor's degree in the area of education you desire to teach in order to qualify for the certification process. Choose from 38 colleges and universities listed on the Virginia Department of Education website with approved educator preparation programs. A bachelor's degree outside of the area of education along with five years of professional work experience may qualify you for Virginia's career switcher program. You will need to apply to one of six Virginia higher education institutes offering the program to complete coursework required to teach in your desired area.
Examination Requirements
All teachers in Virginia must pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment for initial teacher certification. The Virginia Reading Assessment is required for teachers teaching pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and special education teachers. In the state of Virginia, the Praxis I series including reading, writing and mathematics is also required; however, SAT and ACT scores may be used as substitutes. Praxis II series testing in specialty areas of education are required for teachers interested in teaching one subject for higher grade levels.
Reciprocity Requirements
The state of Virginia accepts reciprocity from teachers licensed outside of Virginia should they meet Virginia's Department of Education requirements. Out-of-state teachers will need to submit an application to the Virginia Department of Education along with transcripts and must hold a valid full-credential teaching license with no deficiencies. With a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in another state, incoming teachers to the state of Virginia may bypass the professional teacher certification exams required for licensing.
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