Teacher Preparation Programs Overview
GETTING STARTED
There is a lot of information on this page, and we are sure you'll still have questions after reading all of it. We are here to help!
Teachers occupy a unique position in our community. Not only must they develop instruction that values students’ cultural contexts and helps them engage with rigorous academic content across content areas, they must be expert in that content. Each of our initial licensure Teacher Preparation Programs has a checksheet of academic content that you'll need to complete as an undergraduate. All of these checksheets can be found in the admissions information page for each teacher preparation program we offer. Some programs do allow you to complete these classes while in graduate school, but this will extend your time as a graduate student.
Below, you'll find a brief description of our master's degree offerings, the link to that program's checksheet for undergraduate academic coursework, and the link to that program's page on this website.
To become a licensed teacher in Virginia, you need four key elements; (1) content courses, (2) required teacher assessments, (3) professional studies courses, and (4) student teaching experiences, all leading to initial teacher licensure. You must also be fully certified in CPR and emergency First Aid, and in the use of an AED -- these requirements are fully explained on the linked page.
Still have questions? Our Associate Director of Academic Programs, Dr. Nancy Bradley, can help you find your way!
Teacher Preparation Programs
The Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) at Virginia Tech prepares teachers, leading to an M.S. degree and initial Virginia Licensure. We offer students their choice of Agricultural Education, Business & Information Technology, Family & Consumer Sciences, or Marketing Education.
The M.S. initial licensure program is offered on the Blacksburg campus only. Please contact Dr. Natalie Ferand (nferand@vt.edu) with all questions regarding the CTE Teacher Preparation Program.
Powerful teaching results from the interplay of in-depth knowledge of, an inquiry into, and reflection upon: (a) children and child development, (b) teaching and learning processes in general and in specific content areas, and (c) the children themselves and the contexts of their lives at home and at school.
The Elementary Education Program is designed to support the development of a strong knowledge base across all of these areas. This is a full-time program offered on the Blacksburg campus, that can be completed in 12 months or less. During the program, you will complete all requirements for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as those for a master’s degree in education.
The Mathematics Education Program at Virginia Tech unites faculty and students from the Mathematics Department and School of Education. Our research focuses on understanding how students learn mathematics, which informs curriculum design, teaching practices, and assessment instruments. We seek to establish equitable learning environments that take advantage of current research and technology.
We offer our Mathematics teacher preparation/initial licensure program on our Blacksburg campus.
The Music Education Program faculty strive to identify and recruit talented and knowledgeable choral or instrumental teacher candidates, especially from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. We provide students with a variety of field experiences and other simulations that allow them to develop and practice teaching skills with a close focus on practices that support learning for diverse music students.
It is expected that all applicants will have earned a bachelor's degree in music.
We offer our Music Education teacher preparation initial licensure M.A.Ed. program on our Blacksburg campus.
The Science Education Program is designed to prepare science educators for teaching science through inquiry processes where students apply their knowledge in real world contexts. Teachers also learn how to facilitate the development of learning environments that motivate and inspire students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our science education program is dedicated to preparing scientifically and technologically literate students who can make positive contributions in the world.
The Science Education Program offers an M.A.Ed. program for initial licensure in biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics at our Blacksburg campus. The checklists below are designed to help prospective students identify the content-specific courses they need to take to ensure that they have met the state requirements for discipline-specific content knowledge for initial licensure. These courses should be completed during your undergraduate program.
- Biology Undergraduate Course Content Checklist
- Chemistry Undergraduate Course Content Checklist
- Earth Science Undergraduate Course Content Checklist
- Physics Undergraduate Course Content Checklist
While our programs are focused on ensuring you receive your licensure in your preferred subject area, after receiving your initial licensure, you can receive an endorsement for an additional science discipline area if you have the coursework completed. See the Endorsement Checklists below to see if this optional opportunity may be valuable for you.
Required Assessments for Initial Teaching Licensure Program Applicants
Each licensure program has an individual set of requirements for prospective applicants. Please see their individual Admissions Requirements pages for full details. The Office of Academic Programs (OAP) also publishes an initial licensure handbook. Students should view it as well.
All teacher preparation applicants are required to take the appropriate Praxis II Subject Assessment. Below is a listing of the required Praxis II Subject Assessment tests by discipline:
| Initial Teacher Licensure Subject Area | Praxis II Test code: |
| CTE Business & Information Technology (6-12) | 5101 |
| CTE Family & Consumer Sciences (6-12) | 5122 |
| CTE Marketing Education (6-12) | 5561 |
| CTE Technology Education (6-12) | 5051 |
| Elementary Education (PK-6) | 5001 (this covers multiple subject areas) |
| English Education (6-12) | 5038 |
| History and Social Sciences Education (6-12) | 5081 |
| Mathematics Education (6-12) | 5165 |
| Music Education (K-12) | 5113 |
| Science Education (6-12): Biology | 5236 |
| Science Education (6-12): Chemistry | 5246 |
| Science Education (6-12): Earth Science | 5572 |
| Science Education (6-12): Physics | 5266 |
Even though your supervised student teaching and internships will take place during graduate school, there are multiple opportunities both on and off campus for you to get involved with children and education. After all, Virginia Tech's motto is Ut Prosim, that I May Serve. The entire campus culture is focused on ways we can give back, whether it's service requirements in courses, philanthropic work with student organizations, or organized campus programs, Virginia Tech offers multiple ways to interact with our community and further solidify our town/gown relations.
Listed below are some suggestions to help you find the right opportunity for you! Please note that these are listed in reverse order of notification. Please use the website update request form to let us know about additional opportunities or to submit corrections.
The Literacy Corps Program for students who might be interested in tutoring elementary school aged children in reading and/or math. The Literacy Corps is a federal work-study-based program where tutors have the responsibility of working with local elementary school students on developing their math and reading skills. Our tutors work alongside elementary school teachers in the classroom, where you will have the opportunity help students reach their academic potential.
Contact:
Nicci Ratcliff
540.231.5179
niccir35@vt.edu
The Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley provides free literacy and language instruction to adults to help them achieve personal independence and family self-sufficiency. LVNRV is a non-profit organization and United Way partner organization.
Your volunteer options include:
LVNRV Tutor:
- Volunteer 1-3 hours/week to tutor an adult in reading, writing, basic Math, GED prep, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), basic computers, and job readiness.
- Tutors complete 15 hours of training and tutor 1-3 hours per week for a minimum of one year.
- Tutoring takes place at a location (or online) and time that is convenient to both the volunteer and the learner.
- Tutors may not be matched with a student right away, depending on location and time preference.
- To apply to be a volunteer tutor, please complete the volunteer application on our website: www.lvnrv.org
LVNRV Family Literacy Volunteer:
- Volunteer for 2.5 hours/week for 8 weeks.
- The Family READS (Reading and English to Achieve Dreams and Success) program helps parents with low English skills learn English while giving them skills to read with their children.
- Volunteers are needed to teach English with adults and do fun literacy activities with children.
- The Blacksburg Library program will be held on Wednesday evenings during fall semester.
- If you would like to help with our family literacy programs, please complete the "other volunteer" application on our website: www.lvnrv.org.
Classroom Assistant or English Conversation Partner:
- Volunteer to help with classes (ESOL, basic computer skills, GED, etc.) or meet one-on-one with an ESOL student to practice listening and speaking skills.
- Volunteers commit to 1-2 hours per week for the semester.
- Class locations and days/times vary.
- Some training may be required.
- If you are interested in these opportunities, please complete the "other volunteer" application at www.lvnrv.org.
LVNRV Education Intern (Summer or Fall):
- Our Education Intern will assist with our educational program development and implementation.
- This intern will be given experience in daily administrative tasks, work directly with clients, assist with client skill assessment, tutor training, adult learner support, volunteer and student event planning, grant research and database management.
- Interns can specialize in any of the following areas: Learning Disabilities, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and GED preparation.
- Due to the nature of our particular organization, interns will be expected to maintain professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
- Our Learning Center is located in downtown Christiansburg, and internship responsibilities will involve some travel throughout the NRV. Hours are flexible.
- www.lvnrv.org
One of the ways the YMCA gives back to the community is by partnering with local schools in the area. Virginia Tech’s YMCA partners with Blacksburg Middle School to provide an academically enriching and socially engaging place of after-school care. This partnership allows the YMCA to provide children with a safe area to reside at the end of a school day while parents finish their work day. Youth of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg community are given a safe place to finish homework, socialize with their peers, and engage in physical activities under supervision.
The program runs 2:50 to 5:30 Monday through Friday on-site at BMS.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
- Overseeing middle school aged youths
- Providing homework help
- Helping plan short activities that will encourage and challenge the kids in the program
- At least a one day (2:50-5:30pm) commitment of volunteer work
Required Qualifications:
- Active/enrolled student at Virginia Tech
- Willingness and ability to support middle school aged youth
Contact: Jarrett Holmes. Email: holmesjarrettp@vt.edu
One of the ways the YMCA gives back to the community is by partnering with local schools in the area. Virginia Tech’s YMCA partners with Prices Fork Elementary School to provide an academically enriching and socially engaging place of after-school care. This partnership allows the YMCA to provide children with a safe area to reside at the end of a school day while parents finish their work day. Youth of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg community are given a safe place to finish homework, socialize with their peers, and engage in physical activities under supervision.
This programs runs M-F 3:45-6:00 pm.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
- Overseeing elementary school aged youths
- Providing homework help
- Helping plan short activities that will encourage and challenge the kids in the program
- At least a one day (3:45-6:00pm) commitment of volunteer work
Required Qualifications:
- Active/enrolled student at Virginia Tech
- Willingness and ability to support elementary school aged youth
Primary Contact @ Prices Fork: Erica Martin, Program Leader Email: ericarm19@vt.edu
We have been asked to see if our always awesome Hokies would be willing to work and earn service hours / experience hours by helping out with the Mother's Morning Out program at St. Michael Lutheran Church.
Hours are: Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 11:45am. Please contact Cindy for full details, and to see if your availability will work for them.
Contact: Cindy Dowdy. Email: cdowdy@mcps.org
Ms. Russo, from Harding Avenue Elementary School has two reading programs she'd like to have Hokies come and participate in as volunteers, reading to the young students. She has two time slots that are in need of your help!
Monday: We have been asked to see if our always awesome Hokies would be willing to work and earn service hours / experience hours by helping out with the Mother's Morning Out program at St. Michael Lutheran Church.
Hours are:
Monday and Wednesday, 2:30 - 3:00 (two day, 1/2 hour commitment each day), working with Kindergarten students.
Tuesday, 2:00 - 3:00 (1 day, 1 hour commitment), working with First Grade students.
Contact: Juliet Rosso, Harding Avenue Elementary Email: julietrosso@mcps.org
The Pulaski County Library has a homework help program for all subjects! Please use the application form linked here to apply.
Please address all questions to Taylor Quesenberry, the Youth Services Assistant at Pulaski County Library. tkquesenberry@pclibs.org or call her at 540-449-9795
The YMCA at Virginia Tech’s Student Programs has excellent opportunities for students to reach out and leave a lasting impact. Since 1873, the YMCA has helped Virginia Tech students to bridge the gap between campus and community. The YMCA Student Programs were founded in 1989 as a registered student organization supporting the Y’s efforts through student leadership. Our student-led programs match a variety of interests and schedules. Work with kids, connect with the elderly, or participate in alternative service breaks and special events!
VT Engage is Virginia Tech's center for service learning, leadership education, & civic engagement.
Our vision is to equip civic leaders to create a more just world.
Our mission is to facilitate leadership, service learning, and civic engagement experiences that advance community priorities, contribute to student development, and embody Ut Prosim (That I May Serve.)
We invite Virginia Tech students of any major to sign up for any of our programs to #ExperienceUtProsim.
Our core values shape our approach to our work and the experiences we facilitate with campus and community partners:
- Increasing equity in every aspect of our work
- Investing in mutually beneficial partnerships
- Developing self-understanding and leadership identity
- Advancing community-engaged scholarship.
Check out GobblerConnect to see what student organizations are available. When considering clubs that you may join, find out what types of community service projects they participate in.
NOTE: this program is under restructure. They are not soliciting volunteers at this time. (dated: August 28, 2022)
LoCo Arts’ mission is to strengthen local communities with creative education and cultural exploration through the arts. We envision an inclusive and creative local community strengthened by the understanding of self, place, culture, and the individual ability to make the home, community, and world a better place. LoCo Arts provides AfterSchool programs and Summer Camps as well as a non-profit preschool program. The Mayapple School is for children ages 3-6 located in Newport, VA. Their creative curriculum focuses on meaningful, interdisciplinary learning that helps children build relationships and connect with the world around them.
Expanding Excellence in Education, we are dedicated to preparing exceptional, equity-focused educators. Our Teacher Preparation programs are designed for you to begin your career quickly and to maximize your earning potential. For many programs, you can earn both your M.A.Ed. or M.S. and your Virginia teaching licensure in a single academic year, starting your teaching career at the higher Master's degree pay scales. Degree requirements differ for each discipline.
Our graduate teacher preparation programs focus on professional studies and student teaching; you complete your content courses as an undergraduate. All of our teacher preparation programs have content coursework checksheets to help you monitor your progress towards your education career goal.
Interested in volunteering to gain experience working with elementary or secondary students before applying to one of our programs? Click here to see the list of volunteer opportunities we've compiled. Check back regularly; this will be updated as we are notified of additional opportunities.
Already third year or fourth year student at Virginia Tech or interested in an area not offered to undergraduates? For students seeking to pursue one of our master's degree teacher preparation programs, we offer Pathways courses for you to start learning about this profession. All of our master's degree Teacher Preparation programs are approved Virginia Tech Approved Accelerated UG/GR Programs. This means that you can start your studies in education during your senior year, and in one additional academic year for most programs, you can earn both a Master's degree and your Virginia teaching licensure, allowing you to start your career at a higher pay scale.
Interested in studying education as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech? We have Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Programs! The list of the undergraduate education majors we offer is below (the links will take you to the website pates for those majors). Soon, we will be adding Career & Technical Education majors in Family & Consumer Sciences Education, Business & Information Technology Education, and Marketing Education.
- Career and Technical Education -- Agricultural Education (grades 6-12)
- Career & Technical Education -- Family & Consumer Sciences Education (grades 6-12)
- Career & Technical Education -- Business & Information Technology Education (grades 6-12)
- Career & Technical Education -- Marketing Education (grades 6-12)
- Elementary Education (grades PK-6)
- English Education (grades 6-12)
- History & Social Science Education (grades 6-12)
- Mathematics Education (grades 6-12)