Professional Studies courses launched for provisionally-licensed teachers
Supporting alternative routes to teaching: The School of Education's new professional studies courses will offer provisionally-licensed teachers the coursework they need to attain full licensure.
Virginia, like many states, has adopted a series of policy changes in the past few years in an effort to tackle the shortage of qualified teachers for its public schools.
Recent legislation has streamlined teacher licensure and expanded pathways into the teaching profession. Many provisionally-licensed teachers from a broad range of backgrounds are now bringing their skills and experiences into the classroom.
These provisionally-licensed teachers must meet a set of requirements set by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) in order to gain full licensure, including a series of up to seven courses.
This summer, William & Mary is launching a series of fully online professional studies courses designed to meet the needs of these teachers. The courses offer a solid foundation in the principles and practices of teaching, with the practicing professional in mind.
“These courses offer the same high level of teaching excellence and student support that characterizes our degree-seeking programs,” says Meredith Kier, associate professor and chair of the Curriculum & Instruction department. “We’ve carefully developed them to not only satisfy the requirements set by VDOE, but also to meet the needs of teachers working in the classroom.”
The courses cover a range of topics including human development, assessment of learning, classroom management, language acquisition and literacy development.
Students will enroll as non-degree seeking students and are required to have a bachelor’s degree. The application is currently open, with courses slated to begin in Summer 2021.
Fast Facts: Professional Studies Courses
- 100% online
- Aligned with requirements set by VDOE for licensure
- Course sessions last 7.5 weeks
- Enroll as a non-degree seeking student; bachelor's degree required
- Eight courses available
- Courses begin to roll out in Summer 2021
