Application process

Take the first steps to becoming a licensed teacher in the Commonwealth. Refer to the below tabs outlining our application process. Please reach out with questions. We’re here to help.

Step One: Prerequisites

Ensure you have completed all prerequisites for the program. Those are as follows:

• You must have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. (If degree is earned outside of the United States, a course-by-course evaluation must be completed by one of these approved agencies graduates foreign institutions.)
• Official transcripts for all college coursework, including transfer credits, must be included in the application for consideration.
• You must have a GPA of 2.5 or better.
• You must have a minimum of three (3) years of full-time professional work experience or the equivalent.
• Active CPR/AED/Basic First Aid card or certificate, including a hands-on training component.
• Dated Certificate of Completion for DSS Child Abuse and Neglect Module.
• Dated Certificate of Completion for VDOE Dyslexia Awareness Module.
• Dated Certificate of Completion for Restraint and Seclusion Module.
• Dated Certificate of Completion for Cultural Competency Module. 
• You must have taken and passed a Praxis Subject Assessment exam in a secondary content area.**
  • PRAXIS Subject Assessment is a rigorous content specialty exam designed to document content knowledge. With a passing Praxis Subject Assessment score in your content area, you can become endorsed in that content area without further content coursework. Candidates must pass a Praxis Subject Assessment in the content area before applying.
• You must be willing to submit to a criminal background check prior to field placement or employment in the classroom.

*This program is not for those with an expired license or a license from another state.

**Official score reports are REQUIRED for the PRAXIS Subject Assessment. These scores take up to 15 business days after the monthly testing window has closed.

Step Two: Download and Fill Out Application

Download the application.

Download

Fill out your application, to include:

• VDOE Career Switcher application (pages 4-5 of the application)
  • Do not send to Virginia Department of Education. Enclose in application package.
  • Print application and fill out in its entirety. Sign and date.
  • DO NOT PRINT TWO-SIDED.
  • Electronic signatures are not acceptable.
• EducateVA Cover Page (page 3 of the application)
  • Allows applicants to indicate their preferred sites for instructional sessions.
  • Do not attach a resume to document work experience.
• Report on Experience form(s) (page 6 of the application)
  • Must be signed by supervisor or Human Resources representative. Electronic signatures are NOT acceptable.
  • Self-employed individuals may NOT sign for themselves. Tax documentation is required. Please contact the program office for more information.
  • Stay-At-Home Parents may submit two letters in lieu of the Report on Experience. Specific guidelines must be followed. Please contact the program office for more information.
  • Those who have served in the armed forces may submit a DD-214, in lieu of the Report on Experience.
• Criminal History Waiver form (page 7 of the application)
  • Background checks are conducted by the school divisions, not EducateVA, and may extend beyond criminal history to other public records, to include print, video and social media.
  • NOTE – Any delay in the background check process can delay field placement assignments and impact program completion. No refund is available to those who cannot complete a field placement during the period allotted.
• Official Transcripts
  • Transcripts should be sent in the sealed envelope from the institution to be considered “official.”
  • Transcripts should be sent to you, not to the college or the EducateVA offices.
  • All college coursework, at the undergraduate and graduate level, including transfer courses and courses which have not led to a degree, should be documented.
  • Foreign transcripts must include a course-by-course evaluation by a VDOE approved evaluation agency. You can find that list here.
• Professional Essay
  • Submit a professionally crafted essay (maximum 750 words) using the following prompt: Reflecting on your previous educational and work experiences, what skills do you believe will serve you well as a future teacher?

Step Three: Copies of Prerequisite Documents

Include copies of the following prerequisite documents:

• PRAXIS Subject Assessment Official Score Report
  
• Active Adult CPR/AED/Basic First Aid card, hands-on training component is required
• Dated Certificate of Completion for DSS Child Abuse and Neglect Module
• Dated Certificate of Completion for VDOE Dyslexia Awareness Module
• Dated Certificate of Completion for Restraint and Seclusion Module
• Dated Certificate of Completion for Cultural Competency Module
• Official transcripts

Step Four: Applicant Intent Form

Once your application is complete, but prior to mailing it fill out the Applicant Intent Form to let us know your application is on the way.

Step Five: Mail

Mail your application packet to:

EducateVA
Post Office Box 85622
Richmond, VA 23285

There is no application fee required until you are notified.