How to Become a Teacher in Virginia
Becoming a teacher, and getting to help shape the minds of future generations, can be a rewarding career. In Virginia, there are a number of steps to take to become a licensed teacher. Most important is making sure that your education meets state requirements.
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Instructions
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Getting Licensed in Virginia
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Graduate from an accredited high school and receive a diploma.
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Attend an approved four-year college in Virginia that offers a teaching tract or attend an out-of-state four-year program from a nationally accredited institution that has a teaching tract. The tract is a path within any academic major that will cover the knowledge base that a teacher in that subject would need. Teaching tracts vary from school to school, although most require students to complete an added fifth-year student teaching internship. A one-year student teaching experience is required for licensure in Virginia. When deciding on teaching tracts, be aware that a teaching credential can either be subject specific (i.e., you are able to teach a single subject, probably the subject of your bachelor's degree) or multiple credential (for elementary school teachers, covering a wealth of subjects).
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Pass the skills and literacy tests required by the State of Virginia: the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment and the Praxis II, a test in the subject area where you desire to teach.
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Complete a study in child abuse recognition and intervention. This is offered online through the Virginia Department of Education.
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Apply for licensure through the Virginia Department of Education by filling out the form from the Virginia DOE website. Be prepared to answer questions about your educational background and teaching experience. Also prepare to send your transcript for confirmation as well as an application processing fee of $50. Those with out of state credentials may also apply for licensure through Virginia.
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Apply to work at a Virginia school after receiving the license. The site for job postings is listed in the resources.
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References
Resources
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