How To Become a Teacher in Virginia 2025
Aspiring teachers in the Commonwealth have many paths to choose from. But all future teachers need to earn a bachelor's degree and pass certification exams.
Becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on children can be one of the most rewarding careers out there. And since the pandemic, there has been a tremendous need for teachers in almost every state. That's good news for future educators, and there are multiple ways to become a teacher in Virginia.
The traditional route to become a teacher involves higher education, a teacher preparation program, passing exams, and licensure. Take a look at more specific requirements to become a teacher below.
Steps To Become a Teacher in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Education (DOE) has outlined the steps to becoming a teacher in the Commonwealth, but there are alternate routes as well. If you already have a degree and career, then the fastest way to become a teacher may be through the career switcher program, which can get you in the classroom in just about one year. While other alternate routes are available, we'll explore the traditional route below.
<h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3><p>Aspiring teachers will first need to consider what grade they'd like to teach, what subject area they will focus on, and if they will need any additional credentialing. Areas like special education or counseling may require additional training or testing. All Virginia teachers must have certain certifications, but additional grade-specific exams are listed below.
</p><h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4><p>Whether you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a> or stick with the older kids, you'll have to pass two Praxis tests: Teaching Reading: Elementary and Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects. Depending on your chosen content area, you may have to take additional tests in subjects like science, math, or social studies.
</p><h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4><p>The middle school teacher educational requirements are similar to high school and include passing a subject-specific praxis test. These include English language arts, math, science, or social studies.
</p><h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4><p>Finally, as a high school teacher, you will specialize in one more advanced subject. Therefore the high school teacher educational requirements require passing that subject's praxis exam. Topics range from earth and space sciences to English language arts.
</p><h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3><p>Before beginning an education program, decide what you want to specialize in. You can study general education or choose a major that more closely aligns with what you will teach; if you hope to teach physics to high school students, then choosing a math or science major would be more helpful.
</p><p>However, aspiring preschool or elementary teachers may benefit from majoring in early childhood education or general education for a more comprehensive program. New teachers should take time to consider their career path and what knowledge they will need to excel at one or multiple grade levels.
</p><h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>All Virginia teachers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree. You can choose to pursue a degree in education or major in any other relevant subject, just make sure you choose what will best help you in the classroom.
</p><p>Several Virginia schools offer educator preparation programs that, in addition to standard coursework, include topics like classroom management and lesson planning. These academic programs also give the students hands-on student teaching experience at local schools. The experience you gain through these programs will help you network and improve your chances of one day landing a job.
</p><h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3><p>An advanced degree is not required to be a teacher in Virginia, but there are many benefits to completing your master's. A Master of Education program will allow you to explore more about teaching methods and best practices. This extra knowledge and experience will help you stand out to potential employers, helping you land a job at a top school district more easily.
</p><p>Additionally, while teaching is not known for being the highest-paying career out there, a master's can open up better-paying positions. If you hope to move up the ranks in education, then a master's degree and a few years of teaching experience can set you up to move into an administration role one day.
</p><h3 id="section---Step5PassVirginiaTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Virginia Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3><p>Once you have your bachelor's and some relevant work experience, you are ready to pass Virginia's teaching exams. These include passing certification exams in:
</p><ul><li>child abuse and neglect recognition and intervention training
</li><li>emergency first aid, CPR, and AED training
</li><li>dyslexia awareness training
</li><li>behavior intervention and support training
</li><li>cultural competency training
</li></ul><p>Career and technical educators also need to pass an industry certification credential. Prospective teachers must have a U.S. social security number and provide proof that they have completed all necessary steps to apply for teacher licensure. An initial teaching license costs $100 for in-state teachers and $150 for those out-of-state. Reapplying for licensure costs $50.
</p><h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3><p>Now that you're a certified teacher, it's time to begin browsing state job boards and networking. Crafting a strong resume and cover letter that explains your student teaching experience, college coursework, and teaching philosophy will help schools get a better sense of you as a teacher. Including letters of reference will also help boost your application.
</p><p>If you participated in the career switcher program, then your provisional teaching license will be valid for one year. If you do not find a job within that first year, your license can be extended for up to three. As a condition of employment, all Virginia teachers are required to submit fingerprints for a background check.
</p><h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2><p>The most important thing to look for when considering a teaching degree program is that it comes from an accredited institution. This ensures that the program complies with all Virginia Department of Education requirements. Consider also what student teaching opportunities the program includes. Some programs offer online classes, which allow extra flexibility, but may not offer as many hands-on experiences or mentorship.
</p><p>Additionally, if you want to pursue a specific role, then check any subject matter requirements that open positions may have. A social sciences teacher will have a different educational path than a physical education teacher. Additionally, specialized roles like special education teachers may need extra training or certification so that they can effectively teach and interact with students with disabilities.
</p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInVirginia">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Virginia</h2><p>There are many paths to becoming a teacher in Virginia, so it's normal to have a few questions about what to expect. Below, we'll talk more about work experience, certification requirements, and public versus private school.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatQualificationsDoYouNeedToBecomeATeacherInVirginia">What Qualifications Do You Need To Become a Teacher in Virginia?</h3><p>Virginia teachers need to earn a bachelor's degree and pass certain certification exams, including dyslexia training, in order to effectively lead all learners. As part of your teacher education program, you will probably spend time student-teaching, and you will need to pass specific praxis exams. In Virginia, you do not need a master's degree.
</p><h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3><p>Private schools are not regulated by the <a href="https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/for-parents/private-schools">Virginia DOE</a>, and as such they can set their own hiring standards. Check with a few schools in your area to see if they still require certification or specific experience. Even without such strict regulations, most private schools still require at least a bachelor's degree and some work experience.
</p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToGetATeachingCertificateInVirginia">How Long Does It Take To Get a Teaching Certificate in Virginia?</h3><p>It can take about a year to complete all the requirements to become a licensed educator in Virginia. Additionally, a bachelor's degree usually takes four years to complete, bringing the total to five years. Alternate routes like the career switcher program and Troops to Teachers can accelerate this timeline. If you have a valid teaching license from another state, Virginia's reciprocity agreement can also help you get in the classroom faster.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoYouBecomeAHighSchoolTeacherInVirginia">How Do You Become a High School Teacher in Virginia?</h3><p>High school teachers generally focus on one specialized subject, so it helps to major in that subject as an undergrad. After completing your bachelor's, along with the safety training and certification programs, high school teachers will need to pass the Praxis exam in their field. There are 13 options and qualifying scores vary.
</p><h3 id="section---IsItPossibleToBecomeATeacherWithoutAnyStudentTeachingExperience">Is It Possible To Become a Teacher Without Any Student Teaching Experience?</h3><p>Student teaching experience is not a requirement in Virginia, although it is extremely helpful and common. If you take a teacher prep program at a Virginia college, it will include some hands-on work. However, alternate routes to licensure may not involve student teaching. Additionally, if you plan to teach at a private school, they may have different prerequisites.
</p><h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareerToday">Start Your Teaching Career Today</h2><p>Just about all you need to be a successful teacher in Virginia is a bachelor's degree, time to study for and pass your exams, and a heart for kids. Many schools featured on Learn.org offer teacher prep programs. Reach out to one today to see how you can get your teaching career started.</p>