How To Become a High School Teacher in Virginia 2025

If you're interested in working with teens and shaping the next generation, becoming a high school teacher in Virginia could be a fulfilling path. Whether you're starting fresh or switching careers, you'll need to meet specific high school teacher educational requirements set by the Virginia Department of Education.

Below, we'll go through every step to help you move confidently into the classroom. Keep reading to learn how you can start your journey toward a career as a high school educator.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

High school educators in Virginia take on more than just teaching � they guide students through critical academic and personal milestones. Teachers plan lessons, lead classroom instruction, assess progress, and support students' college, career, or life readiness. They also collaborate with counselors, administrators, and families to meet individual student needs. Here are a few of the typical high school teacher responsibilities:

• develop daily and long-term instructional plans
• lead classroom discussions and activities
• assign, collect, and evaluate homework and projects
• adapt teaching methods for individual learning styles
• manage student behavior and classroom routines
• track academic progress and report grades
• collaborate with colleagues on curriculum planning
• participate in school improvement initiatives
• sponsor clubs, athletics, or academic teams
• attend parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings

How To Become a High School Teacher in Virginia

If you're ready to start a teaching journey in Virginia, the process requires specific academic credentials and licensure steps through the Virginia Department of Education. Whether you're entering with a teaching degree or planning a career change, the process begins with choosing your subject area and understanding which subjects to teach in high school align with your interests and academic background.

Once you've determined your focus, follow the steps below to begin working toward licensure and entering the classroom in Virginia.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree or Technical Credential

First, you must hold a bachelor's degree in the subject you intend to teach (such as English, math, or science) or possess a technical credential recognized by the state. If you major in education, you'll complete both content and pedagogy coursework through a VDOE-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

If your degree is in another field, an alternate licensure path, like the Career Switcher Program, can allow you to begin teaching while completing education coursework and clinical hours through an approved provider.

Step 2: Complete a VDOE-Approved Educator Preparation Program

You'll need to complete a state-approved EPP, which includes both coursework in teaching methods and supervised student teaching clinical experiences. Traditional programs offer full-time preparation, while alternative routes extend classroom instruction into your employment through mentorship.

These programs address critical components like Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) training, classroom management, cultural competence, and gap areas based on endorsement subjects.

Step 3: Pass Required Licensure Assessments

Virginia requires passing scores on several licensure exams:

• Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)
• Praxis Subject Assessments in your teaching content
• Required training modules, including CPR, child abuse prevention, dyslexia awareness, and behavior intervention

These assessments ensure you're ready to teach your subject area effectively in Virginia classrooms.

Step 4: Apply for a Teaching License

Submit your application through the VDOE licensure portal, providing transcripts, test scores, and verification of training. Application fees are $100 for in-state and $150 for out-of-state candidates.

You may be issued a Provisional License valid for three years if you're hired before finishing all requirements. Once issued, the Collegiate Professional License is valid for 10 years and renewable with continuing education.

Step 5: Transition Into the Profession and Renew Your License

As a licensed teacher, you'll receive ongoing support via mentorship, professional learning, and optional endorsements. Provisional license holders must fulfill the remaining requirements within three years in order to earn full professional licensure. Collegiate Professional licenses are renewable every ten years.

Education Degree Programs in Virginia

Virginia offers a range of teacher preparation programs to help you qualify for licensure and begin your teaching career. From large public universities to smaller institutions, each school below offers a pathway to meet the educational requirements for high school teachers, including both undergraduate and graduate degree options.

Radford University

Radford University (RU) offers a streamlined path into secondary teaching through its undergraduate licensure programs. You'll major in a subject such as biology, English, or history and take complementary education courses that focus on instructional strategies and classroom leadership.

The program includes multiple practicum experiences, culminating in a semester of student teaching. Radford's partnerships with public schools across southwest Virginia ensure that you receive practical training in real classroom environments. Graduates are qualified to teach in grades six through 12.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,476 (in-state); $13,367 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) supports future high school teachers with flexible degree options, including online and hybrid programs. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with a focus on secondary education. Course topics include curriculum development, learning assessment, and classroom technology integration.

Clinical practice is central to the experience, and students complete teaching placements in local schools under the guidance of university supervisors. The university's emphasis on hands-on learning prepares graduates to work confidently in grades six through 12 classrooms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $268 per credit hour (in-state); $953.50 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU) provides a well-structured route for aspiring high school educators through its undergraduate and graduate secondary education programs. Students begin by majoring in a content area while also completing teacher education coursework. This dual focus helps future teachers build subject mastery and develop classroom management strategies.

The school also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in secondary education for those continuing beyond the bachelor's level. The program includes student teaching placements, support with licensure exams, and mentorship from experienced faculty. JMU's teaching programs are aligned with Virginia licensure standards and prepare you for grades six through 12 teaching roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,300 (in-state); $31,906 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

George Mason University

At George Mason University (GMU), students can enter the secondary education licensure track through either an undergraduate or graduate pathway. The programs accommodate a variety of majors, enabling students to pair subject-specific studies with teacher preparation coursework focused on instructional methods, adolescent development, and classroom engagement.

Field experience begins early, giving you regular exposure to real classrooms across diverse school settings. The university's location near Washington, D.C., also offers opportunities to connect with school districts and educational organizations. Graduates are eligible for Virginia teaching licenses for grades six through 12.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,220 (in-state); $38,688 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Longwood University

Longwood University prepares high school educators through a comprehensive licensure program embedded within its content majors. Students complete coursework in adolescent learning, assessment techniques, and inclusive education while gaining subject-area expertise.

One of Longwood's strengths is its strong emphasis on fieldwork, with student teaching built into the final year of the program. The curriculum supports licensure in a wide range of subjects for grades six through 12, including social sciences, English, math, and sciences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,288 (in-state); $29,146 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in Virginia?

High school teachers in Virginia earn an average annual salary of about $64,580. This figure reflects pay across different districts and can vary based on your level of experience, education, and location. For example, teachers in Northern Virginia often earn higher salaries compared to those in more rural areas.

In addition to their base pay, the average high school teacher salary in Virginia may include extra compensation for coaching, leading extracurriculars, or holding advanced certifications. Many school systems also provide benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for salary increases through professional development or tenure.

Job Outlook for High School Teachers in Virginia

Job opportunities for high school teachers in Virginia are expected to grow steadily over the next decade. On average, the state experiences more than 1,700 teaching job openings each year, primarily due to retirements and staff turnover, rather than the addition of new positions.

Teachers trained in high-demand subjects, such as math, science, and special education, may have stronger employment prospects. Rural districts and schools with fewer resources often need more qualified candidates and may offer additional incentives to attract new teachers.

Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs

Students preparing for teaching licensure in Virginia can access various financial aid options to help offset the cost of their education. Explore these options to access an affordable teaching degree:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Apply for the FAFSA to find out your eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program: Offers forgivable loans up to $22,500 for students committed to teaching in high-demand subjects in Virginia public schools.
• TEACH Grant: Awards up to $4,000 annually to those who agree to teach a high-need subject in a low-income school for at least four years.
• Virginia's Grow Your Own Teacher Grant: Supports paraprofessionals, tutors, and education support professionals in completing degrees and earning licensure.
• Institutional scholarships: You may find scholarships specifically for education and secondary licensure students at your school. Contact your institution's financial aid office to learn about what programs might be available.

FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in Virginia

We've answered a few of the most commonly asked questions about the steps to become a teacher in Virginia. These FAQs offer clear answers to help you prepare for the classroom and understand your next steps.

How Long Does It Take to Become a High School Teacher in Virginia?

It usually takes four to five years to become a licensed high school teacher in Virginia if you follow a traditional undergraduate path. This includes earning a bachelor's degree, completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, and passing required licensure exams. Some programs allow you to complete these steps concurrently to save time.

What Degree Is Required to Be a Teacher in Virginia?

To teach high school in Virginia, you must have at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college. Most teachers pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science in education or in a content area like English or biology, along with teacher preparation coursework.

How Quickly Can I Get My Teaching Certificate?

If you already hold a degree, you can earn certification in as little as one to two years through an alternative licensure program. These programs allow career changers to begin teaching under a provisional license while completing additional coursework and exams.

How Can I Become a Teacher for Free?

You may be able to cover your teaching degree costs through financial aid and state-supported initiatives. Programs like the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program or TEACH Grants offer funds that don't need to be repaid if you commit to teaching in high-need schools or subject areas. You can also search for tuition-free colleges online or explore some of the most affordable colleges in Virginia to access lower tuition rates while earning an accredited degree.

How Long Is a VA Teaching License Good For?

A standard teaching license in Virginia is valid for 10 years. To renew it, you'll need to complete continuing education and submit your renewal application to the Virginia Department of Education.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Virginia

Virginia offers a range of accredited degree programs that can prepare you for a rewarding career in education. Explore teaching degrees at colleges featured on Learn.org to find the right program for your goals and location.