Become a Teacher

There are multiple routes to licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We want to help you achieve your goal of becoming a licensed teacher with Henry County Public Schools!  For specific questions about becoming a teacher in Virginia or questions about licensure, please contact Wendy Philpott, Licensure Specialist at wendy.philpott@henry.k12.va.us or (276) 634-4707.

Here are some of the ways you can become a licensed teacher.

• Complete an approved teacher preparation program.  (To learn more about approved programs in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Education Colleges & Universities with Approved Educator Preparation Programs or become a Career Switcher by completing an approved Career Switcher Program.)

• Have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in a comparable endorsement content area such as English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (applies only to secondary education).

• Have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and can pass the Praxis assessment required for a Virginia endorsement.  This does not apply to elementary education or special education endorsements.  Visit Educational Testing Services (ETS) to learn more about Virginia requirements.

• Reciprocity.  If you are fully licensed in another state with no deficiencies, you may be eligible for a Virginia teacher license by reciprocity. 

• To become provisionally licensed with a Special Education:  General Education K-12 endorsement, you must have at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and pass one or two prerequisite courses.  You must complete the professional studies and all special education college coursework during the provisional licensure period to be eligible for full licensure.

If you are issued a provisional license by the Virginia Department of Education, you must complete all remaining college coursework and assessment requirements within the provisional licensure period to be eligible for continued employment.

Career & Technical Teachers must also obtain an industry credential for initial licensure.