Alternative Licensure Options

As part of the Virginia Intermont College continuing tradition of educating competent and effective teachers, and due to the shortage of teachers in Virginia, the education department believes alternative plans for licensure are necessary. Mindful of this need, the faculty has developed the following licensures plans.


Licensure-Only Option
Graduates from accredited colleges or universities who wish to pursue teacher licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia must make formal application for acceptance to Virginia Intermont College, and note that they are non-degree seeking, special students. When transcripts are received, students are provided personalized transcript evaluations from the Department of Teacher Education at Virginia Intermont College. Licensure only students are advised of the coursework necessary to satisfy requirements which are the equivalent of the Virginia Intermont approved programs for teacher licensure, and are provided with a semester-by-semester plan indicating the number of semesters necessary to complete the requirements. Praxis I and II must be passed prior to the student teaching semester. When required coursework is successfully completed, licensure paperwork will include the notation that these students have completed one of Virginia Intermont College’s state approved programs.


Unlicensed Teacher Supervision
A policy incorporating partnerships with area school divisions to provide necessary supervision and guidance to unlicensed teachers is being offered. To help alleviate the regional teacher shortage, the College and school divisions will ensure future educators are of the highest quality and are prepared to meet the challenge for student success.


Requirements for Admission

• Students must be full-time teachers under contract with a school division.
• Students must have completed all coursework for the approved teacher education program with the exception of student teaching in the desired licensure area.
• Students must have taken Praxis I and Praxis II.
  * The College will not verify the student as meeting the approved program of the College until the student has passed Praxis I and II.
• Students must complete student teaching at the level of licensure sought.
  * As noted under “Procedures”, modifications may apply to ensure inclusion of grade levels and/or content areas necessary in the licensure area.
• The student must be in good standing with the College and be enrolled in student teaching.

Procedures

• Written requests must be made by the school division superintendent.
• The student must submit, in writing, to the Director of Teacher Education, a detailed rationale for the need of an alternative route to licensure.
• Upon notification of meeting the requirements for alternative licensure from the Director of Teacher Education, the student must complete an application for admission to the program.
• After admission into the program, a plan will be developed, through modifications of the traditional student teaching requirements as deemed necessary by the Coordinator of Student Teaching. The plan for modifications must be endorsed by all stakeholders, including the Superintendent of the School Division.
• Supervision of the student must include college personnel and be coordinated through the VIC Education Department.
   

Middle Education Add-On Endorsement
Virginia Intermont College does not offer an approved program leading to licensure in the middle grades. However, due to the shortage of middle school teachers, the Department of Teacher Education uses the Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel to advise students of areas of concentration and courses needed to satisfy licensure requirements for middle grades 6-8 in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Special Education Add-On Endorsement

Course No.	Title	Semester Hours
Special Education Core:		12
Educ 340	Teaching the Language Arts	3
Educ 342	The Teaching of Reading	3
Educ 414	Consult/Collab/Inclusion	3
Educ 416	School Law	3
Special Education Concentration:		12
Educ 345	Behavior Management	3
Educ 347	Characteristics and Needs of the Learning Disabled	3
Educ 348	Curriculum and Instruction for the Learning Disabled	8
Educ 411	Special Education Assessment	3
Professional Field Experience		3
Educ 486	Student Teaching	3
Total Semester Hours		27

Special Offerings
The Department of Teacher Education will offer selected courses at off-campus locations as requested by area school division superintendents.