TITLE 8. EDUCATION

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-23. Licensure Regulations for School Personnel (amending 8VAC20-23-100).

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-298 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: November 9, 2022.

Agency Contact: Jim Chapman, Regulatory and Legal Coordinator, Department of Education, James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th Street, 25th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804)225-2540, or email jim.chapman@doe.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Pursuant to Chapters 545 and 546 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly, the amendments (i) expand licensure reciprocity to spouses of reserve members of the Armed Forces of the United States or members of the Virginia National Guard who have obtained a valid out-of-state license; (ii) require that the applicant-spouse include the military permanent assignment orders along with the application; and (iii) require the Virginia Department of Education to determine and communicate the applicant-spouse's eligibility for licensure by reciprocity within 15 business days of receipt of the complete application process.

8VAC20-23-100. Conditions for licensure for out-of-state candidates by reciprocity.

A. An individual coming into Virginia from any state may qualify for a Virginia teaching license with comparable endorsement areas if the individual (i) has completed a state-approved teacher preparation program through a regionally accredited four-year college or university or (ii) holds a valid out-of-state teaching license (full credential without deficiencies) that shall be in force at the time the application for a Virginia license is made. An individual shall meet licensure requirements set forth in the Code of Virginia. An individual seeking licensure shall establish a file in the Virginia Department of Education by submitting a complete application packet that includes official student transcripts. Unless exempted by the criteria in this chapter, professional teacher's assessment requirements prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education shall be satisfied.

B. An individual coming into Virginia will qualify for a Virginia teaching license with comparable endorsement areas if the individual holds an active national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) or a nationally recognized certification program approved by the Virginia Board of Education.

C. Licensure by reciprocity is provided for any spouse of an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Commonwealth a member of the Virginia National Guard who has obtained a valid out-of-state license, with full credentials and without deficiencies, that is in force at the time the application for a Virginia license is received by the Virginia Department of Education. Each such individual shall establish a file in the Virginia Department of Education by submitting a complete application packet, which shall include official student transcripts and an official copy of the military permanent assignment orders of the individual's spouse. No service requirements or licensing assessments shall be required for any such individual. The Virginia Department of Education shall determine and communicate such individual's eligibility for licensure by reciprocity within 15 business days of receipt of the complete application packet.

D. Licensure by reciprocity is provided for individuals who have obtained a valid out-of-state license, with full credentials and without deficiencies, that is in force at the time the application for a Virginia license is received by the Virginia Department of Education. Each such individual shall establish a file in the Virginia Department of Education by submitting a complete application packet, which shall include official student transcripts. No service requirements or licensing assessments shall be required for any such individual.

E. For licensure by reciprocity, applicants may submit third-party employment verification forms.

F. For licensure by reciprocity, the board shall grant special consideration to individuals who have successfully completed a program offered by a provider that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.