2026 How to Become a Teacher in Virginia – What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a teacher in Virginia is a practical career goal for people who want a stable public-service profession, but the path is not always obvious. You need the right degree, a state-approved educator preparation route, required assessments, background checks, and—depending on your background—possibly an alternative or provisional licensing pathway. The decision matters because Virginia continues to report teacher vacancies: for the academic year 2024–2025, 4,024 teaching positions were vacant in the Old Dominion, according to the Virginia Department of Education (2024).

This guide explains how to become a teacher in Virginia in 2026, including degree requirements, approved preparation programs, online options, alternative certification, reciprocity for out-of-state teachers, salary expectations, shortage areas, and practical steps for choosing the right pathway. It is written for first-time college students, career changers, substitute teachers, out-of-state educators, and current teachers planning their next credential.

Quick answer: How do you become a teacher in Virginia?

To become a licensed public school teacher in Virginia, you generally need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university, completion of an approved educator preparation program, supervised classroom experience, passing scores on required assessments, completion of Virginia-specific training requirements, a background check, and approval from the Virginia Department of Education. Career changers may qualify through Virginia’s Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Program, and some candidates can begin teaching under a Provisional License while finishing requirements.

What are the benefits of becoming a teacher in Virginia?

• Competitive statewide salary data: The Virginia Department of Education reported that classroom teachers had an average annual salary of $68,308 in 2023. The National Education Association reported Virginia’s current average annual teacher salary as $63,103 in 2024.
• Strong hiring need in several fields: Virginia’s documented vacancies and critical shortage areas mean qualified candidates may find more opportunities, especially in special education, elementary education, mathematics, science, English, middle school, and career and technical education.
• Multiple entry routes: Traditional undergraduate programs, master’s-level licensure programs, provisional licensure, online options, and alternative pathways give aspiring teachers several ways to enter the profession.
• Long-term career mobility: Teachers can move into instructional coaching, department leadership, special education, school administration, curriculum development, library media roles, or advanced specialist positions.

1. Teaching Programs in Virginia for 2026
2. Virginia Teacher Education Requirements
3. How to Choose a Teacher Preparation Program in Virginia
4. Online Teacher Preparation Programs in Virginia
5. Virginia Teacher Certification Process
6. Teaching While Completing Licensure Requirements
7. Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification in Virginia
8. Transferring an Out-of-State Teaching License to Virginia
9. Professional Development and License Renewal
10. Financial Incentives and Support for Virginia Teachers
11. Average Teacher Salaries in Virginia
12. Digital Tools and Classroom Innovation
13. Leadership Training for Virginia Teachers
14. Special Education Certification and Career Growth
15. Advanced Degrees for Long-Term Teaching Careers
16. How an Accessible Education Degree Can Affect Your Career
17. Kindergarten Teacher Requirements in Virginia
18. Private School Teaching Requirements in Virginia
19. Online Communities and Digital Career Support
20. Teacher Certification Types and Career Planning
21. Substitute Teaching Requirements in Virginia
22. Career Advancement Options for Virginia Teachers
23. Virginia Teacher Job Outlook
24. High-Demand Teaching Specializations in Virginia
25. School Librarian Career Path in Virginia
26. Critical Shortage Areas for Virginia Teachers

Teaching Programs in Virginia for 2026

How the programs were selected

The programs below are examples of Virginia institutions that offer educator preparation or education-related degree options for aspiring and current teachers. Selection and ordering follow Research.com’s research methodology, with supporting data reviewed from the IPEDS database, Peterson's database, the College Scorecard database, and the National Center for Education Statistics. Use this list as a starting point, then confirm each program’s current licensure alignment with the Virginia Department of Education before applying.

1. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development offers educator preparation options designed to support Virginia licensure goals. Its offerings also include coursework, individual classes, certificates, professional learning modules, recertification options, and add-on endorsements for already licensed educators.

At the undergraduate level, UVA offers a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) with concentrations in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Kinesiology, Special Education, Speech Communication Disorders, or Youth and Social Innovation. Graduate options include Master of Education (MEd), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.), and Education Specialist (EdS) programs with multiple concentration choices.

Students specifically looking for online child development degrees should note that the university’s School of Education and Human Development does not list those online child development options here; its listed programs are traditional on-campus offerings.

• Location: Charlottesville, VA
• Status: Public
• Types of programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Tuition:
  • Undergraduate: (data not available)
  • Graduate: $765 per credit hour (resident); $1,225 per credit hour (nonresident)

2. Virginia Commonwealth University

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education offers bachelor’s degree programs connected to several education and human development fields:

• Early Childhood Education and Teaching
• Elementary Education and Teaching
• Health and Physical Education
• Special Education and Teaching
• Human and Organizational Development

VCU also offers MEd programs in Counselor Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Special Education, Reading, and Teaching. Doctoral offerings include a Ph.D. in Education, an Ed.D. in Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Special Education.

The university emphasizes applied learning through research, paid internships, study abroad, service learning, and startup-related opportunities. For teacher candidates, these experiences can matter because school districts often value graduates who have already worked with students, communities, and education partners before entering full-time teaching.

• Location: Richmond, VA
• Status: Public
• Types of programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, CAEP, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Tuition:
  • Undergraduate: $16,233 per academic year (resident); $38,817 per academic year (nonresident)

3. The College of William & Mary

The College of William & Mary School of Education focuses on preparing educators, researchers, and school leaders who can apply educational theory and policy to real classroom practice.

Its Curriculum & Instruction department offers master’s programs in Elementary Education, ESL and Bilingual Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. Undergraduate options include:

• B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education, with optional specializations in ESL/Bilingual and Special Education
• Secondary Education Second Major
• Five-Year B.A. to M.A.Ed.
• Minor in Educational Studies
• Minor in ESL/Bilingual Education

Certificate options include:

• ESL/Bilingual Education
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Gifted Education
• Reading Specialist

William & Mary also offers programs through its Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership department and its School Psychology & Counselor Education department.

• Location: Williamsburg, VA
• Status: Public
• Types of programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Certificate
• Accreditation: CAEP
• Tuition:
  • Undergraduate: (data not available) Graduate: $606 per credit hour (in-state); $1,631 per credit hour (out-of-state)

4. George Mason University

George Mason University houses its education offerings in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), which includes the School of Education, School of Kinesiology, and School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

The School of Education offers education programs from the BSEd through the MEd and Ph.D. in Education. Concentration options include Special Education, Early Childhood, Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning, Health and Physical Education, Secondary Education, and Elementary Education, along with additional areas.

George Mason’s CEHD emphasizes partnerships, community engagement, and experiential learning. For teaching candidates, that can be useful when comparing programs because field placements and school partnerships often shape the quality of classroom preparation.

• Location: Fairfax, VA
• Status: Public
• Types of programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Graduate Certificates
• Accreditation: CAEP
• Tuition:
  • Undergraduate: $13,812 per year (full-time, in-state); $37,976 per year (full-time, out-of-state)
  • Graduate: $13,132 per year (full-time, in-state); $29,584 per year (full-time, out-of-state)

5. Liberty University

Liberty University School of Education offers Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), MEd, Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and Ph.D. programs with multiple concentration options. As a private Christian university, Liberty frames its teacher preparation around Christian education and service in public, private, and Christian school settings.

Students may choose on-campus or online study formats, as well as licensure and non-licensure tracks. When comparing Liberty or any other private institution, confirm whether the specific track you choose leads to the Virginia license, endorsement, or career outcome you need.

• Location: Lynchburg, VA
• Status: Private
• Types of programs offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Accreditation: CAEP
• Tuition and fees:
  • Undergraduate: $23,800 per year
  • Graduate: $545 per credit hour

Virginia Teacher Education Requirements

Virginia’s standard route to public school teaching combines academic preparation, classroom practice, testing, required trainings, and state licensure. The exact requirements depend on the grade level and endorsement area you plan to teach.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

Virginia requires teacher licensure candidates to hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a nationally recognized college or university. Your official transcript must show that the degree was conferred. The degree may be in education or in a subject area tied to the endorsement you want, depending on your pathway.

Common undergraduate options include Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education programs. Many are designed around grade bands or subject areas, such as elementary education, biology education, special education, or early childhood education.

2. Complete an educator preparation program

Most candidates also need to complete an educator preparation program, often called an EPP. These programs combine professional studies coursework, content-area preparation, supervised fieldwork, classroom observations, internships, and student teaching. The Virginia Department of Education maintains a list of colleges and universities with EPPs.

How to Choose a Teacher Preparation Program in Virginia

The best teacher preparation program is not always the most famous or the cheapest. It is the one that fits your endorsement goal, schedule, budget, prior credits, field placement needs, and licensure timeline.

• Confirm approval and accreditation. Check whether the program is approved for the endorsement you want and whether it has relevant accreditation, such as CAEP, where applicable.
• Match the program to your teaching goal. Elementary education, secondary science, special education, ESL, career and technical education, and early childhood preparation can have different course and fieldwork requirements.
• Ask about student teaching placements. A strong program should explain where candidates complete fieldwork, how placements are arranged, and what support is provided during student teaching.
• Review testing support. Ask whether the program offers preparation for basic skills, subject area, and Reading for Virginia Educators assessments when relevant.
• Compare total cost, not only tuition. Include fees, transportation to field placements, technology costs, testing fees, background check costs, and lost income if full-time student teaching affects your work schedule.
• Evaluate faculty and advising access. Teacher candidates need timely answers about licensure, endorsements, practicum requirements, and transfer credits. Poor advising can delay graduation or certification.

Questions to ask before choosing a Virginia teacher preparation program

Online Teacher Preparation Programs in Virginia

Virginia can accept online teacher preparation programs when they meet state requirements. The key issue is not whether coursework is online; it is whether the program is approved, properly accredited where applicable, aligned with Virginia licensure rules, and able to provide required fieldwork or student teaching experiences.

Online programs can be a strong fit for working adults, parents, rural students, military-connected learners, and career changers. However, candidates should not assume that every online education degree leads to Virginia teacher licensure. Before enrolling, confirm that the program satisfies Virginia Department of Education requirements for your intended grade level and endorsement.

Virginia Teacher Certification Process

After completing your academic requirements, the licensure process becomes more procedural. Even if you completed one of the easiest college majors, you still need to meet Virginia’s testing, training, application, and background check requirements before receiving a teaching license.

1. Pass the required assessments. Required exams vary by endorsement, but candidates may need a basic skills test, a subject area competence exam, and the Reading for Virginia Educators assessment for elementary or special education certification.
2. Complete Virginia-mandated trainings. Required training areas include Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Intervention, Emergency First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR, including Hands-on Practice), Automated External Defibrillators (AED), Dyslexia Awareness, Behavior Intervention and Support, and Cultural Competency.
3. Submit the Virginia licensure application. Candidates must apply for a Virginia-only teaching license, pay the license fee, provide official transcripts, submit test scores, submit a fingerprint card, and provide information needed for the background check.
4. Apply for teaching positions. Once licensed, candidates can apply to Virginia schools in their endorsement and grade-level area. Special education graduates may also explore high-paying jobs that work with special needs students.

Traditional pathway vs. alternative pathway

Career switcher route

Virginia’s Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Program is designed for experienced professionals who want to become teachers without completing a traditional undergraduate teacher education degree. To qualify, candidates need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, at least three years of full-time work experience, and qualifying scores on professional teacher assessments set by the Virginia Board of Education. The Virginia Department of Education provides a list of certified program providers.

License renewal

A Virginia teaching license is valid for five years. Teachers must complete the renewal packet and submit it through the school division’s authorized individual before the license expires. Renewal planning should begin early, especially for teachers who need professional development points, additional coursework, or documentation from multiple providers.

Teaching While Completing Licensure Requirements

Some candidates can begin teaching in Virginia before finishing all teacher preparation requirements through a Provisional License. This temporary option is generally for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree, secure employment with a Virginia school division, and commit to completing the missing coursework, assessments, or educator preparation requirements within the required timeline.

A Provisional License can help schools fill vacancies and help candidates enter the classroom sooner, but it is not the same as a full, standard license. Candidates should ask the hiring district exactly which requirements remain, how mentorship will work, what deadlines apply, and what happens if requirements are not completed on time.

Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification in Virginia

Virginia’s teacher shortage has created demand for pathways that bring qualified adults into classrooms more quickly. The state reported 4,028 vacant teaching positions in the academic year 2024–2025 (Virginia Department of Education, 2024), making alternative licensure routes important for career changers, military-connected candidates, and people with bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields.

• Career Switcher Program: This route serves professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and have substantial full-time work experience outside education. It combines intensive preparation, assessments, and classroom experience.
• iteach: This online alternative licensure option is intended for candidates who hold bachelor’s degrees in fields other than education. Participants complete coursework and classroom experience while receiving preparation support.
• Troops to Teachers (TTT) Virginia Center: This pathway supports military personnel and veterans who want to transition into teaching through guidance, licensure assistance, and related support.

Transferring an Out-of-State Teaching License to Virginia

Licensed teachers from other states may be able to transfer their credentials to Virginia through reciprocity. Reciprocity does not mean automatic approval in every case; it means Virginia will review the educator’s valid out-of-state license, background, preparation, experience, and any remaining Virginia-specific requirements.

Out-of-state teachers should submit an application to the Virginia Department of Education and provide documentation of their current license. Depending on the applicant’s background and state of origin, Virginia may require additional assessments, coursework, or mandated trainings before issuing a Virginia teaching license.

Professional Development and License Renewal

Virginia teachers must continue professional learning to maintain licensure and strengthen classroom practice. Professional development may include workshops, conferences, graduate coursework, district training, online learning, and specialized certification preparation.

For teachers, professional development should be more than a compliance task. Choose activities that support your endorsement area, address student needs, improve instructional technology skills, or move you toward a career goal such as instructional coaching, special education, reading specialist work, or administration.

Financial Incentives and Support for Virginia Teachers

Financial support can make a major difference for candidates entering teaching, especially those completing unpaid student teaching, paying for licensure tests, or switching careers. Availability varies by district, subject area, funding cycle, and employment status, so always confirm current eligibility before making financial plans.

• Student Loan Forgiveness Programs: Virginia teachers may qualify for federal options such as the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program if they work in low-income schools or high-demand subjects such as mathematics, science, and special education.
• Sign-on Bonuses and Retention Grants: Some Virginia school districts use bonuses or retention grants to recruit and keep teachers in difficult-to-staff schools or shortage areas, including special education and STEM fields.
• Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships: Aspiring teachers and current educators may find scholarships, tuition reimbursement, or district-supported funding for licensure, endorsements, or advanced degrees.
• Lower-Cost Alternative Pathways: Career changers may compare alternative certification routes and other types of teaching certificates in Virginia to reduce cost and time to licensure.
• National Board Certification Support: Virginia offers financial and professional support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification, and teachers who earn the credential may be eligible for state- and district-funded salary increases or bonuses.

Average Teacher Salaries in Virginia

The National Education Association reported the average annual teacher salary in Virginia as $63,103 in 2024, ranking the state number 24 out of all 50 states for teacher salary. This figure is above the $49,973 gross annual income that a single adult with no children needs to afford typical expenses in Virginia, according to Glasmeier and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2024). It is also above the current $58,395 minimum living wage in the state reported by the National Education Association (2024).

Teacher pay varies by district, experience, degree level, endorsement, grade level, and role. Postsecondary teaching and administrative positions often sit among the highest paying jobs in the education field, especially in law, business, health specialties, engineering, economics, and school administration.

The chart below shows annual mean wages for teachers in Virginia using 2024 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Digital Tools and Classroom Innovation

Digital tools are now part of daily teaching in many Virginia classrooms. Learning management systems, adaptive learning platforms, interactive displays, assessment dashboards, and online collaboration tools can help teachers differentiate instruction, monitor progress, and provide more timely feedback. Technology is not a substitute for strong teaching, but teachers who understand how to use it well can improve classroom organization and student engagement.

Future educators should look for preparation programs that include digital literacy, online assessment design, responsible AI use, accessibility, and classroom technology management. Candidates planning to teach language arts can also review guidance on how to become an english teacher in Virginia for a more subject-specific view of the pathway.

Leadership Training for Virginia Teachers

Leadership training can help teachers move beyond classroom instruction into mentoring, curriculum planning, department leadership, instructional coaching, or administration. Useful leadership preparation often includes decision-making, teacher evaluation, school law, budgeting, data-informed instruction, family engagement, and team management.

Teachers who want senior leadership roles may eventually consider graduate study. Flexible options such as affordable doctoral programs in leadership can help experienced educators study school leadership while continuing to work.

Special Education Certification and Career Growth

Special education remains one of Virginia’s most important teaching needs. Teachers with this credential support students with disabilities, write and implement individualized education plans, collaborate with families and specialists, and adapt instruction for diverse learners.

For teachers who want strong job-market relevance and meaningful student impact, special education certification can be a strategic choice. It may also support movement into inclusion leadership, case management, intervention coordination, or district-level support roles. Review the steps for special education teacher certification in Virginia if this pathway fits your goals.

Advanced Degrees for Long-Term Teaching Careers

An advanced education degree can strengthen instructional expertise, research skills, curriculum design ability, and leadership preparation. It can also support transitions into specialized teaching, reading intervention, early childhood leadership, administration, policy, or higher education roles.

The right graduate degree depends on your target role. For example, a masters in early childhood education may be useful for teachers who want deeper preparation in young children’s learning, early intervention, and developmentally appropriate instruction.

How an Accessible Education Degree Can Affect Your Career

Some students search for the easiest education degree because they want the fastest or most manageable way into teaching. A better way to think about this decision is not “easy,” but “efficient, accredited, affordable, and aligned with licensure.”

A streamlined program can be valuable if it helps you finish requirements sooner, reduce debt, and begin classroom experience earlier. Flexible online or part-time formats can also help working adults and parents stay enrolled.

However, do not choose a program only because it looks simple. If it does not meet Virginia licensure requirements, lacks supervised teaching experience, or fails to prepare you for required assessments, it can cost more time later. The best program is the one that gets you qualified for the role you actually want.

Kindergarten Teacher Requirements in Virginia

Kindergarten teachers in Virginia need preparation in early childhood development, foundational literacy and numeracy, play-based learning, classroom routines, family communication, and age-appropriate behavior support. Fieldwork with young learners is especially important because kindergarten instruction requires both academic planning and strong developmental awareness.

Prospective early-grade teachers can review the detailed pathway for kindergarten teacher requirements in Virginia. Ongoing mentorship and professional development can also help new teachers build effective routines for early learners.

Private School Teaching Requirements in Virginia

Private school teaching requirements in Virginia can differ from public school licensure rules. Some private schools may prioritize subject expertise, teaching experience, faith alignment, or mission fit, while others may prefer or require state licensure.

Even when licensure is not mandatory for a specific private school role, strong pedagogy, classroom management, curriculum planning, and assessment skills remain important. Candidates considering this route should review private school teacher requirements in Virginia and ask each employer about its credential expectations.

Online Communities and Digital Career Support

Online educator communities can help new and experienced Virginia teachers find lesson ideas, classroom management advice, mentorship, job leads, professional development events, and peer support. Digital networks are especially useful for teachers in rural areas or specialized fields where local colleagues may be limited.

Teachers who want flexible preparation options can also explore how to become a teacher online in Virginia. Online webinars, virtual conferences, and educator forums can support continued growth, but they should complement—not replace—verified licensure guidance from official sources and approved programs.

Teacher Certification Types and Career Planning

The certification type you choose affects where you can teach, which grades or subjects you can serve, and how easily you can move into specialized roles. A mismatch between your credential and your career goal can delay employment or require extra coursework.

Before choosing a pathway, compare provisional, traditional, alternative, add-on endorsement, substitute, and advanced certification options. A detailed overview of teacher certification requirements in Virginia can help you understand which credential fits your background and timeline.

Substitute Teaching Requirements in Virginia

Substitute teaching can be a practical way to gain classroom exposure before committing to a full teacher preparation program. Requirements differ from standard teacher licensure and may vary by district, but candidates often need to meet education requirements, complete training, and pass background checks.

Because districts can set specific procedures, prospective substitutes should review the current Virginia substitute teacher requirements before applying. Substituting can help you test whether teaching is a good fit and build relationships with local schools.

Career Advancement Options for Virginia Teachers

Teaching does not have to mean staying in the same classroom role for an entire career. Virginia educators can build specialized or leadership pathways while continuing to serve students and schools.

• Department Head: Experienced teachers may lead subject teams, support curriculum alignment, mentor colleagues, and coordinate instructional priorities.
• Instructional Coach: Coaches help teachers improve instruction, use data, integrate technology, and implement new teaching strategies.
• Administrative Roles: Teachers interested in assistant principal, principal, or district leadership roles often pursue graduate study in educational leadership or a related field.
• Specialized Certifications: Add-on credentials in special education, gifted education, ESL, reading, or other areas can expand job options and improve marketability.

Common mistakes to avoid

Virginia Teacher Job Outlook

Virginia, like many states, continues to face teacher shortages in specific endorsement areas. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission identified factors such as financial barriers to completing teacher preparation, unclear or demanding licensure requirements, and teacher dissatisfaction in connection with the shortage situation in 2024. VDOE listed critical shortage teaching endorsement areas including special education, elementary education, middle school, career and technical education, secondary school science, mathematics, and English in 2024.

To address demand, Virginia partnered with a for-profit online teacher credentialing company through a three-year pilot program with iteach. The goal is to prepare candidates for classroom readiness in a shorter time frame than the traditional pathway and reduce the tuition burden associated with some college and university routes.

Virginia Employment Commission projections show continued openings in several teaching fields by 2026. Preschool teachers are projected to see 782 job openings by 2026, elementary school teachers are projected to see 3,982 job openings by 2026, and secondary school teachers are projected to see 2,960 job openings by 2026. Overall employment in Virginia is projected to grow 10.1 percent by 2026, above the national growth rate of 7.4 percent.

High-Demand Teaching Specializations in Virginia

Choosing a shortage-area endorsement can improve your employment prospects and help districts address urgent staffing needs. Candidates interested in younger learners can start by learning how to become an elementary school teacher in Virginia. Other high-demand areas include special education, middle school, career and technical education, secondary school science, mathematics, and English.

Specializing should still be a thoughtful decision. Shortage areas may offer more openings, but you should choose a field that matches your strengths, patience, communication style, and long-term interest.

School Librarian Career Path in Virginia

School librarians combine teaching, literacy support, research instruction, technology guidance, and resource management. For classroom teachers, this role can open a different career path while still supporting student learning across the school.

Educators interested in library media roles can review How to be a school librarian in Virginia? to understand the credentialing process and how school librarianship can complement teaching experience.

Critical Shortage Areas for Virginia Teachers

Virginia’s critical shortage areas create both staffing challenges for schools and career opportunities for well-prepared educators. Flexible options, including a bachelor of education online, may help aspiring teachers prepare for high-need fields while balancing work or family obligations.

• Special Education: Schools need teachers who can support students with diverse learning needs and deliver individualized instruction.
• STEM Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics teachers help prepare students for technical, scientific, and data-driven careers.
• English as a Second Language (ESL): Multilingual student populations increase demand for teachers who can support language development and academic access.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE): CTE teachers help high school students build practical workforce skills and explore technical career pathways.

Other Questions About Becoming a Teacher in Virginia

How long does it take to get a teaching certification in Virginia?

The timeline depends on your starting point and pathway. In general, the process can take anywhere from one to five years when you include the bachelor’s degree, educator preparation, required assessments, and licensure application steps.

Can you become a teacher without a teaching degree in Virginia?

Yes. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field may qualify through routes such as the Career Switcher Program or the Provisional License option. These pathways still require approved preparation, assessments, and completion of Virginia licensure requirements.

Can you get a teaching degree online in Virginia?

Yes. Accredited institutions may offer online teaching degrees or licensure-related coursework. The important step is confirming that the online program meets Virginia Department of Education standards and includes any required in-person fieldwork or student teaching.

What are the benefits of pursuing an advanced degree in education in Virginia?

An advanced education degree can support leadership roles, specialized teaching positions, salary advancement where recognized by districts, and deeper expertise in pedagogy, research, assessment, or educational theory. Some educators also use graduate study to move into related fields, such as a career as an educational psychologist.

What types of student teaching or practicum experiences are required for teacher certification in Virginia?

Virginia teacher candidates generally need supervised field experiences tied to their licensure pathway. These may include classroom observations, practicum work, internships, and student teaching. The details depend on the educator preparation program, endorsement area, and whether the candidate is following a traditional, alternative, or provisional route.

References

• Glasmeier, A. K. & Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (2024). Living Wage Calculation for Virginia. https://livingwage.mit.edu/states/51
• National Education Association. (2024). 2024 Reports: Educator Pay in America. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank
• Projections Central. (2024). Long-Term Occupational Projections (2020-2030). https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
• Virginia Department of Education. (2024). 2022-2023 TEACHER SALARY SURVEY RESULTS. https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/53111/638449192805670000
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 3). May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Virginia. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://bls.gov/oes/current/oes_va.htm#25-0000

Key Insights

• Virginia public school teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree, an approved educator preparation program, required assessments, state-mandated trainings, background clearance, and a Virginia teaching license.
• Online teacher preparation can work in Virginia, but only if the program is approved for the intended endorsement and includes required supervised classroom experience.
• Career changers should compare the Career Switcher Program, Provisional License route, and master’s-level licensure programs before committing to a pathway.
• Shortage areas such as special education, elementary education, middle school, career and technical education, secondary science, mathematics, and English may offer stronger hiring opportunities.
• Do not choose a program based only on convenience or tuition. Confirm accreditation, licensure alignment, field placements, transfer credits, testing support, and total cost before enrolling.
• A teaching license is not the endpoint. Renewal, professional development, add-on endorsements, leadership training, and advanced degrees can shape long-term career growth in Virginia education.