Virginia Special Education Certification & Requirements

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Virginia Special Education

The National Center for Education Statistics notes that 13 percent of Virginia’s student population has an Individualized Education Program, the same percentage as the national average. The U.S. Department of Education has granted Virginia its highest rating of “Meets Requirements” in regard to its ability to meet special education academic goals. The state’s 134 school districts contain 2,186 public and four charter schools, and employ 13,680 special education teachers. Virginia is also home to 641 private schools.The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and its Division of Special Education and Student Services implement policy regarding teaching licensure and supporting students in special education programs.

Licensure Requirements

For Undergraduates

The minimum academic requirement for Virginia special educators is the completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited institution. A course of study must include all VDOE coursework requirements for licensure, plus any classes necessary to qualify for an endorsement in a specific area of special education. Some alternative certification programs allow for initial or provisional licensure even if your undergraduate degree is not in the field of education. The VDOE also sponsors the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow program, a recruitment effort to identify high school juniors and seniors who are interested in an educational career. Participants gain an introduction to the teaching profession through hands-on programs.

For Graduates

The traditional path to Virginia licensure for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree involves pursing non-degree coursework to earn special education certification or earning a graduate degree in a field of education that concurrently awards a Virginia teaching license. The VDOE aggressively recruits special educators to work in its public schools. To encourage potential teachers to enter this career path, it lists tuition assistance and financial aid programs for special educators on its website.

Types of Licenses

The Teach Virginia website provides information regarding applying for and renewing Virginia educator licenses. Candidates who have completed a Virginia teacher preparation program can apply for the Initial Educator license. After accruing 180 professional development points, experienced educators meet the criteria for a five-year renewable Professional License.

Reciprocity

Educators who hold out-of-state teaching licenses can apply for license reciprocity through the VDOE’s application form. To receive an Initial Virginia license, candidates must hold a valid and current out-of-state license with no deficiencies when compared to the Virginia license. Teachers who trained internationally can also seek reciprocity in Virginia. They must meet the same criteria as out-of-state candidates, as well as submit all academic and professional records to a state-approved evaluation service.

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Special Education Degrees in Virginia

The Teach Virginia website maintains a list of Virginia colleges and universities with special education personnel preparation programs, as does the the VDOE website. U.S. News & World Report ranks the graduate special education program of the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education among the top five in the nation. Located in the historic and picturesque city of Charlottesville, the large campus sits amid the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.The school’s dual degree programs result in a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in teaching, and allow students to choose a special education endorsement in early childhood, elementary or secondary education. The school also offers post-graduate dual professional license and endorsement programs in special education general curriculum at several grade levels, as well as a master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in special education and a doctorate in special education. In addition, the Curry School of education administrates two off-site programs at its center in North Virginia. The first results in a master’s degree in special education and the other awards a special education certificate leading to Initial Licensure.

For profiles of all the schools in Virginia that offer master’s in special education programs, click here.

Alternatives to Certification

The VDOE’s Routes to Licensure in Virginia guide summarizes several nontraditional means of earning a teaching license in the state. Candidates with a job offer from a Virginia school can request that the employing school recommend them for a three-year, nonrenewable license. Ways to qualify for this license include participating in experiential learning and completing endorsement coursework. Candidates working as special education teachers without a special education endorsement can apply for a Provisional Special Education License if they have a have earned an undergraduate degree, work under a special education mentor teacher and pursue coursework that aligns with VDOE’s current requirements. The VDOE also administrates a Career Switcher Program, targeting candidates who have a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of professional work experience. Participants enter an intensive induction program in pedagogy and teaching practices. After they accrue 180 hours of teaching experience, the VDOE issues them a Provisional Career Switcher License. They then locate a job in a Virginia public school and, while working, pursue additional training to eventually qualify for a renewable license; they’re also assigned a mentor to assist them in their first year of teaching. Among the Virginia colleges currently participating in this program are the Virginia Community College System, Old Dominion University, Regent University and Shenandoah University.

Special Education Teaching Jobs in Virginia

Public schools

Employment leads at Virginia public schools and information about teacher shortage areas are among the resources available at the Teach Virginia website.
The VDOE operates the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, a school program as well as a network of support services.

Private schools

Located in Richmond, the Dominion School for Autism provides year-round preschool and school-age programs, as well as a vocational training and life skills instruction program.

Other programs

The VDOE maintains a list of private day and residential schools for students with disabilities.

Professional Development

The VDOE’s Title II, Part A: Improving Teacher Quality webpage summarizes Virginia policies and options regarding professional development for educators, including how to receive a Highly Qualified Teacher designation.
The Curry School of Education, part of the University of Virginia, organizes conferences, workshops and courses for general and special educators.
The Virginia Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children trains educators in best practices for working with individuals with disabilities.g

Virginia Special Educator Organizations

The state teacher’s union, the Virginia Education Association, is affiliated with the National Education Association and consists of current, retired and future public educators.
Educators and community stakeholders comprise the membership of the State Special Education Advisory Committee, which interprets special educational policy and advises institutions on compliance issues.

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Virginia Special Education Blogs

Special Classroom: Gillian Gray Pilcher, a special education teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, blogs about curricular and teaching strategies.
Hope House News and The Buzz: These publications of the Hope House Foundation, a community agency supporting people with developmental disabilities who live independently in their homes, feature organizational news and articles written by individuals with disabilities.