What's the process for becoming a special ed teacher in virginia?

Question

There's so much information out there, and I can't seem the get the timeline and order right to know what I need to do to get there. I'm a senior in college, and already have 3 years of experience working in-home and being a one-to-one instructional assistant.

And if you are a teacher, what was your timeline for how you got there? I'm trying to find out all the routes possible!

Answer 1

I do not know the specific procedures for licensure in Virgina, however, you will first need to apply to your college education program (usually a two year dual certification program). This dual certification will give you the ability to teach general and special education.

Generally education programs do not have special education only degrees. It being a high needs area, their is never enough candidates to adequately fill a program.

Your experience working as an instructional assistant will be great as you understand the job and what is expected of the teacher and the para-educator. This experience will help you get into your education program as they usually require a minimal of 60-100 hours prior experience working with children.

I graduated in a two year dual cohort program which I was requried to simultaneously take my education classes and participate in weekly field experience opportunities.

A great route to licensure and certification would be through the Teach for America program. Since you are already a senior in college, you may just want to finish the current program you are in and get your bachelors degree. From their you can enroll for the Teach for America program that will allow you to work as a special education teacher or general education teacher for two years while you take Saturday classes which will give you the content knowledge you need to be proficient in the field.