Licensure Options
Virginia Tech does not have an alternative licensure program at either the Blacksburg or extended campus sites. However, we do offer courses that fulfill the Virginia Department of Education professional studies requirements for individuals seeking licensure. Any course you take must be approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), and that it remains the candidate’s responsibility to confirm that the courses meet the state requirements.
The VDOE website includes information on licensure requirements. From the drop down menu of topics select “Teacher Education and Licensure.” The Licensure Regulations for School Personnel document explains the content and professional education requirements for each licensure area. In addition to course requirements, there are also required tests. Candidates must pass the Praxis II in the specific teaching area and the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA). Individuals seeking licensure in elementary education, special education, or as a reading specialist must also pass the Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) to be licensed.
For elementary licensure, 18 semester hours of professional studies coursework are required. For secondary licensure, 15 semester hours are required. The professional studies course requirements are:
- Human Growth and Development, 3 semester hours
- Curriculum and Instructional Procedures, 3 semester hours
- Classroom and Behavior Management, 3 semester hours
- Foundations of Education, 3 semester hours
- Reading: for elementary licensure, 6 hours; for secondary, 3 hours in Reading in the Content Areas
Virginia Tech offers courses to fulfill the professional studies requirements for undergraduates who enroll as a Commonwealth Campus student through the Graduate School. Up to 12 semester hours may be taken using this designation, and it is possible to petition for up to another 3 hours for a total of 15 hours. After enrolling and completing coursework, the individual or the employing school division should have official transcripts sent to the VDOE for review. Candidates should seek confirmation by the VDOE that a course is acceptable prior to enrolling.
The specific Virginia Tech courses that typically fulfill the licensure requirements are listed on the following table. The professional studies licensure courses are offered through the Institute for Distance and Distributed Learning, as described at http://www.vto.vt.edu/progdesc.php?id=alps
Courses and Contact Information
| Virginia Department of Education Requirements | Courses at Virginia Tech | Available Format | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Growth and Development (3 cr.) | EDCI 5114-Advanced Educational Psychology or EDCI 5774-Human Growth and Development |
On-line or face-to-face On-line (Virtual students only) |
|
| Foundations of Education (3 cr.) | EDCI 5104-Schooling in American Society | Face-to-face | Dr. Jim Garrison |
| Reading in the Content Area (3 cr. for secondary) | EDCI 5264 –Comprehending Processes & Reading in the Content Areas | Face-to-face On-line (Virtual students only) |
Dr. Ken Potter |
| Curriculum and Instructional Procedures (3 cr.) | EDCI 5164-Principles of Instructional Design | On-line (Virtual students only) | Dr. Ken Potter |
| For Career & Technical Education(CTE) Licensure Only | |||
| Curriculum and Instructional Procedures (3cr.) | EDCT 5784-Curriculum & Instructional Processes in CTE | On-line (Provisionally licensed teachers only) |
|
| Classroom and Behavior Management (3cr.) | EDCT 5784-Classroom, Student Behavior, and Program Management | On-line (Provisionally licensed teachers only) | Dr. Bill Price |
Revised 1/22/2009