iteach Alternate Route to Licensure
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree but need licensure to become a teacher?
Newport News Public Schools partners with iteach and the VDOE to provide an alternative pathway to initial teacher licensure. This pathway, intended for those who already possess a bachelor's degree in any field and a desire to teach, offers a faster and more cost-effective track towards becoming a licensed teacher in the State of Virginia.
What is iteach?
iteach is a non-college program accredited by CAEP focused on offering aspiring educators an accessible and affordable opportunity to earn a Ten-Year Renewable teaching certification in Virginia. Program cost: $3,050. Eligible candidates may qualify for a pre-paid NNPS cohort or tuition reimbursement (funding limited). The program can be completed in as little as 4 months, but on average, it takes 6 months to 1 year to complete. Because the online material is asynchronous (self-paced), you can tackle the work on your own timeline.
Get Licensed
No extra college coursework required. You can be provisionally licensed in as little as 8 weeks. iteach is its own unique program and will meet your VDOE licensure requirements. And, iteach offers great test prep for the Praxis! After enrolling, completing two iteach courses and passing your content Praxis exam, you’ll be ready to apply for a Provisional license.
For Special Education teachers seeking initial license, in lieu of Praxis or Special Education college course, candidates take CCVA 6600 – Teaching Special Education.
iteach coursework cannot be transferred out if you quit the program. You can, however, use your iteach experience for up to 12 credit hours towards a Master's Degree program with partnering universities.
Coursework and Testing
After successfully completing all program requirements for the iteach Alternate Route to Licensure Program and NNPS verifying fulfillment of the yearlong residency requirement, you are eligible to apply for your full license.
All candidates take the introductory course and six core courses. See additional courses required for elementary, SPED, and middle school teachers.
- TCVA 5000 – Professional Learning and the Path to Certification
- TCVA 5100 – Learning Environments
- TCVA 5200 – Learner Development
- TCVA 5300 – Planning Instruction and Assessment
- TCVA 5400 – Literacy, 21st Century Instruction and Pedagogical Content Knowledge
- TCVA 5500 – Learner Differences and Curricular Adaptation for Special Needs Students
- TCVA 5600 – Diverse Student Populations, English Language Learners, and Bilingual Students
- CCVA 9002 – Teaching Elementary English Language Arts/Reading
- CCVA 9003 – Teaching Elementary Mathematics
- CCVA 9004 – Teaching Elementary Science
- CCVA 9005 – Teaching Elementary Social Studies
- CCVA 6600 – Teaching Special Education
- CCVA 6601 – Special Education in the Community
- CCVA 6602 – Methods for Teaching Students with Severe and Profound Disabilities
- CCVA 6603 – Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
Special Ed. General Curriculum K-12
- CCVA 6600 – Teaching Special Education
- CCVA 6601 – Special Education in the Community
- CCVA 6603 – Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
- CCVA 9002 – Teaching Elementary English Language Arts/Reading
- CCVA 9003 – Teaching Elementary Mathematics
Middle School Certification Areas (6-8)
- TCVA 6005- Critical Reading and Writing Instruction (Based on VLA requirements)
As part of your program and at no extra cost, you'll be able to complete test prep through Passage Preparation to better prepare you to pass your VA state-required test(s) like the Praxis.
Apply and Enroll
Individuals interested in enrolling must apply for admission directly to iteach.
Learn more about the requirements for program admission.
If you already have a provisional in Virginia, click here to view your specific requirements.
Please email Kimberly Hammond your iteach program acceptance notification if you are interested in pre-paid cohort opportunities. Click here to apply for NNPS Tuition Reimbursement.
More information:
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible you must have:
- a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
- a minimum overall transcript GPA of 2.5
- a desire to become a full-time teacher in NNPS
In most cases, the iteach program is most beneficial for the following roles in our division:
- provisionally-licensed teachers who have not yet passed the Praxis and need three or more professional studies courses
- associate teachers seeking provisional license
- long-term substitute teachers
- instructional assistants
Can I use this program to add an endorsement?
This program is for initial licensure only. It cannot be used to add on endorsements or other areas of licensure.
What learning format is this program?
The iteach program is a self-paced, asynchronous program—meaning you can complete the work whenever it is convenient for you at whatever pace is convenient for you! While the courses are completed on your own, iteach always has a live instructor available to help you whenever you need it. This live instructor has a 12:1 ratio, so you won't feel like just another number.
Your yearlong residency will be completed live in our very own NNPS classrooms. Your building administrator will complete observations, feedback meetings, and other components of the residency.
Will the renewable license be reciprocal in other states?
Yes, once earned, a fully renewable license in VA may be eligible for reciprocity in other states, per their state regulations.
No. As an approved alternate route to licensure, the iteach program meets the requirements for the identified elementary, secondary, and special education certification areas for a ten- year renewable license, upon completion.
Individuals who have an independent evaluation of credentials from VDOE for a provisional license before entering the iteach program will transition to the iteach alternate route requirements; thus, suspending the initial evaluation process.
What additional courses are required for elementary licensure?
All elementary education required courses are included in the iteach program, including four methods courses in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
No. Participants who have met all statutory requirements do not need to re-do them. In the course TCVA 5100, candidates will provide proof of completion of statutory requirements.
Yes, iteach as an alternate route to licensure program is an advantageous option for substitutes, paraprofessionals, community members, retired military or spouses of military members who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and are interested in becoming a licensed teacher in VA.
Can I seek licensure through the iteach route if I hold an International Educator license?
A teacher in the final year of an International Educator license may apply for the iteach alternate route to licensure pathway for eligibility of a provisional as well as the fully renewable license upon completion of the full program. Note: International educator license holders seeking this possible route are responsible for determining the ability to extend time in the US. The candidate holds all responsibility for determining the ability to extend time or remain in the US.
Does the iteach program lead to a Master’s degree?
Yes. Regent University partners with iteach. Build on your iteach Program Professional Studies Courses and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Teacher License to open doors to new opportunities in education. With Regent’s iteach partnership, you can transfer in 12 credits into their flexible Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching. The M.Ed. in Teaching program is designed for educators who want to leverage what they’ve learned to advance their careers with new endorsements and options. Click here for the NNPS Regent Corporate Partners Scholarship form.
