The world needs more teachers.
UNESCO’s recent global report on teachers revealed an urgent need for 44 million teachers worldwide by 2030. Teachers not only educate the future workforce and equip young people with professional and academic skills, but they’re also incredibly influential guides for children in every stage of their development.
Becoming a teacher is a path to a rewarding and challenging career. You will interact firsthand with students who need formative leadership and mentorship. Whether you’re teaching Pre-K or high school mathematics, you have the ability to nurture young minds and immerse yourself in your passion throughout your career.
Many aspiring teachers are at a crossroads regarding their teaching education: “Should I pursue my teaching license?”
While teacher licensure is an involved process that takes time, effort, and accountability, choosing to be unlicensed can significantly limit your career opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of earning your teaching license and how to become a licensed teacher.
Licensure is just one step to becoming a teacher—and it’s far from the first decision you will need to make. Your teaching journey begins by asking yourself some basic questions about your career goals and deciding what education program best fits you.
Questions to ask before you decide to pursue teaching:
What do I want to teach?
Do you have a passion for languages? What about a mind for mathematics? By choosing a content area that aligns with your existing passions and strengths, you can find fulfillment in your career and better encourage your students.
What age group should I focus on?
There are drastic differences between teaching a kindergarten class and running high school biology labs! Figure out what age group you best connect with, and that will inform the grade level you teach.
What undergrad education programs fit best with my goals?
Now that you know the “what” and the “who” of your teaching career, choose a program or teacher education track that offers the right coursework and licensure options for your teaching goals.
Teacher education programs play an important role in certification. Strong teacher education programs include thorough and relevant coursework, integrated student teaching, and built-in licensure prep. By choosing a program that prepares you for licensure, you receive all the benefits of being a certified educator, including:
Licensure is required to teach in public schools in Virginia (and in most states). Becoming a licensed teacher opens doors to a wider range of job opportunities and better job stability.
Schools, even private schools, often prioritize candidates with full licensure over those without. Licensure demonstrates that you've completed a rigorous, standards-based training path and equips you better for any kind of teaching pathway.
Licensed teachers typically qualify for higher pay scales and benefits, as well as greater opportunity for promotions and leadership roles within schools.
The thorough preparation of a licensure track prepares you with hands-on classroom experience, key classroom management strategies, and curriculum planning skills. It can help you feel confident stepping into a teaching role from day one.
Just because you earn your license in one state doesn’t mean you’re tied down. Virginia licensure can transfer to other states through reciprocity agreements, which keep your options open if you plan to move or teach elsewhere in the future.
Lastly, your licensure shows students, parents, and administrators that you’re committed to excellence in teaching. Knowing that you have the best qualifications gives you credibility and allows you to make a meaningful, long-term impact in and out of the classroom.
The licensure process generally follows a simple structure to take you from an education student to leading a classroom:
Completing an undergraduate program
Taking licensure exams
Applying through the state
The requirements may vary considerably depending on the state in which you choose to earn your license. One of your most valuable strategies is proper planning—research what steps you need to take, how much of the licensure is built into your undergraduate curriculum, and the most efficient way to maximize your time and resources.
If you're planning to become a licensed teacher in Virginia, you're on a well-structured path. Not only does Virginia offer clear licensure guidelines, but earning your license here also sets you up with initial reciprocity in all other states—a big advantage if you ever decide to teach elsewhere. Plus, many private schools prefer applicants who have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program, making Virginia licensure even more valuable.
To begin, you must have a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from a regionally accredited institution. Your academic background should include content-specific coursework in the subject you plan to teach, such as English, history, or math.
In addition to subject-area knowledge, you’ll need to complete professional education coursework that focuses on teaching methods, classroom management, and instructional strategies. These are usually built into your undergrad program.
All prospective teachers must pass Virginia’s required teaching assessments. These tests vary based on your grade level and content area, so be sure to review the specific exams aligned with your intended license.
Hands-on experience is key to earning your license. You must complete either a supervised student teaching internship (often included in your undergrad degree) or show proof of one year of successful, full-time classroom teaching.
Virginia also requires training in First Aid, CPR, and AED use. You’ll need to provide documentation that you’ve successfully completed this training. Alongside these certifications, all licensure candidates must complete a set of free, online VDOE training modules, including:
Your licensure might be only a few steps away. Southern Virginia University’s teacher licensure track is a flexible, effective path to opening teaching career opportunities in a continually in-demand field.
In addition to preparing you for licensure, SVU’s program includes supportive faculty and one-on-one advising, practical classroom experience, and the ability to integrate it into your existing major. If you want to teach in public schools with the rich foundation of a liberal arts degree, the teacher licensure track will give you the perfect launching point.
Pathway options include:
The current demand for teachers doesn’t minimize the vital importance of compassionate, dynamic educators in the modern classroom. Many programs can get you ready for licensure, but SVU focuses on building up the entire person in truth, integrity, and love. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a different kind of teaching career, explore our programs and tailor your undergrad education to you!