{"id":46510,"date":"2024-08-11T11:37:38","date_gmt":"2024-08-11T16:37:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=46510"},"modified":"2024-08-11T11:37:38","modified_gmt":"2024-08-11T16:37:38","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Become a Teacher in Virginia [2024 Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Teaching can be a very fulfilling career path\u2013 you impart knowledge and values to young minds and leave a positive legacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Different states may have different requirements regarding licensing and education level for becoming a teacher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The country has been experiencing a teacher shortage since the pandemic, making this the best profession to join.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The state of Virginia has <\/span>87,166 teachers<\/span><\/a> in the public schools. However, the state continues to experience a <\/span>shortage of quality teachers<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll share the steps you can take to become a teacher in Virginia and offer tips to make your teaching career more rewarding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Beautiful<\/p>\n

Is Teaching the Right Career for You?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Although teaching can be both exciting and satisfying, it can be challenging. To be a good teacher, you must concentrate, have good communication skills, and adequately master your subjects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most teachers view their career as a vocation and not a job. Their job involves impacting the lives of young people daily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a teacher, you influence young people by teaching them academic skills, guiding the development of their social skills, and realizing their personal goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teachers are very involved with their students, surrounding communities, and families. If you hope to join a profession that allows you to contribute to society and make a real difference, then teaching may be the right career.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teaching jobs are often very stable, and you can expect to enjoy long vacations. Money shouldn\u2019t, however, be one of the motivation factors. The compensation and benefits for teachers differ from state to state. For instance, the average annual salary for a teacher is <\/span>$45,574 in Mississippi, while the same earns $74,120 in Virginia<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s good to ascertain whether teaching suits you before you pursue your teaching certification in Virginia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a teacher, you\u2019ll work with children in classrooms or other learning settings. These include public or private schools, charter or magnet schools, schools in foreign countries, or for non-English speakers in the US or abroad.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

State Requirements for Teaching In Virginia\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

The journey to becoming a teacher varies significantly by state. Different states have different requirements for residents who wish to become teachers. The requirements are based on the current situation. For instance, a state experiencing a severe teacher shortage might have fewer requirements than the rest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To teach in <\/span>Virginia, you must have attained a bachelor\u2019s degree, completed a teacher preparation and certification program, and passed all tests to acquire a teaching license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teaching requirements will also differ depending on the level and the subject you want to teach. For instance, to teach at the kindergarten and elementary school level, you need multiple subject credentials to cover all the subjects in a given classroom. You also require an endorsement for elementary education, such as Pre-K-3 or Pre-K-6. You should also have completed nine semester hours of graduate-level coursework in early childhood education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To become a high school teacher in Virginia, you must be qualified and certified to teach in one or two subject areas. If your passion lies with special needs children, you need the education credentials to work with children with mild to moderate disabilities or those with moderate to severe special needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the requirements you need to become a teacher in Virginia:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/b><\/h3>\n

All states in the U.S. require certified teachers to hold a bachelor\u2019s degree. Virginia requires its teachers to possess a minimum of a bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited program to be licensed to teach in the state. A bachelor\u2019s degree in an education-related program, such as a BA in education or early childhood education, is most suitable since their coursework comprises everything you will require to earn your teaching license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The key learnings in your education degree program that make you qualified for a teaching job include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n