Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-22. Licensure Regulations for School Personnel (amending 8VAC20-22-10, 8VAC20-22-40, 8VAC20-22-50, 8VAC20-22-110, 8VAC20-22-220 through 8VAC20-22-250, 8VAC20-22-270, 8VAC20-22-280, 8VAC20-22-290).

Statutory Authority: § 22.1-298.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: September 9, 2015.

Agency Contact: Patty Pitts, Assistant Superintendent for Teacher Licensure, Department of Education, 101 North 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-2522, or email patty.pitts@doe.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments (i) eliminate the Local Eligibility License; (ii) establish a Teach For America License; (iii) permit the Board of Education, upon request of the employing school division or education agency, to issue a provisional license to a teacher seeking an initial license who has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement to allow time for the teacher to attain the required credential; and (iv) establish that no person may be compelled to satisfy license renewal requirements by completing coursework and earning credit at an institution of higher education. The amendments conform the regulation to Chapters 53, 440, 588, and 650 of the 2013 Acts of Assembly and Chapters 385 and 562 of the 2015 Acts of Assembly.

Part I
Definitions

8VAC20-22-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings indicated unless the context clearly implies otherwise:

"Accredited institution" means an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

"Alternate route to licensure" means a nontraditional route to licensure available to individuals who meet the criteria specified in 8VAC20-22-90.

"Approved program" means a professional education program recognized as meeting state standards for the content and operation of such programs so graduates of the program will be eligible for state licensure. The Board of Education has the authority to approve programs in Virginia.

"Cancellation" means the withdrawal of a teaching license following the voluntary return of the license by the license holder.

"Certified provider" means a provider certified by the Department of Education to provide preparation and training for applicants seeking the Provisional License specified in 8VAC20-22-90.

"Collegiate Professional License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has satisfied all requirements for licensure, including the professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Board of Education.

"Content area coursework" means courses at the undergraduate level (i.e., two-year or four-year institution) or at the graduate level that will not duplicate previous courses taken in the humanities, history and social sciences, the sciences, mathematics, health and physical education, and the fine arts. These courses are usually available through the college or department of arts or sciences.

"Denial" means the refusal to grant a teaching license to a new applicant or to an applicant who is reapplying after the expiration of a license.

"Division Superintendent License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has completed an earned master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education and meets the requirements specified in 8VAC20-22-600. The individual's name must be listed on the Board of Education's list of eligible division superintendents.

"Experiential learning" means a process of applying for an initial license through the alternate route as prescribed by the Board of Education and meeting the criteria specified in 8VAC20-22-90 E to be eligible to request experiential learning credits in lieu of the coursework for the endorsement (teaching) content area.

"Industry certification credential" means a an active career and technical education credential that is earned by successfully completing a Board of Education-approved industry certification examination, being issued a state professional license in the Commonwealth, or successfully completing an occupational competency examination.

"International Educator License" means a three-year cultural exchange opportunity for Virginia students and international teachers. The International Educator License is a professional, teaching license issued for no more than three years to an exchange educator with citizenship in a nation other than the United States of America and employed as an educator in a Virginia public or accredited nonpublic school, to teach for up to three consecutive years.

"Licensure by reciprocity" means a process used to issue a license to an individual coming into Virginia the Commonwealth from another state when that individual meets certain conditions specified in the Board of Education regulations.

"Local Eligibility License" means a license issued pursuant to § 22.1-299.3 of the Code of Virginia to an individual by a local school board based on specified criteria set forth by that section. The Local Eligibility License shall not be issued in the federal core teaching areas or special education. The license is valid for three years and is not transferable to another school division. The Local Eligibility License is a nonrenewable credential and is not reciprocal with other states.

"Mentor" means a classroom teacher hired by the local school division who has achieved continuing contract status or other instructional personnel including retired teachers who meet local mentor selection criteria. The mentor should work in the same building as the beginning teacher or be instructional personnel who is assigned solely as a mentor. A mentor should be assigned a limited number of teachers at any time. Instructional personnel who are not assigned solely as mentors should not be assigned to more than four teachers at any time. Mentors guide teachers in the program through demonstrations, observations, and consultations.

"Postgraduate Professional License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has qualified for the Collegiate Professional License and who holds an appropriate earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

"Professional teacher's assessment" means those tests or other requirements mandated for licensure as prescribed by the Board of Education.

"Provisional License" means a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed three years issued to an individual who has allowable deficiencies for full licensure as set forth in these regulations. The individual must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (with the exception of those individuals seeking the Technical Professional License). The Provisional License, with the exception of those individuals seeking licensure through a career switcher program who will be issued a one-year Provisional License, will be issued for three years. Individuals must complete all requirements for a renewable license within the validity period of the license.

"Pupil Personnel Services License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has earned an appropriate graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an endorsement for guidance counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, or vocational evaluator. This license does not require teaching experience.

"Renewable license" means a license issued by the Board of Education for five years to an individual who meets the requirements specified in the Board of Education regulations.

"Revocation" means the withdrawal of a teaching license.

"Suspension" means the temporary withdrawal of a teaching license.

"Teach For America License" means a two-year provisional license available to an individual who is a participant in Teach For America and meets the requirements specified in 8VAC20-22-50.

"Technical Professional License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has graduated from an accredited high school (or possesses a General Education Development Certificate); has exhibited academic proficiency, technical competency, and occupational experience; and meets the requirements specified in 8VAC20-22-50.

8VAC20-22-40. Conditions for licensure.

A. Applicants for licensure must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age;

2. Pay the appropriate fees as determined by the Board of Education and complete the application process;

3. Have earned a baccalaureate degree (with the exception of the Technical Professional License) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and meet requirements for the license sought. Persons seeking initial licensure who graduate from Virginia institutions of higher education shall only be licensed as instructional personnel by the Board of Education if the endorsement areas offered at such institutions have been assessed by a national accrediting agency or by a state approval process with final approval by the Board of Education; and

4. Possess good moral character (free of conditions outlined in Part VII (8VAC20-22-690 et seq.) of this chapter.

B. All candidates who hold at least a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and who seek an initial Virginia teaching license must obtain passing scores on professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Board of Education. With the exception of the career switcher program that requires assessments as prerequisites, individuals must complete the professional teacher's assessments within the three-year validity of the initial provisional license. Candidates seeking a Technical Professional License, the International License, the School Manager License, or the Pupil Personnel Services License are not required to take the professional teacher's assessments. Individuals who hold a valid out-of-state license (full credential with no deficiencies) and who have completed a minimum of three years of full-time, successful teaching experience in a public or accredited nonpublic school (kindergarten through grade 12) in a state other than Virginia are exempted from the professional teacher's assessment requirements.

C. All individuals seeking an initial endorsement in early/primary education preK-3, elementary education preK-6, special education-general curriculum, special education-hearing disorders, special education-visual impairments and individuals seeking an endorsement as a reading specialist must obtain passing scores on a reading instructional assessment prescribed by the Board of Education.

D. Licensure by reciprocity is set forth in 8VAC20-22-100. A school leader's assessment prescribed by the Board of Education must be met for all individuals who are seeking an initial endorsement authorizing them to serve as principals and assistant principals in the public schools. Individuals seeking an initial administration and supervision endorsement who are interested in serving as central office instructional personnel are not required to take and pass the school leaders assessment prescribed by the Board of Education.

E. Individuals seeking initial licensure must demonstrate proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction, complete study in child abuse recognition and intervention in accordance with curriculum guidelines developed by the Board of Education in consultation with the Department of Social Services, and receive professional development in instructional methods tailored to promote student academic progress and effective preparation for the Standards of Learning end-of-course and end-of-grade assessments.

F. Every person seeking initial licensure of a license shall provide evidence of completion of certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators. The certification or training program shall be based on the current national evidenced-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, such as a program developed by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. The Virginia Board of Education shall provide a waiver for this requirement for any person with a disability whose disability prohibits such person from completing the certification or training.

G. Every teacher seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education shall have an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

8VAC20-22-50. Types of licenses; dating licenses.

The following types of licenses are available:

1. Provisional License. The Provisional License is a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed three years issued to an individual who has allowable deficiencies for full licensure as set forth in these regulations. The individual must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (with the exception of those individuals seeking the Technical Professional License).The Provisional License, with the exception of those individuals seeking licensure through a career switcher program, will be issued for three years. Individuals must complete the requirements for the regular, five-year license within the validity period of the Provisional License.

2. Collegiate Professional License. The Collegiate Professional License is a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has satisfied all requirements for licensure, including an earned undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and the professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Board of Education.

3. Postgraduate Professional License. The Postgraduate Professional License is a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has qualified for the Collegiate Professional License and who holds an appropriate earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

4. Technical Professional License. The Technical Professional License is a five-year, renewable license available to a person who has graduated from an accredited high school (or possesses a General Education Development Certificate); has exhibited academic proficiency, skills in literacy and communication, technical competency, and occupational experience; and has completed nine semester hours of specialized professional studies credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The nine semester hours of professional studies coursework must include human growth and development (three semester hours), curriculum and instructional procedures (three semester hours), and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management (three semester hours). The Technical Professional License is issued at the recommendation of an employing educational agency in the areas of career and technical education, educational technology, and military science. Individuals seeking military science must have the appropriate credentials issued by the United States military. In addition to demonstrating competency in the endorsement area sought, the individual must:

a. Hold a license issued by the appropriate Virginia board for those program areas requiring a license and a minimum of two years of satisfactory experience at the journeyman level or an equivalent;

b. Have completed a registered apprenticeship program and two years of satisfactory experience at the journeyman level or an equivalent level in the trade; or

c. Have four years of work experience at the management or supervisory level or equivalent or have a combination of four years of training and work experience at the management or supervisory level or equivalent.

Individuals holding the Technical Professional License who seek the Collegiate Professional or Postgraduate Professional License must meet the professional teacher's assessments requirement.

5. School Manager License. The school manager license is a five-year, renewable license intended to provide for the differentiation of administrative responsibilities in a school setting. A school manager is licensed to administer noninstructional responsibilities in an educational setting. For example, a school manager is restricted from evaluating teachers, supervising instruction, developing and evaluating curriculum, and serving as a school's student disciplinarian. The license is available to a candidate who holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university; has three years of successful managerial experience; and is recommended for the license by a Virginia school division superintendent.

6. Pupil Personnel Services License. The Pupil Personnel Services License is a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has earned an appropriate graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an endorsement for guidance counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, or vocational evaluator. This license does not require teaching experience.

7. Division Superintendent License. The Division Superintendent License is a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has completed an earned master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and meets the requirements specified in 8VAC20-22-600. The individual's name must be listed on the Board of Education's list of eligible division superintendents.

8. International Educator License. The International Educator License provides a three-year cultural exchange opportunity for Virginia students and international teachers. The International Educator License is a professional, teaching license issued for no more than three years to an exchange educator with citizenship in a nation other than the United States of America, and employed as an educator in a Virginia public or accredited nonpublic school, to teach for up to three consecutive years. This license does not require professional teacher's assessments; however, the individual will be subject to assessment requirements if the individual seeks a five-year renewable license. To be issued the International Educator License an individual must:

a. Be employed by a Virginia public or accredited nonpublic school;

b. Hold non-U.S. citizenship and be a nonpermanent resident;

c. Serve as an exchange teacher for a time period not to exceed three consecutive years; and

d. Meet the following requirements as verified by a state-approved, federally-designated Exchange Visitor Program (22 CFR Part 62):

(1) Be proficient in written and spoken English;

(2) Demonstrate competence in the appropriate academic subject area(s);

(3) Hold the U.S. equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher as determined by an approved credential agency; and

(4) Hold U.S. or foreign educator credentials and completed at least one year of successful teaching experience that:

(a) Enables the educator to fulfill a similar assignment in his home country; or

(b) Is comparable to those requirements for Virginia teachers.

9. Local Eligibility License. The Local Eligibility License, established by the Virginia General Assembly, is a valid, three-year nonrenewable license issued by a local school board to an individual who has met specified criteria set forth in § 22.1-299.3 of the Code of Virginia. The Local Eligibility License shall not be issued in the federal core teaching areas or special education. The license is not transferable to another division. The Local Eligibility License is a nonrenewable credential and is not reciprocal with other states.

9. Teach For America License. The Teach For America License is a two-year provisional license.

a. This provisional license is available to any participant in Teach For America, a nationwide nonprofit organization focused on closing the achievement gaps between students in high-income and low-income areas, who submits an application and meets the following requirements:

(1) Holds, at minimum, a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;

(2) Has met the requirements prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education for all endorsements sought or has met the qualifying scores on the content area assessment prescribed by the board for the endorsements sought;

(3) Possesses good moral character according to criteria developed by the Virginia Board of Education;

(4) Has been offered and has accepted placement in Teach For America;

(5) Has successfully completed pre-service training and is participating in the professional development requirements of Teach For America, including teaching frameworks, curricula, lesson planning, instructional delivery, classroom management, assessment and evaluation of student progress, classroom diversity, and literacy development;

(6) Has an offer of employment from a local school board to teach in a public elementary or secondary school in the Commonwealth or a preschool program that receives state funds pursuant to subsection C of § 22.1-199.1 of the Code of Virginia; and

(7) Receives a recommendation from the employing school division for a Teach For America License in the endorsement area in which the individual seeks to be licensed.

b. In addition to the criteria set forth in subdivision a of this subdivision 9, any individual who seeks an endorsement in early childhood, early/primary, or elementary education shall either (i) agree to complete such coursework in the teaching of reading as may be prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education pursuant to 8VAC20-22-130 during the first year of employment or (ii) achieve a passing score on a reading instructional assessment prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education.

c. Teachers issued a Teach For America provisional license shall not be eligible for continuing contract status while employed under the authority of a Teach For America license and shall be subject to the probationary terms of employment specified in § 22.1-303 of the Code of Virginia.

d. The Virginia Board of Education may extend any Teach For America License for one additional year upon request of the employing school division, provided that no Teach For America License shall exceed a total of three years in length.

e. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, upon completion of at least two years of full-time teaching experience in a public elementary or secondary school in the Commonwealth or a preschool program that receives state funds pursuant to subsection C of § 22.1-199.1 of the Code of Virginia, an individual holding a Teach For America License shall be eligible to receive a renewable license if he has (i) achieved satisfactory scores on all professional teacher assessments required by the Virginia Board of Education and (ii) received satisfactory evaluations at the conclusion of each year of employment.

f. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Virginia Board of Education shall issue a Teach For America License to any individual who (i) has completed two years of successful teaching in the Teach For America program in another state, (ii) is not eligible to receive a renewable license, and (iii) meets the criteria in subdivision a of this subdivision 9.

All licenses will be effective from July 1 in the school year in which the application is made. A Virginia employing education division or agency is required to notify employees in writing at the time of employment of the need to meet appropriate assessment requirements for licensure.

8VAC20-22-110. Requirements for renewing a license.

A. The Division Superintendent, Postgraduate Professional, Collegiate Professional, Technical Professional, Pupil Personnel Services, and School Manager Licenses may be renewed upon the completion of 180 professional development points within a five-year validity period based on an individualized professional development plan that includes ongoing, sustained, and high-quality professional development. Every person seeking renewal of a license shall complete all renewal requirements, including professional development in a manner prescribed by the board, except that no person seeking renewal of a license shall be required to satisfy any such requirement by completing coursework and earning credit at an institution of higher education.

B. Virginia public school divisions and public education agencies must report annually to the Department of Education that instructional personnel have completed high quality professional development each year as set forth by the Virginia Department of Education.

C. Any individual licensed and endorsed to teach (i) middle school civics or economics or (ii) high school government or history who is seeking renewal of such license is required to demonstrate knowledge of Virginia history or state and local government by completing a module or professional development course specifically related to Virginia history or state and local government that has a value of five professional development points. This requirement applies for purposes of the individual's next or initial renewal occurring after July 1, 2014.

D. Every person seeking renewal of a license shall provide evidence of completion of certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators. The certification or training program shall be based on the current national evidenced-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, such as a program developed by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. The Virginia Board of Education shall provide a waiver for this requirement for any person with a disability whose disability prohibits such person from completing the certification or training.

E. Professional development points may be accrued by the completion of professional development activities to improve and increase instructional personnel's knowledge of the academic subjects the teachers teach or the area assigned from one or more of the following eight options.

1. College credit. Acceptable coursework offers content that provides new information and is offered on-campus, off-campus, or through extension by any regionally accredited two-year or four-year college or university. College coursework must develop further experiences in subject content taught, teaching strategies, uses of technologies, leadership, and other essential elements in teaching to high standards and increasing student learning. At least 90 points for each five-year renewal shall be in the content area(s) currently being taught if the license holder does not hold a graduate degree. Instructional personnel must complete coursework to improve and increase the knowledge of the academic subjects or endorsement areas in which they are assigned. No person seeking renewal of a license shall be required to complete coursework and earn credit at an institution of higher education.

2. Professional conference. A professional conference is a workshop, institute, or seminar of four or more hours that contributes to ongoing, sustained, and high-quality professional development.

3. Curriculum development. Curriculum development is a group activity in which the license holder contributes to the improvement of the curriculum of a school, a school division, or an education institution in the teaching area assigned. This includes the alignment of curriculum frameworks, instructional materials, and assessments to provide a system with clear expectations of what is to be taught and learned.

4. Publication of article. The article must contribute to the education profession or to the body of knowledge of the license holder's teaching area or instructional position. Grant reports that present the results of educational research are acceptable provided the license holder had an active role in planning, analyzing, interpreting, demonstrating, disseminating, or evaluating the study or innovation. The article must be published in a recognized professional journal.

5. Publication of book. Books must be published for purchase and must contribute to the education profession or to the body of knowledge of the license holder's teaching area or instructional position. The published book must increase the field of content knowledge, planning and assessment for evaluating and providing students with feedback that encourages student progress and measures student achievement, instruction, safety and learning environment, communication and community relations working with students, parents, and members of the community to promote broad support for student learning. Points will not be awarded for books self-published.

6. Mentorship. Mentoring is the process by which an experienced professional, who has received mentorship training, provides assistance to one or more persons for the purpose of improving their performance. Assistance may involve role modeling, direct instruction, demonstration, observation with feedback, developing of plans, and consultation to promote instructional excellence and increased student achievement. Mentoring may include the supervision of a field experience of a preservice student teacher or an intern in an approved teacher/principal preparation program, as well as mentoring as part of the induction process for a beginning teacher or a first-year administrator. Individuals serving in this role and submitting documentation for license renewal based on the mentorship option shall receive training as a mentor prior to the assignment and at least once during the five-year renewal cycle.

7. Educational project. Educational projects must be planned, focused projects based on high standards of teaching and learning. Projects must result in a written report or other tangible product. Projects must contribute to the education profession or to the body of knowledge of the license holder's teaching area or instructional position. A project could include participation in new professional responsibilities, such as leading a school improvement initiative.

8. Professional development activity. Professional development activities must focus on student learning and achievement, schoolwide educational improvement, leadership, subject content, teaching strategies, and use of technologies and other essential elements in teaching to high standards. Activities must be planned, rigorous, systematic, and promote continuous inquiry and reflection. Local employing educational agencies are encouraged to design professional development activities that are conducted in school settings and linked to student learning and achievement.

F. A minimum of 90 points (three semester hours in a content area) at the undergraduate (two-year or four-year institution) or graduate level in the license holder's endorsement areas shall be required of license holders without a master's degree and may be satisfied at the undergraduate (two-year or four-year institution) or graduate level. Special education coursework designed to assist classroom teachers and other school personnel in working with students with disabilities, a course in gifted education, a course in educational technology, or a course in English as a second language may be completed to satisfy the content course requirement for one cycle of the renewal process. Professional development activities designed to support the Virginia Standards of Learning, Standards of Accreditation, and Assessments may be accepted in lieu of the content course for one renewal cycle. The substance of the activities must clearly support these initiatives and address one or more of the following areas: (i) new content knowledge to implement the Virginia Standards of Learning; (ii) curriculum development initiative designed to translate the standards from standards to classroom objectives; (iii) teaching beginning reading skills including phonemic awareness and the structure of language (phonics); (iv) staff development activities in assessment to assist classroom teachers in the utilization of test results to improve classroom instruction; and (v) professional development designed to implement the technology standards in the schools. Technical Professional License holders without baccalaureate degrees may satisfy the requirement through career and technical education workshops, career and technical education institutes, or through undergraduate coursework at two-year or four-year institutions.

G. Content area courses are courses at the undergraduate level (two-year or four-year institution) or at the graduate level that will not duplicate previous courses taken in the humanities, history and social sciences, the sciences, mathematics, health and physical education, and the fine arts. These courses are usually available through the college or department of arts and sciences. License holders with elementary education, middle education, special education, or reading endorsements must satisfy the 90-point requirement through reading coursework or content coursework in one of the areas listed above. Courses available through a regionally accredited college's or institution's department of education may be used to satisfy the content requirement for those license holders with endorsements in health and physical education, career and technical education, and library science education.

H. With prior approval of the division superintendent, the 90 points in a content area also may be satisfied through coursework taken to obtain a new teaching endorsement or coursework taken because of a particular need of a particular teacher.

I. The remaining 90 points F. Points may be accrued by activities drawn from one or more of the eight renewal options. Renewal work is designed to provide licensed personnel with opportunities for professional development relative to the grade levels or teaching fields to which they are assigned or for which they seek an added endorsement. Such professional development encompasses (i) responsible remediation of any area of an individual's knowledge or skills that fail to meet the standards of competency and (ii) responsible efforts to increase the individual's knowledge of new developments in his field and to respond to new curricular demands within the person's area of professional competence.

J. G. The proposed work toward renewal in certain options must be approved in advance by the chief executive officer or designee of the employing educational agency. Persons who are not employed by an educational agency may renew or reinstate their license by submitting to the Office of Professional Licensure, Department of Education, their individualized renewal record and verification of points, including official student transcripts of coursework taken at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university.

K. H. Accrual of professional development points shall be determined by criteria set forth by the Virginia Department of Education.

L. I. Persons seeking license renewal as teachers must demonstrate proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction.

M. J. Virginia school divisions and nonpublic schools will recommend renewal of licenses using the renewal point system. The renewal recommendation must include verification of demonstrated proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction.

N. K. Training in instructional methods tailored to promote academic progress and effective preparation for the Standards of Learning tests and end-of-grade assessments is required for licensure renewal.

O. L. If they have not already met the requirement, persons seeking licensure renewal as teachers must complete study in child abuse recognition and intervention in accordance with curriculum guidelines developed by the Board of Education in consultation with the Department of Social Services that are relevant to the specific teacher licensure routes.

8VAC20-22-220. Career and technical education – agricultural education.

A. Endorsement requirements. The candidate must have:

1. Graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in agricultural education; or

2. Completed a major in agricultural education or 39 semester hours of coursework in agriculture, including at least three semester hours in each of the following:

a. Plant science;

b. Animal science;

c. Agricultural mechanics;

d. Agricultural economics and management;

e. Forestry/wildlife management; and

f. Horticulture.

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

B. Technical Professional License. An endorsement in horticulture or agricultural machinery may be granted to individuals who have:

1. Been recommended by an employing Virginia educational agency;

2. Completed four years of occupational experience in the endorsement area sought; and

3. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: three semester hours).

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

8VAC20-22-230. Career and technical education – business and information technology.

A. Endorsement requirements. The candidate must have:

1. Graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in business and information technology; or

2. Completed 39 hours of coursework in business and information technology, including:

a. Accounting: six semester hours;

b. Economics: three semester hours;

c. Business law, business principles, management, marketing, or finance: nine semester hours;

d. Communications: three semester hours;

e. Information systems and technology to include computer software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation) information technology fundamentals, database management, programming, and networking: 12 semester hours;

f. Input technologies to include touch keyboarding (required), speech recognition, handwriting recognition, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and other hand-held devices, touch screen or mouse, scanning, and other emerging input technologies: three semester hours; and

g. Supervised business experience: three semester hours.

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

B. Technical Professional License. An endorsement in a specialized business and information technology area, such as networking, administration, communications systems, programming, database management, Internet application development, medical office procedures, legal office procedures, network administration, and other emerging highly specialized areas may be granted to individuals who have:

1. Been recommended by an employing Virginia educational agency;

2. Completed two years of occupational experience in the endorsement area sought;

3. Completed a business program equivalent to a two-year associate degree in the endorsement area sought; and

4. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: three semester hours).

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

8VAC20-22-240. Career and technical education – family and consumer sciences.

A. Endorsement requirements. The candidate must have:

1. Graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in family and consumer sciences; or

2. Completed 39 semester hours of coursework distributed in the following areas:

a. Development of individual and family: nine semester hours;

b. Management, family finance, and consumer economics: six semester hours;

c. Food and nutrition: six semester hours;

d. Housing, home furnishing, and equipment: six semester hours;

e. Clothing and textiles: three semester hours;

f. Health: three semester hours;

g. Occupational program management: three semester hours; and

h. Documented work experience related to family and consumer sciences: three semester hours.

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

B. Technical Professional License. An endorsement in a specialized family and consumer sciences area, such as child care occupations, consumer services, family and human services, fashion design occupations, food occupations, hospitality occupations, interior design occupations, and home furnishings occupations, and home and institutional services, may be granted to individuals who have:

1. Been recommended by an employing Virginia educational agency;

2. A license or are certified as a professional practitioner in the endorsement area sought, if applicable, or demonstrate competency in the specialized area of family and consumer sciences;

3. In the area of occupational experience, evidence of at least two years or 4,000 clock hours of satisfactory occupational experience within the past five years in the teaching specialty for which they are seeking endorsement; and

4. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: three semester hours).

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

8VAC20-22-250. Career and technical education – health and medical sciences.

A. Endorsement requirements. The candidate must have:

1. Graduated from an approved program of study for the preparation of health care professionals;

2. A license or be certified as a professional practitioner in the endorsement area sought; and

3. Completed two years of occupational experience in an area related to the area to be taught.

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

B. Technical Professional License. An endorsement in a specialized health occupations area may be granted to individuals who have:

1. Been recommended by an employing Virginia educational agency;

2. A license or be certified as a professional practitioner in the endorsement area sought;

3. Completed two years of occupational experience in the area sought;

4. Completed a health occupations certificate or associate degree program; and

5. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: three semester hours).

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

8VAC20-22-270. Career and technical education – marketing education.

A. Endorsement requirements. The candidate must have:

1. Graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in marketing education; or

2. Completed the following educational and occupational requirements:

a. A major in marketing or 30 semester hours of coursework distributed in the following areas: marketing process and management, economics, merchandising and operations, advertising/sales promotion, personal selling, marketing math, communication theory and techniques, business ethics, human resources/training and development, international business/marketing, and marketing technology; and

b. Supervised marketing internship: three semester hours or one year of successful work experience in the field of marketing.

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

B. Technical Professional License. An endorsement in a specialized marketing area, such as apparel and accessories, financial services, hotel/motel operations, international marketing, real estate, or restaurant, may be granted to individuals who have:

1. Been recommended by an employing Virginia educational agency;

2. A license or are certified as a professional practitioner in the endorsement area sought;

3. Completed a registered apprenticeship program and two years of satisfactory experience at the journeyman level or an equivalent level in the trade;

4. Completed four years of work experience at the management or supervisory level or equivalent or have a combination of four years of training and work experience at the management or supervisory level or equivalent; and

5. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: three semester hours).

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

8VAC20-22-280. Career and technical education – technology education.

Endorsement requirements. The candidate must have:

1. Graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in technology education;

2. Completed a major in technology education or 39 semester hours in technology education distributed in the following areas:

a. Technology and culture (experiences shall include the historical development of technology and its present and future impact on the individual, society, and the environment): six semester hours;

b. Technological foundations (experiences shall include technical design and illustration, energy and power, electronics, and materials science): 12 semester hours;

c. Technological processes (experiences shall include technical design, material processing, manufacturing, construction, and graphic communication): 12 semester hours; and

d. Technological systems (experiences shall include communication, production, and transportation systems): nine semester hours; or

3. Earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in one of the following fields of study: architecture, design, engineering, industrial technology, or physics; and completed 12 semester hours of technology education content coursework, including at least three semester hours in each of the following areas: technology and culture, technological foundations, technological processes, and technological systems.

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

8VAC20-22-290. Career and technical education – trade and industrial education.

A. Endorsement requirements.

1. The candidate must have graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in the trade and industrial education program subject area for which the candidate is seeking endorsement; or

2. A candidate who has graduated from an approved teacher preparation program that is not in the trade and industrial education program subject area for which the candidate is seeking endorsement must have:

a. A current state licensure or industry certification based upon the prescribed standard or examination, if applicable; and

b. Evidence of at least two years or 4,000 clock hours of satisfactory occupational experience within the past five years in the teaching specialty for which endorsement is sought. A candidate whose occupational experience has not been within the last five years must participate in a supervised technical update related to the teaching specialty or area of endorsement or complete a supervised internship of work experience of not less than six weeks related to the area of endorsement or teaching specialty.

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

B. Technical Professional License. An endorsement in a specialized trade and industrial education area will be granted to individuals who have:

1. Been recommended by an employing Virginia educational agency;

2. A license or are certified as a professional practitioner in the endorsement area sought, if applicable, or can demonstrate competency in that area of trade and industrial education;

3. Evidence of at least two years or 4,000 clock hours of satisfactory occupational experience within the past five years in the teaching specialty for which they are seeking endorsement. Candidates whose occupational experience has not been within the last five years must participate in a supervised technical update related to the teaching specialty or area of endorsement or complete a supervised internship of work experience of not less than six weeks related to the area of endorsement or teaching specialty; and

4. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: three semester hours).

If an individual is seeking initial licensure an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.

C. Add-on endorsement requirements. A candidate must:

1. Hold a Collegiate Professional or Postgraduate Professional License with a teaching endorsement;

2. Demonstrate competency in the trade or technology to be taught;

3. Hold licensure for the trade or industrial area for which endorsement is sought based upon the prescribed standard or examination;

4. Have completed two years or 4,000 clock hours of satisfactory, full-time employment experience at the journeyman level or an equivalent level in the occupation within the last five years. Candidates whose occupational experience has not been within the last five years must participate in a supervised technical update related to the teaching specialty or area of endorsement or complete a supervised internship of work experience of not less than six weeks related to the area of endorsement or teaching specialty; and

5. Have completed three semester hours in curriculum and instructional procedures specific to vocational industrial education.