The department offers advanced degrees for practicing teachers who wish to further develop their expertise and initial licensure for those entering the teaching profession. Our research-based programs are designed for early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary educators as well as literacy specialists.
Initial Licensure
Early Childhood Education
For prospective teachers who want to obtain a teaching license with an endorsement in Pre-K through grade three.
Middle School
For prospective teachers who want to obtain an initial middle school teaching license.
Elementary (PreK - 6)
For prospective teachers who want to obtain a license to teach in grade Pre-K through grade six.
Secondary Education
For prospective teachers who want to obtain licensure as a teacher in grades 6 through 12 in the following content areas: English, mathematics, earth science, chemistry, biology or physics, and history/social studies, which will be listed on the license.
Licensed Teacher
Reading
The program is designed to provide professional training for prospective reading specialists, literacy coaches, and elementary- and secondary-level reading teachers.
Math Specialist
This graduate program leads to a Master’s of Science in Education degree.
Master of Science in Education
For licensed teachers who want to improve and update their professional competency in teaching and enrich their teaching expertise.
Ph.D. in Education
The curricula is solidly grounded in interpreting and producing research, use of technology to enhance the teaching/learning process, equity, and leadership, which are woven into common core courses and concentration-specific courses.
Certificates
Literacy Coaching Certificate
The purpose of this certificate is to prepare literacy coaches in understanding literacy development among children using research-based theories in literacy methods and instructional design.
Teacher Leadership Certificate
The purpose of this certificate is to prepare educators as teacher leaders in school settings. Graduates of this program will have training in how to mentor and coach teacher candidates, novice, and experienced teachers.
Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education
This certificate program is designed to support provisionally licensed teachers, who are employed by a school division in the Commonwealth, in meeting teacher licensure requirements.
Special Programs
Tidewater Writing Project
The Tidewater Writing Project is a satellite of the Virginia Writing Project and a part of the larger network of the National Writing Project.
The National Writing Project is the premier effort to improve writing in America. Through its professional development model, NWP builds the leadership, programs, and research needed for teachers to help their students become successful writers and learners. Studies of student achievement, both local and national, show positive results.
