The Virginia state licensure regulations require a major in a discipline for licensure to teach in the secondary schools. Thus, if you plan to teach English, you should major in English and minor in secondary education. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, there are eight areas of competency (see Virginia Licensure Regulations (PDF)) required for teacher licensure in English. Most of them are met by the English major courses. The additions in English and communication studies are listed below. You will also take some courses in education. Most states have a reciprocal agreement with Virginia, so that your licensure would transfer, but if you are not planning to teach in Virginia, be sure to check with The School of Education and Human Development (EDHD) to verify the requirements.
If you are planning to obtain teacher licensure, you must do the following:
1) Obtain the booklet Teacher Preparation Handbook from the School of Education and Human Development.
2) Note that the following courses are required for licensure in English:
- Speech course (e.g. COMM 101, 200)
- ENGL 401 (History of the English Language)
or ENGL 315 (English Grammar). - ENGL 440 (Teaching Composition)
or ENGL 450 (Teaching Creative Writing)
Application Deadlines: Admission to Teacher Preparation
Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program for English majors requires enrollment in the secondary education minor. You should apply to the Teacher Preparation Program during the spring semester of your sophomore year. If you plan on graduating in four years, you must apply no later than the first semester of your junior year. Submit completed application to one of the secretaries at the School of Education and Human Development. by either of these deadlines:
Fall Semester: November 1
Spring Semester: March 20
It is possible to transfer into Teacher Preparation as a junior, the "Two-Year plan for Junior Transfers." The Teacher Preparation Handbookgives the procedure. In addition to completing a major, the process includes having a GPA of 2.5 or above and taking Praxis I to be admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program; completing the "technology checklist" to ensure computer competency; completing field experience (student teaching) plus other education courses; and, for state licensure, passing Praxis II on completion of the Teacher Preparation Program.
TPP applications due for fall review. Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) is required before applying to student teach, so please don’t put off this important step. Even if you haven’t met all admission requirements, submit your application to Mrs. Pendergraft so we can open your teacher prep file. Sophomores should submit TPP applications during their spring semester, and juniors should submit their applications during the fall semester.
Admission requirements:
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*Overall GPA of 2.50 or above
*Completion of all five core courses in the Secondary Education minor with grades of C- or above
*Passing scores on Praxis I or official copies of SAT scores that are approved to substitute for Praxis I (see below)
VCLA Test Required for Virginia Licensure
The Board of Education has approved an additional test for initial licensure: the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA). To find the current testing sites and deadlines please visit: http://www.vcla.nesinc.com/
Praxis Exams
Passing Praxis I test scores are required for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) and student teaching; you must also take Praxis II for full admission to student teaching, but passing scores are not required until applying for licensure. Praxis I and II exams are available in the traditional paper/pencil format; test information and registration booklets are available in the bookcase, Thompson second floor hallway, School of Education and Human Development. Praxis I exams are also available in a computer-based format by appointment from Prometrics Testing Centers (Lynchburg Center: 8116 Timberlake Road; phone: 434/832-0778). Please check your Teacher Preparation Handbookfor other requirements and admission standards, including full admission to TPP prior to admission to student teaching. Information and cutoff scores are listed by the Educational Testing Service on the Praxis exam website: http://www.ets.org/praxis/prxstate.html
Praxis Test Preparation and Free Online Practice:
http://www.testprepreview.com/praxis_practice.htm
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Messerschmidt or your faculty advisor.
SAT Scores Substitute For Praxis I
Students who meet the SAT score requirements shown below are exempt from the Praxis I requirement for TPP admission and Virginia teacher licensing if and when they provide official documentation of required SAT scores. These scores should be submitted to Mrs. Pendergraft, and must be available for TPP review for the exemption to be approved.
SAT scores required for exemption from Praxis I requirements:
1. SATs completed after April l, 1995: Required composite score of 1100 points with at least 530 on both verbal and math tests.
2. SATs completed before April 1, 1995: Required composite score of 1000 points with at least 450 verbal and 510 math scores.
In order to approve the exemption, we must receive an official copy of SAT scores. These are available from ETS (Educational Testing Services) at www.ets.organd should be submitted to Mrs. Pendergraft.
Your general contact person at EDHD is Connie Messerschmidt, 544-8508, office in Building 328F. Be sure to see her about EDHD (Education) courses required for licensure.
Student Teaching
Each year, student teaching, internship, and practicum applications for spring semester are due to the School of Education and Human Development by September 15 and for fall student teaching, applications are due by February 1. Applications and reference forms are located in the Teacher Preparation Handbook or by request from the EDHD office. To assure a student teaching placement, it is critical that all paperwork be submitted on time.
Admissions requirements are fully outlined in your Teacher Preparation Handbook and are summarized below:
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*2.50 overall GPA, 2.75 major GPA (see current graduation progress reports to see where you stand); no major courses with grades below C-.
*Previously admitted to TPP (passing scores on Praxis I or meet SAT standard)
*Praxis II: you must provide evidence that you have taken or will take it before spring semester begins. Passing scores are not required for admission to student teaching but are required for licensing.
For more information contact the following:
English Courses
Leslie Layne, layne.l@lynchburg.edu, 544-8686
Assistant Professor of English
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Education Courses and Requirements
Connie Messerschmidt, messerschmidt.c@lynchburg.edu, 544-8508
Assistant Professor
School of Education and Human Development
LC Teach, Praxis Exams, and General Information, and Teacher Preparation Handbooks
Cheryl Pendergraft, pendergraft@lynchburg.edu, 544-8382
Administrative Assistant
School of Education and Human Development