Individuals interested in obtaining a Virginia teacher license must meet several requirements as outlined by the Virginia Department of Education. Before taking the certification exam in the desired subject area, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and have completed an educator preparation program. Several colleges and universities offer Virginia teacher education through undergraduate degree programs as well as alternative certification programs for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Four of the colleges and universities that offer these programs are the University of Virginia, the College of William & Mary, Liberty University, and Norfolk State University. Each of these teaching schools in Virginia are state-approved initial teacher preparation programs designed to culminate in a Virginia teaching license. Read on to find out more about the programs each institution offers.
University of Virginia
The elementary teacher education, secondary teacher education, and special education programs delivered by the Curry School of Education are ranked tenth, eighth, and fifth respectively in the nation byU.S. News & World Report. The teacher preparation programs offer a five-year baccalaureate program that culminates in both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Students can earn a B.S. or B.A. from the College of Arts and Sciences and an M.T. (Master of Teaching). In addition to initial teacher preparation programs, the School also has a state-approved program that delivers alternative certification programs for non-education baccalaureate degree holders.
College of William & Mary
At the College of William & Mary, undergraduate students who wish to teach at the secondary level are required to complete a concentration in the subject area they wish to teach, so the School of Education offers elementary and secondary education as second major options for certification candidates. The elementary education program requires a dual concentration in the arts and sciences. The arts and sciences courses should simultaneously meet Virginia’s requirements for certification and the College’s degree requirements.
Liberty University
Liberty University’s School of Education offers teacher preparation and endorsement in elementary/middle education, special education, and secondary education that lead to teaching licensure. Undergraduate candidates who plan to teach in elementary or middle school must major in integrated studies in elementary education. Elementary teacher candidates must choose one of the core subject areas as a major. Candidates who wish to teach in secondary school or both elementary and secondary must choose a major in the subject area they wish to teach.
Norfolk State University
The School of Education at Norfolk State University offers undergraduate and graduate programs for students seeking Virginia teacher certification. Elementary education students may pursue a degree in liberal arts/science with an emphasis on one of the core subjects. Students should apply to the School of Education after completing at least 60 hours of course work. The School also offers a graduate-level, non-degree teacher certification program for students who possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in a non-education field of study.