Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Record 2022-2023 
    
Graduate Record 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Teacher Education (MT)


Return to: School of Education and Human Development: Departments/Programs  


Master of Teaching


Teacher Education includes a structured program of coursework and practica that lead to initial licensure in Virginia. Full-time M.T. programs require one year of study, and part-time M.T. programs must be completed within five years of entry. All full-time and part-time M.T. programs include academic course work in the specialization field and teacher education experiences leading to initial endorsement in one specialty.

M.T. degree programs are available in the following areas of concentration: elementary education (PreK-6); special education (general curriculum K-12); English as a second language education (prek-12); and secondary education (6-12), with specialization in English, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics), or social studies.  Details about requirements for the degree and licensure can be found on the Teacher Education website.

Total number of credits required

All M.T. programs require a minimum of 30 academic credits of coursework at the 5000 level or higher.

The School of Education and Human Development requires a grade of a “B-” or higher in all courses leading to a master’s degree.  All required classes at the 5000 level and above fall under this rule.  Any courses in which a student receives a grade below a “B-” must be retaken, or, with the consent of the course instructor and the student’s advisor, a planned and petitioned substitution must be made.   Students who earn below a B- in a 5000-level required class or receive an unsatisfactory in a field placement course are placed on a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) for the remainder of the program, a status that will be considered in the overall ability of a student to remain in the M.T. program. All required courses specified in the program guide must be graded (as opposed to pass/fail).

Students may be required to take additional content coursework to meet state licensing requirements. Information about these requirements can be found on the Teacher Education website.

Core coursework


Areas of Concentration


Elementary Education (preK-6)

Candidates in the Elementary Education program work towards licensure with an Elementary Education (prek-6) endorsement. 

Specialization Coursework – Elementary Education:

English as a Second Language (preK-12)

Candidates seeking to teach English as a Second Language apply to this program, leading to licensure and endorsement in ESL prek-12.

Specialization Coursework – English as a Second Language Education:

English Education

English Education enables students to build on their undergraduate English studies as they prepare to teach reading comprehension, grammar, literature, and writing skills in grades 6-12.

Specialization Coursework – English Education:

Mathematics Education 

Mathematics Education prepares prospective teachers of mathematics in grades 6-12 by building on students’ undergraduate mathematics studies.  

Specialization Coursework – Mathematics Education:

Science Education

Science Education provides preparation in science and science teaching methods for grades 6-12 in one of four endorsement areas of biology, chemistry, earth & space science, or physics.

Specialization Coursework – Science Education:

Social Studies Education 

Social Studies Education prepares prospective teachers to work with students in middle and high school settings in grades 6-12 with a History and Social Sciences endorsement.   

Specialization Coursework – Social Studies Education:

Special Education

Special Education prepares candidates to serve students with mild to moderate disabilities in a variety of settings such as inclusion classrooms, modified resource rooms, and self-contained programs. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, evidence-based instructional practices, instructional accommodations, behavior management, and assessment strategies.

Specialization Coursework – Special Education:

Program Requirements


Details about requirements for the degree and licensure can be found on the Teacher Education website. Requirements are subject to change as state regulations are revised. The Teacher Education office will communicate these changes to students.

  1. Students must pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA).
  2. Students pursuing an endorsement in Elementary and/or Special Education must pass the Teaching Reading: Elementary Praxis exam.
  3. Students must pass a Praxis Specialty Test in the area for which they are seeking endorsement(s).
  4. Students must meet state-specific standards for training in First Aid/CPR/AED, Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition and Reporting, Dyslexia Awareness, and the Use of Restraint and Seclusion.
  5. Students pursuing an edorsement in Elementary or History and Social Sciences Education must complete the online Virginia State and Local Civic Education module provided by the Virginia Department of Education.

Students pursing an endorsement in Elementary or History and Social Sciences Education must complete the online Virginia State and Local Civic Education module provided by the Virginia Department of Education.

Public Professional Licensure Disclosure


As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)). 

Upon completion of the Master of Teaching program at the UVA School of Education and Human Development, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.

Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))

Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).