Virginia Teacher Certification

So you want to earn your Virginia Teacher Certification? Here are the step by step instructions to get started:

Traditional Approach for the Virginia Teacher Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to request more information for your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive a Virginia Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
3. Pass the Praxis I Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Praxis II exams
4. Pass a Criminal Record Check. Grab a copy of form FD-258 from the police department along with fingerprint cards
5. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • Official transcripts, degrees, and school credits
   • Completed College Verification Form
   • Copies of all your test scores
   • Application fee of $50 payable to Virginia Dept of Education
   • Mail to:
     Virginia Department of Education
     Division of Teacher Education and Licensure
     P.O. Box 2120
     Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120
     (804) 225-2022
6. Do you want to renew your Virginia Teacher Certification?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for a Virginia Teacher Certification

Alternatively, you can earn the Virginia Licensure which allows you to start teaching before you complete the teacher education program.

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
2. Obtain a recommendation from a Virginia school district
3. Call (804) 225-2022 or click here

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