Become a Teacher
There are many routes to becoming a teacher. Start here to discover the pathway that fits your goals.
Alternative Routes to Virginia Licensure
If you want to earn a license to teach in a Virginia public school (preK-12), but a full-time teacher education program isn’t right for you, the UVA School of Education and Human Development offers individualized advising and flexible online coursework designed to help you meet the requirements you need for the alternative route to licensure.
Though you may be eligible for hire on a Provisional License before you have completed these requirements, in order to obtain the 10-year professional, renewable teaching license, you will need to meet the requirements within the following categories:
Endorsement Requirements
Endorsement course requirements relate to the specific content area you are interested in teaching. Endorsement course requirements are typically met through a person's undergraduate degree, but if there are any courses you are missing from this category, you can take these at any accredited college or university.
Final licensure requirements are determined and approved by the Virginia Department of Education. Please partner with your district HR/licensure expert as you move forward with your next steps.
For information on the many areas of endorsement you can pursue, and guidance on the endorsement, reach out to the contact at the bottom of this page.
VDOE Endorsement Requirements
Review the VDOE-specific endorsement course requirement documentation.
Professional Studies Requirements
Professional studies coursework relates to the more pedagogical aspects of the teaching license. The requirements will vary depending on the specific endorsement you are seeking. UVA provides these courses online for various endorsement areas.
Professional Coursework Series
View the UVA School of Education and Human Development's flexible online coursework offerings that help you meet these Professional Studies course requirements.
Professional Teacher's Assessments and Statutory Requirements
Refer to the VDOE’s webpage describing the assessments for the specific endorsement areas.
Apart from completing the coursework and assessment requirements above, below is a list of other mandatory requirements needed to obtain the 10-year professional, renewable teacher's license:
- Complete an Online Module in Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention
- Emergency First Aid Training
- Complete the VDOE Dyslexia Training Module
- Complete the Restraint and Seclusion Module
- Complete the Virginia History or State and Local Government Module (if you are going to teach early childhood, elementary, middle or high school civics, economics, history, or government)
- Complete these Cultural Competency Modules:
Field Experience Requirements
In a traditional teacher education program, there are multiple field experiences, including a “student teaching” period. Those seeking licensure through the alternative route must complete one year of full-time teaching (in their specific endorsement area) in an accredited Virginia public or nonpublic school. The hiring institution will apply for a 3-year, non-renewable provisional license on your behalf; you then have those three years to complete any unmet licensure requirements. You do not need to have fulfilled all other requirements before doing your field experience.
Teacher Education Programs
Ready to make a difference in the lives of students? At the UVA School of Education and Human Development, our teacher education programs prepare you to lead with confidence, creativity, and care. Whether you're starting your journey or advancing your skills, you'll find flexible pathways, hands-on learning, and a community that supports your growth every step of the way. Join us, and become the teacher who inspires the next generation.
VDOE Become a Teacher Website
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) launched a Become a Teacher website to support professionals in Virginia on their path to becoming an educator.
VDOE Become a Teacher WebsiteUndergraduate Teaching Degrees
Explore our four-year undergraduate degree programs that lead to initial licensure in Virginia.
Program listing results
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Early Childhood Education
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? Early childhood teachers have the opportunity to guide preK-3rd grade students during one of the most critical periods of their development.
Program Level
- Undergraduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Estimated Length
4 years (or 2 academic years after admission into the program)
Location
- In-Person
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Elementary Education
Do you want to be an elementary school teacher working with prek-6th grade students? Our top-ranked elementary education program prepares teachers to support the academic and social-emotional growth of young learners.
Program Level
- Undergraduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Estimated Length
4 years (or 2 academic years after admission into the program)
Location
- In-Person
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English as a Second Language
Interested in working with English learners in preK-12 schools? Join our top-ranked teacher education program!
Program Level
- Undergraduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Estimated Length
4 years (or 2 academic years after admission into the program)
Location
- In-Person
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Secondary Education
Do you want to be a secondary school teacher working with 6th-12th grade students? Our top-ranked secondary education program prepares teachers to support the academic and social-emotional growth of secondary school-aged youth.
Program Level
- Undergraduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Estimated Length
4 years (or 2 academic years after admission into the program)
Location
- In-Person
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Special Education
Teaching special education is a truly rewarding career that is in high demand. Our top-ranked special education program prepares you to be the knowledgeable, compassionate classroom advocate that students with disabilities need.
Program Level
- Undergraduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Estimated Length
4 years (or 2 academic years after admission into the program)
Location
- In-Person
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Master of Teaching Programs (M.T.)
Explore our one-year Master of Teaching (M.T.) programs that lead to initial licensure in Virginia.
Program listing results
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Elementary Education
Do you want to be an elementary school teacher working with students grades preK-6? Our top-ranked program for elementary education prepares teachers to support the academic and social-emotional growth of young learners.
Program Level
- Graduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Location
- In-Person
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English as a Second Language
This part-time, online program of study allows you to earn licensure with endorsement in English as a Second Language (PreK-12).
Program Level
- Graduate
Program Type
- Part Time
Location
- Online
Interested in working with English Learners in preK-12 schools? Join our top-ranked teacher education program! In-person in Charlottesville, VA.
Program Level
- Graduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Location
- In-Person
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English Education
Do you want to be an English teacher in middle or high school, teaching reading comprehension, grammar, literature, and writing? Our top-ranked M.T. in English Education program prepares teachers to cultivate student success from day one.
Program Level
- Graduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Location
- In-Person
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Mathematics Education
Do you want to be a mathematics teacher in middle or high school? Apply now to join our Teacher Education community, consistently ranked among the best secondary education programs in the country.
Program Level
- Graduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Location
- In-Person
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Science Education
Do you want to be a science teacher in middle or high school? Apply now to join our Teacher Education community, consistently ranked among the best secondary education programs in the country.
Program Level
- Graduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Location
- In-Person
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Social Studies Education
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Special Education
Do you want to be teacher for children with mild to moderate disabilities? Join UVA School of Education and Human Development's top-ranked program for a path to a truly rewarding and important career—and one that is in high demand.
Program Level
- Graduate
Program Type
- Full Time
Location
- In-Person
Interested in working with students with disabilities in a general curriculum K-12 setting? Join UVA’s top-ranked part-time and online teacher education program.
Program Level
- Graduate
Program Type
- Part Time
Location
- Online
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Teacher Education Programs News
EdLab Podcast: Pathways to Become a Teacher
Jillian McGraw shares how, if becoming a teacher is your goal, EHD has a pathway to help you reach it, regardless of where you are in your professional journey.
Admission & Enrollment
For general questions about the admission process, contact the Office of Admission & Enrollment
Admission & Enrollment
Engaging with prospective students and families on the process of applying to our school.
- 434-924-0742
- [email protected]
- Ridley Hall 102
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Do you want to be a Social Studies teacher in middle or high school, teaching history, civics, economics, and geography? Apply now to join our Teacher Education community, consistently ranked among the best secondary education programs in the country.
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Location