If your goal is to become a teacher in Virginia, then you have a simple path to follow. If you graduate with a Bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university and complete an approved teacher preparation program, you have completed most of the work to receive a license to teach in Virginia. If you attended school in another state or would like to pursue an alternate method of licensure, there are several options available for a less traditional route. Read more at the Division of Teacher Education & Licensure.

Upon completion of your education in Virginia, you will need to submit your official transcripts, evidence of your successful completion of the Professional Teacher’s Assessment, and any applicable fees. You must also complete a child abuse recognition and intervention training. When you receive approval, you will be issued a five year, renewable license.

After receiving your license, you will want to find a job in a Virginia school. Virginia Beach City Public Schools is a district dedicated to education through community involvement and innovative programs. Some of the successful campuses in this district include a Global Studies and World Languages Academy, Legal Studies Academy, Health Sciences Academy, and more. Norfolk Public Schools offers "nationally recognized academic programs, highly qualified faculty, and a commitment to ensuring every child succeeds." In 2005, this district was the Broad Prize winner for the top city school system in the nation. Chesapeake and Richmond schools provide quality educational opportunities in districts that are dedicated to community involvement and offer several funding options to maintain quality programs within the schools.

After teaching for five years, your license will come up for renewal. In order to renew it, you will need to have completed 180 professional development points as well as a child abuse recognition and intervention training. The professional development points will include varying amounts of college credit hours dependent on your level of education.