How to Become a Teacher in VA

Becoming a teacher in Virginia has many requirements.

Becoming a teacher in Virginia requires specific educational and licensing steps. The process can take four years or more, including time spent in college. Applicants must complete a number of examinations to prove their expertise in their selected subjects, and complete a child abuse and neglect course. Once you have met the requirements, you can begin applying for a rewarding and challenging job as a teacher.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree
• Virginia teaching license application
• Envelope
• $50

Instructions

1. Earn a bachelor's degree in the subject you want to teach. Attend an accredited college or university that offers a state-approved teaching preparation program that includes student teaching. Complete teaching preparation classes after receiving your bachelor's degree.

2. Take the Professional Teacher's Assessment exams. This includes the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA), and the Praxis II exam. The Praxis II assesses your knowledge of the subject you want to teach.

3. Take the Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) if you want to teach pre-kindergarten, any form of special education or elementary school.

4. Fill out the Virginia teaching license application form, available on the state Department of Education website.

5. Contact the certification officer of your university to get a college verification form required by the state Department of Education. Make sure the school fills out Part III of the form, which outlines your student-teaching experience. Ask the university to mail the form to you. Contact your university's registrar and request a copy of your transcripts.

6. Complete the Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention Training module available on the Department of Education website. Print the certificate of completion when you finish the module.

7. Compile your application packet. It should include your teaching license application, transcripts, college verification form, proof of child abuse recognition and intervention training and a $50 application fee. Mail the packet to the Virginia Department of Education Division of Teacher Education and Licensure, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218.

8. After you receive your license, select the county in which you want to teach and visit its school board website. Select the "employment" link, and follow the directions to apply to each school.

References

• Teach Virginia: Online Licensure Assistance

Resources

• Virginia Dept. of Education: College and University Programs
• Virginia Dept. of Education: Professional Teacher's Assessment
• VCU: Child Abuse and Neglect Module