Frequently Asked Questions

Of those who begin a licensure program, how many students actually complete it?
Frequently students come to college with an idea of what their major will be only to change their minds during their first two years. Of the students who reach the junior year or transfer to VI as juniors and are accepted into the licensure programs, over 90% actually complete their majors.

Will I have field experience in local schools before my student teaching?
Students seeking PreK-6 licensure have the first of many field experiences during the second semester of the freshman year or in their first semester at VI if they transfer. The Introduction to Education class is designed to help students make decisions about their intended career. Students seeking licensure in PreK-12 or 6- 12 have field experiences in professional studies courses and an internship prior to student teaching. These students often have not decided on teaching as a career until they are well into their major program. Field experiences in professional studies courses can help future teachers select the school where they may want to complete their student teaching. Field experiences, including student teaching, can often be done in the local student’s home district, thus increasing employment possibilities.

With a teaching degree from VIC, would I be able to teach in any states other than Virginia?
Virginia has interstate agreement contracts with 48 other states. The licensed Virginia teacher must apply for licensure in other states and will be granted an initial license. In rare instances, a specific course may be required, but time will be allowed for meeting the requirement.

Are computers/computer labs available to education students?
Computer labs are available for use by all VI students. The Writing Center and the college library have computers and are available to education students, both traditional and non-traditional. Two Macintosh Labs and a Window’s-based computer lab are also available for student use.

How long will it take me to complete the teacher licensure program at VI?
Students entering as freshmen will receive a semester-by-semester plan, which lays out the major in eight semesters culminating with the student teaching semester and graduation. Transfer students will also receive an individualized semester-by-semester plan, which includes their remaining courses scheduled according to availability and prerequisites. Schedules for course offerings in fall and spring semesters, May term and summer school are made on the basis of these plans. Careful planning and coordination with other faculty members and departmental course offerings are made to ensure that students will be able to register for the courses they need. Students opting for add-on licensure may need May term and/or summer school courses to complete their program in four years.

Why should I come to VI rather than go to a larger university?
There are many reasons students choose a small school. Our classes usually have fewer than 20 students, which allows for interaction and close relationships between students and faculty members not possible at larger universities. At VI, students and their academic advisors carefully plan the student’s program to avoid course conflicts and missed classes. Field experiences are numerous and usually take place in a school of the student’s choice because there are few enough students to make the arrangements possible. Students needing special or individualized academic assistance are able to receive it through Student Support Services and faculty tutorials. Small schools, like VI, can offer more personalized programs.

Tell me more about field experiences.
Due to the location within a tri-state area (Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky), students are afforded a variety of choices for field experiences, professional development and other learning experiences. Students also benefit from field experience opportunities in both public and private school settings. Through partnerships with area school divisions, students are invited to professional development activities including nationally known speakers, workshops and in-services.

Are there additional opportunities for students in the program?
Students have the option to join pre-professional associations such as the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) and the Virginia State Reading Association.

Every year, education students participate in the Worrell Honors Program for Studies Abroad. Through this program, students travel to Munich, Germany during May term teaching and studying at the Luitpold Gymnasium.