A teaching career is one of the most fulfilling professions because of the joy that comes from helping students achieve their potential and witnessing their growth. Teaching is also a flexible career as teachers enjoy summers off and holiday breaks, allowing for a work-life balance that supports personal well-being.
Virginia provides a rich history, top-notch education system, and a vibrant job market making it an attractive place for educators. The state is committed to education as is evident in its public schools and numerous higher education institutions.
The average annual salary of a high school teacher in Virginia is $72,020. Salaries can differ based on multiple factors.
In this guide, we’ll discuss high school teacher salaries in Virginia and the factors that influence them. We’ll also provide insights on how to become a high school teacher in Virginia and alternative certification programs.
What is a High School Teacher?
A high school teacher teaches students in grades 9 through 12, who are typically 14 to 18 years old.
This stage of education is crucial as students prepare for higher education or enter the workforce. High school teachers specialize in subjects such as mathematics, science, English, history, or foreign languages.
To be a high school teacher, you need various skills to effectively support your students, such as subject expertise, communication skills, motivational skills, technological proficiency, and adaptability.
You must also learn to be patient and empathetic to understand the challenges teenagers face and provide support.
The following are the daily responsibilities of a high school teacher:
- Lesson planning: Developing lesson plans that align with curriculum standards.
- Classroom instruction: Teaching students through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.
- Assessment: Creating and grading tests, quizzes, and assignments to evaluate student progress.
- Student support: Providing one-on-one assistance to students who need extra help.
- Classroom management: Enforcing rules and managing student behavior.
- Parent communication: Keeping parents informed about their child’s progress.
- Extracurricular involvement: Leading or supporting school clubs, sports, and other activities.
Teachers must participate in professional development activities to stay current with new instructional methods and educational technology,
How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in Virginia?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of a high school teacher is $72,020. Some educators earn higher or lower than this mean figure because of various factors such as:
- Years of experience and education level: Teacher salaries depend on the educator’s years of experience and level of education. A teacher with a master’s degree and several years of experience will earn more than a new teacher with only a bachelor’s degree.
- Teacher shortage: The demand for teachers in certain subjects or areas affects salaries. For example, higher pay may be offered to teachers in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in underserved areas to attract qualified candidates.
- District funding: Education funding comes from local property taxes, which can lead to differences in school budgets and teacher salaries. Wealthier areas with higher property values can afford to pay teachers more than less affluent areas.
- Location: Areas with a higher cost of living offer higher salaries to attract and retain teachers. For example, teachers in Northern Virginia near Washington D.C. earn more than those in rural areas due to the higher cost of living in that region.
Wages in USD
A chart showing disparities in high school educators’ salaries in Virginia based on BLS data.
How to Become a High School Teacher in Virginia
To become a high school teacher in Virginia, you’ll need to follow several steps. These steps are geared towards ensuring you are well-equipped to deliver quality education to students in Virginia’s high schools.
Here’s an overview of the entire process:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: You must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a major related to the subject you wish to teach. For example, if you want to teach music, a degree in music or a related field is appropriate.
- Enroll in a teacher preparation program: Enroll in a teacher preparation program approved by the Virginia Department of Education. You will take coursework in pedagogy and engage in student teaching in a real classroom setting.
- Pass required examinations: Before you’re certified, you must pass state certification exams which include Praxis and Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA).
- Complete a background check: All aspiring teachers must undergo fingerprinting and a background check to ensure they have no criminal history that would disqualify them from working with children.
- Apply for a teaching license: Submit an application for a teaching license to the Virginia Department of Education. Include transcripts, test scores, proof of completion of a teacher preparation program, and results from your background check.
Once you’ve qualified, you’ll receive your teaching license. You can begin your job search by looking for job openings in Virginia public high schools. The Virginia Department of Education’s website, school district websites, and job boards such as Indeed and Glassdoor are a good place to start.
High school teachers in Virginia who want to teach reading or special education will be required to pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) exam before certification.
Note: Virginia offers a Provisional License for those who have not completed all requirements and the Collegiate Professional License for those who have completed all requirements. This is primarily aimed at those who use the alternative certification route.
Alternative Certification for High School Teachers in Virginia
The alternative certification route to becoming a high school teacher in Virginia is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education and want to transition into teaching.
The pathway is known as the Career Switcher Program and allows candidates to obtain the necessary certification while working as a teacher.
Here are the steps involved in becoming a high school teacher in Virginia through alternative certification:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Ensure you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Enroll in a program: Choose an approved alternative certification program. The programs involve completing coursework in pedagogy, classroom management, and instructional strategies, combined with field experiences such as observations and practice teaching.
- Provisional license application: After completing the coursework, you can apply for a Provisional License through the Virginia Department of Education. This license allows you to begin teaching while completing additional requirements.
- Pass required exams: Pass the required exams, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, subject-specific Praxis II exams, the Virginia Communication, and the VCLA.
- Start teaching: Secure a teaching position in a Virginia public high school. Your alternative certification program may assist with job placement.
While teaching under a Provisional License, you’re required to continue with ongoing professional development, mentoring, and support from your program and school district.
After two years, you will undergo a performance assessment. Your performance will be evaluated through classroom observations, student assessments, and other criteria set by the school district and career switcher program.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, you can apply for a Professional License through the Virginia Department of Education. This full professional license is valid for five years and renewable.
The Highest and Lowest Paying High School Jobs in Virginia
As a certified high school teacher in Virginia, you can teach in various settings with different salary expectations and work environments. These include:
- Public high schools: They are funded by local, state, and federal government sources and overseen by school districts and adhere to state educational standards and policies. These schools serve a diverse student body socially, economically, ethnically, and in academic abilities. They also have access to resources such as special education services, counseling, and career and technical education programs.
- Charter schools: They are publicly funded but have greater flexibility in curriculum design, teaching methods, and staffing decisions. Some have specific admission criteria or focus areas that attract certain student groups.
- Private high schools: They do not receive public funding and have the freedom to design their own curricula, which may or may not align with state standards. Many private schools are affiliated with religious organizations or specific educational philosophies which influence their curriculum and school culture.
- Virtual schools: Education is delivered through digital platforms, enabling students to learn from anywhere with internet access. Online and virtual schools offer flexible scheduling, allowing students to complete work at their own pace and on their own time.
A graph showing the highest and lowest high school jobs in Virginia
Become a High School Teacher in Virginia
Living in Virginia means enjoying a high quality of life with access to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and the cities of Richmond and Virginia Beach. The state also has a strong economy and a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive place to settle down.
A teaching career is rewarding because you’ll enjoy seeing your students grow academically and become useful members of society. Additionally teaching offers job security with many options of employment depending on your goals.
If you aspire to become a teacher, Teachers of Tomorrow offers an accredited alternative certification program. This program is designed to fast-track your path to becoming a certified teacher while providing support throughout the process.
The alternative certification program includes intensive pre-service training, mentoring from experienced educators, and hands-on teaching experience. Enroll today and begin a successful teaching career.
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