Virginia · Career guide

How to become a Elementary Teacher in Virginia

Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.

No elementary teaching positions are open in Virginia right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in Virginia

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. Virginia typically requires:
    • Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
    • Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your certification area
    • Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) — Literacy skills for PK–6 educators
    • Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) — Reading instruction for PreK–3 and elementary endorsements

    Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.

  3. Apply for your initial license through Virginia Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Virginia Department of Education →
  4. Job-search in Virginia. We'll track elementary teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.

Alternative pathways in Virginia

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Virginia offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Career Switcher Program: Intensive alternative route for career changers with 5+ years of work experience
  • Teach For America (active in Richmond, Norfolk, and rural Virginia)
  • Technical Professional License for industry professionals
  • Virginia Troops to Teachers

Virginia salary context

Average teacher salary in Virginia: $66,036/year (rank #17 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $40,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Virginia salary guide for the breakdown.

Full Virginia certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.Virginia salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.Virginia teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.