TITLE

Alternate Route to Licensure

HISTORY

The implementation of the licensure regulations for Virginia school divisions became effective on July 1, 1998.

MOTIVATION

To make an alternate route available to individuals employed by an educational agency in Virginia who seek teaching endorsements in grades PreK-12.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

PreK-12.

WHO OPERATES

IHE, LEA, and State.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

An individual who is employed by a Virginia school division or non-public school can be issued a three-year, non-renewable Provisional License upon the request of the Virginia employing educational agency if the individual

  1. Holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution; and
  2. Satisfies one or more specific endorsement areas (teaching areas).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The following requirements must be satisfied in order to become eligible for the five-year renewable license

  1. Professional Teacher's Assessment.
  2. Professional Studies Requirements: Professional studies coursework specified below from a regionally-accredited four-year institution or an alternative program for licensure may be submitted by the employing educational agency for review and approval by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Virginia Department of Education.
    • Early/primary education, elementary education, and middle education -- 18 semester hours
    • Special education -- 18 semester hours

    • Adult education, PreK-12 endorsements, and secondary grades 6-12 endorsements -- 15 semester hours
  3. One year of successful, full-time teaching experience in the endorsement area in an accredited public or non-public school. A fully-licensed experienced teacher must be available in the school building to assist the beginning teacher employed through the alternative route.
NO. OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

A minimum of a bachelor's degree; 15 to 18 semester hours of professional education coursework; and specific endorsement area course requirements.

WHO EVALUATES

State.

LENGTH OF TIME

Non-renewable Provisional License issued for three years; renewable license issued for five years.