How to Become an English Teacher in Virginia

Becoming an English teacher in Virginia is a rewarding career path for those passionate about literature, language, and shaping young minds. However, the certification process can feel overwhelming—especially when Praxis exams, licensure rules, and preparation programs are involved.

This comprehensive guide explains how to become an English teacher in Virginia, with clear steps, exam insights, and practical preparation advice. Whether you’re a college student, career changer, or aspiring educator feeling exam anxiety, this article is designed to help you move forward with confidence.

Virginia’s Teacher Certification System

Virginia operates under a tiered licensure system managed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The state issues several types of teaching licenses, each designed for different career stages and preparation levels.

The Three Main License Types

• Provisional License (Tier 1): This entry-level license is typically valid for three years and allows you to begin teaching while completing additional requirements. You’ll receive this license after completing your teacher preparation program and passing required tests, but before demonstrating successful teaching experience.
• Collegiate Professional License (Tier 2): After three years of successful teaching on a Provisional License, you become eligible for this renewable five-year license. It represents your transition from beginning teacher to established professional.
• Postgraduate Professional License (Tier 3): The highest tier requires a master’s degree or equivalent graduate credits and represents advanced professional standing. This license renews every five years with completion of professional development requirements.

Most English teachers pursue licensure with an English endorsement, typically for middle school or high school grade levels.

Who Needs This Certification?

You need a Virginia teacher licensure if you plan to:

• Teach English in Virginia public middle or high schools
• Work as a full-time English Language Arts teacher
• Teach ELA in most charter schools and many private schools

Step-by-Step: How to Become an English Teacher in Virginia

Becoming a certified English teacher in Virginia involves a clear, structured process designed to ensure educators are well prepared for the classroom. Below is a simplified breakdown of each step and what it involves:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Most aspiring English teachers major in:

• English

• English Education

• Secondary Education with an English concentration

If your degree is not in education, you can still qualify through alternative certification pathways.

Complete a Virginia Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

A Virginia-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) provides the professional training required for licensure. These programs include:

• Instructional methods and lesson planning

• Classroom management

• Assessment and student evaluation

• Supervised student teaching experience

EPPs are offered through universities and approved alternative routes across Virginia.

Pass the Required Exams

Assessments verify your communication skills and content knowledge. For English endorsement (grades 6-12), you’ll need to pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038).

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)

The VCLA evaluates essential reading and writing skills for educators.

• Format: Two subtests—Reading (091) and Writing (092). Reading: 40 multiple-choice items. Writing: 40 multiple-choice, 3 short-answer, 1 summary, and 1 composition.
• Time: 4 hours total (computer-based); flexible for online proctoring.
• Passing Scores: 235 per subtest or 470 combined.
• Preparation Tips: Focus on comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and essay structure. Practice with sample prompts to build speed and clarity.

Praxis Exams for English Teachers in Virginia

The VDOE requires English teacher candidates to pass specific Praxis tests administered by ETS to demonstrate subject knowledge and teaching readiness.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing, Mathematics) – measures foundational academic skills needed for all teachers.
• Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) – assesses knowledge of literature, reading, writing, and language structure specific to English instruction.
• Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) – tests your understanding of pedagogy and teaching strategies, usually the PLT Grades 7–12 (5624) for secondary educators.

Most Virginia teacher preparation programs require you to complete these tests before recommending you for licensure.

Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)

This exam tests your expertise in ELA for secondary teaching.

Exam Overview

Required for Virginia teacher licensure in English, the Praxis 5038 ensures you can teach literature, language, and communication effectively. It’s geared toward aspiring high school English teachers in Virginia.

Exam Format and Structure

• Question Types: 130 selected-response questions (multiple-choice, numeric entry, etc.).
• Time Limit: 150 minutes (2.5 hours).
• Delivery: Computer-delivered at testing centers.

Content Categories

The test breaks down into three main areas:

• Reading (38%, ~49 questions): Analyze literature, informational texts, and rhetoric. Covers genres, themes, and interpretation.
• Language Use and Vocabulary (25%, ~33 questions): Grammar, syntax, semantics, and language development.
• Writing, Speaking, and Listening (37%, ~48 questions): Composition processes, research, oral communication, and media literacy.

Complete Background and Fingerprint Checks

All teacher candidates must undergo:

• State and federal background checks

• Fingerprinting for criminal history review

This step ensures compliance with Virginia school safety standards.

Apply for a Virginia Teaching License

Once all requirements are met, you can apply for licensure through the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Your application will include:

• Official college transcripts

• Praxis score reports

• Verification of EPP completion

• Background check clearance

After approval, you’ll receive your Virginia teaching license and be eligible to teach English in Virginia public schools.

Praxis Exam Overview for English Teachers in Virginia

What Is the Praxis English Exam?

The Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge exam assesses whether you have the subject mastery needed to teach ELA effectively in Virginia public schools.

Who Needs to Take It?

You’ll need this exam if you are:

• Seeking an English teaching endorsement
• Planning to teach middle or high school English
• Completing an approved Virginia teacher preparation program

Praxis English Exam Format and Structure

While formats may evolve, the exam generally includes:

• Selected-response questions (multiple choice)
• Constructed-response questions (short written analysis)

Core Skill Areas Assessed

• Reading and literary analysis
• Writing and composition
• Language usage and grammar
• Rhetoric and research skills

Time limits and question counts are set by ETS and designed to evaluate both depth of knowledge and instructional readiness.

English Language Arts Content Areas

Reading & Literature

• American, British, and world literature
• Literary devices, themes, and genres
• Close reading and textual analysis

Writing & Composition

• Argumentative, informative, and narrative writing
• Revision and editing skills
• Research-based writing

Language & Grammar

• Syntax, semantics, and usage
• Vocabulary development
• Language conventions

Rhetoric & Pedagogy

• Audience awareness
• Purpose and tone
• Teaching English Language Arts standards in Virginia

Scoring and Passing Requirements

Praxis exams are scored by ETS, with passing scores determined by the Virginia Department of Education. Requirements may vary depending on:

• Endorsement area
• Grade level
• Policy updates

Always verify current score requirements before testing. Prepsaret resources are structured to help you aim well above the minimum standard.

Study and Preparation Tips for Praxis Success

Preparing for the Praxis English test takes focused, consistent study — but with the right plan, you can pass on your first attempt.

Here are proven strategies from experienced test-takers:

• Understand the test structure. Review the official ETS test description for Praxis 5038 and familiarize yourself with each category’s weighting.
• Use a reliable Praxis study guide. prepsaret.com offers Praxis English Language Arts learning materials and practice tests built to mirror real exam questions.
• Practice reading passages efficiently. Focus on identifying main ideas, tone, and textual evidence quickly.
• Review foundational grammar and syntax rules. Teaching English starts with mastering the mechanics of the language.
• Simulate test conditions. Take timed practice tests to build endurance and improve accuracy.
• Prioritize weak areas. Use diagnostic results to focus study time where it matters most, such as poetry analysis or rhetorical strategies.

Test-Day Strategies to Stay Calm and Focused

• Arrive early with required ID
• Read questions carefully—avoid rushing
• Eliminate incorrect answer choices first
• Budget time for constructed responses
• Stay calm if you encounter difficult questions

Remember: one challenging question does not determine your result.

Alternative Teacher Certification in Virginia

Virginia alternative teacher certification offers pathways for those with a bachelor’s degree (often in a non-education field) to become licensed, primarily through programs like the VDOE-approved I Teach program, allowing provisional licensure to teach while completing coursework and requirements, often online, with options for Career Switchers needing work experience or traditional routes through universities like Regent or Shenandoah, focusing on subject knowledge and testing.

Key Pathways & Programs

I Teach (Virginia Department of Education Partner): A popular, fast, and affordable online option for degree holders (2.5 GPA minimum), allowing you to teach with a provisional license while finishing your certification, often in 1 year.

Career Switcher Program: For those with significant work experience (e.g., 5 years), requiring specific training and testing to switch careers into teaching.

University Programs: Many Virginia universities offer alternative routes, including Master’s and Certificate programs, often with high pass rates.

General Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited university.
• GPA: Often a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.5) in your last 60 credit hours.
• Testing: Passing relevant Praxis subject area exams and basic skills tests.
• Coursework/Training: Completing specific education coursework or training, often online or through a program.
• Mentorship/Experience: Required training within a school district, especially for new teachers.

How it Works

• Bachelor’s Degree & Basics: Get your degree and pass required exams like Praxis.
• Enroll in Program: Sign up for an approved program like I Teach or a university route.
• Provisional License: Get hired by a school district on a provisional license and start teaching.
• Complete Requirements: Finish coursework, mentoring, and testing to convert to a full professional license.

Job Outlook and Salary for English Teachers in Virginia

The outlook for English teaching jobs in Virginia is positive, with a projected 4-12% growth in teaching roles through 2028, driven by student enrollment and retirements. Demand is high in subjects like ELA due to emphasis on literacy.

Average salary for high school English teachers in Virginia ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on district and experience. Entry-level: ~$50,000; experienced: up to $90,000+. Urban areas like Northern Virginia offer higher pay.

Explore openings on school district websites or Virginia’s job boards.

How to Become an English Teacher in Virginia: FAQs

How long does it take to become an English teacher in Virginia?

Most candidates complete the process in 4–5 years, including a bachelor’s degree and preparation program. Alternative routes may take less time.

What exams are required to become an English teacher in Virginia?

Typically, candidates must pass the Praxis Core (or an approved alternative) and the Praxis English Language Arts exam.

Can you become an English teacher in Virginia without a degree in education?

Yes. Alternative teacher certification programs in Virginia allow candidates with non-education degrees to earn licensure.

Do you need a master’s degree to teach English in Virginia?

No. A master’s degree is not required for initial licensure, but it can support career advancement.

How much do English teachers make in Virginia?

Annual salaries range between $56,000 and $68,000, depending on school district, location, and experience level.

Final Thoughts: Become an English Teacher in Virginia

Learning how to become an English teacher in Virginia is the first step toward a meaningful and impactful career. While certification and Praxis exams require dedication, thousands of educators succeed each year with the right preparation and mindset.

Becoming an English teacher in Virginia is an achievable goal with the right preparation and mindset. Focus on understanding teaching standards, mastering Praxis test content, and building confidence through regular practice.

With structured study, clear goals, and reliable Praxis support from Prepsaret, you can approach your exams with confidence—and take the next step toward inspiring students through language and literature.