Becoming a Teacher with PWCSCareer Pathways

Licensure Knowledge

Identify the pathways to teacher licensure in Virginia

Become aware of available program options

Have a better understanding of the provisional license process and licensure requirements in Virginia

Key Points

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) establishes licensure requirements, not PWCS

Code of Virginia requires that School Divisions only hire applicants who are eligible for licensure for certified positions

Licensure requirements are updated regularly, so it is important to follow the VDOE Licensure Regulations closely for the most up to date information http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/licensure_regs.pdf

Once a candidate is eligible for provisional licensure and completes a certified application, they are eligible to be considered for hire in PWCS

Critical Need Areas

Career and Technology Education

Elementary Education

ESL

Family and Consumer Sciences

Mathematics

Middle School

School Psychology

Science

Special Education Adapted Curriculum (Autism, ID Mild, Mod, Severe)

Early Childhood (Preschool) Sped.

General Curriculum (LD, ED, Autism, ID Mild)

Visual Impairment

Speech Language Pathology

World Languages

Pathways to Teacher Licensure in VA

Graduate and undergraduate programs offered for individuals with or without a Bachelor’s Degree:

1) Approved Teacher Licensure Program Listing:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/educator_preparation/college_programs/approved_teacher_ed_programs.pdf

If you DO hold a Bachelor’s Degree:

2) Career Switcher Program Providers

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/educator_preparation/career_switcher/index.shtml

Educate VA (Virginia Community College System)

Old Dominion University

Regent University

Shenandoah University

Pathways to Teacher Licensure in VA

Advantages of Licensure Program Pathway

Takes the guess work out of choosing the right courses to meet specific licensure requirements.

Flexibility in accepting completed course work into program requirements.

Blending courses to meet licensure requirements often results in less course work.

Student teaching experiences

Support with licensure changes

Pathways to Teacher Licensure in VA

If you DO hold a Bachelor’s Degree (Continued):

3) Course-by-course analysis: Varies by certification area and degree

Bachelors degree in the following specific areas accepted for provisional licensure:

Agricultural Education

American Sign Language

Biology

Chemistry

Dance Arts

English

Environmental Science

Geology

Marketing

Mathematics

Physics

Technology Education

Theatre

Visual Arts

Endorsement worksheets – Become a Teacher webpage @ https://pwcs.ss9.sharpschool.com/cms/one.aspx?pageId=667537

Pathways to Teacher Licensure in VA

4) Experiential Route – For exceptional candidates with rich experiences

Bachelor’s Degree

5 Years documented work experience

Passing PRAXIS II score

Or

Veteran with honorable discharge

Bachelor’s Degree

Passing Praxis II score

Provisional Licensure

Provisional licensure is a post-employment process

A provisional license is only issued by the Virginia Department of Education upon hire in a contracted teaching position in a Virginia school division

Candidates may apply directly to the Virginia Department of Education for licensure evaluations in unique licensure situations by following specific instructions on the Application for a Virginia License:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/

Provisional License issued by the VDOE only upon hire in a contracted teaching position

Valid for 3 years; must submit requirements for full licensure to PWCS by February of expiration year

Documented progress each school year

During that time, all deficiencies as set forth by the VDOE must be met. These may include:

Coursework

Assessments

Technology standards

In Special Education Bachelor’s degree

Approved course in characteristics and legal aspects of special education must be completed

Enrollment in an approved licensure program

Assessment Requirements for Full Licensure

Praxis II

Virginia Communications and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)

Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) (req’d for certain endorsement areas)

VDOE web-link provides up-to-date assessment requirements:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/prof_teacher_assessment.pdf

Training Requirements for Licensure

Child Abuse Recognition Training

First Aid, CPR, AED Training

Technology Standards

Dyslexia Training (effective 7/1/2017)

Certified Application

PWCS Employment https://pwcs.ss9.sharpschool.com/cms/one.aspx?pageId=653790

Teacher applicants should provide enough documentation to show licensure program status or license eligibility

When within 6 credits of completing an approved teacher education program, complete a certified employment application

Certified vacancies are open until filled – we hire certified teachers year-round, frequently there are mid-year opportunities available

Certified Application

Your completed application should include

Unofficial transcripts from all college coursework –undergraduate and graduate

Complete work history

References to include current/most recent evaluating supervisor, cooperating or host teacher

Praxis II scores, if completed

College Verification Form upon completion of approved licensure program, if applicable

or

Copy of valid out-of-state license(full credential with no deficiencies), if applicable

Graduates of foreign institutes must provide a transcript evaluation with a course-by-course analysis from a VDOE approved agency: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/graduates_foreign_institutions.pdf

Role of the School

Division

Prince William County Schools can provide licensure guidance, information and tools.

PWCS cannot recommend an educational program

PWCS cannot create a program of coursework to meet requirements

PWCS cannot issue a provisional or renewable teaching license

PWCS cannot approve course work to meet license requirements

PWCS/GMU Initial LicensureCohort

Interested in Teaching Special Education?

Special Education: General Curriculum licensure program through George Mason University

________________________________________

Contact PWCS Office of Special Education for more information on the PWCS/GMU special education general curriculum licensure cohort!

A BA degree and completion of the first program course covering characteristics and legal aspects = eligibility for hire as a special educator!

Get Connected with PWCS

Chat live with DHR staff regarding applications from 12-4 p.m. or call us at 703.791.8050(8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

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