Human Resources

iteach Alternate Route to Licensure

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.

Highlights of this program include:

• Bachelor's Degree doesn't need to be in field of licensure
• Pre-paid cohort or tuition reimbursement for eligible candidates
• The program can be completed in approximately 4 months to 1 year for most
• Pre-set course load based on endorsement area (no need to wait on list of deficiencies from VDOE)
• Program includes Praxis test support and preparation
• Fast track for those who already have provisional license

Please visit the NNPS iteach website to access current program information and requirements.

Associate Teacher Timeline and Expectations

The Associate Teacher has a total of three years to complete the teacher licensure program and meet the requirements of the position.

• YEAR 1
  Elementary Associate Teachers: Elementary Associate Teachers are expected to attempt all four Elementary Praxis subtests, as well as the Reading test, during their first year. These tests may be divided throughout the year, with the Associate Teacher attempting one or two Praxis tests per quarter.
  
  Middle and High School Associate Teachers: Middle and High School Associate Teachers are expected to attempt the appropriate Praxis test(s) within two months of their hire date.

• YEAR 2
  Elementary Associate Teachers: Elementary Associate Teachers are expected to pass all required Praxis exams by the end of their second year and become eligible for a provisional license before entering their third academic year.
  
  Middle and High School Associate Teachers: Within the first year of teaching, Middle and High School Associate Teachers are expected to pass the required Praxis test(s) and become eligible for a provisional license before entering their second academic year.

• YEAR 3
  By the third year, Elementary, Middle School, and High School Associate Teachers are expected to complete all coursework associated with their teacher licensure program.

• YEAR 4
  Case by case. Pending Human Resources Executive Director and Director approval.

Coordinator Meetings and Progress Monitoring

Throughout the three-year period, the Associate Teacher is required to participate in bi-monthly meetings with their designated Coordinator.

During these meetings, the Associate Teacher must provide an updated copy of their transcript, which should reflect course completion and continued progress toward licensure.

The Associate Teacher is also required to remain in regular communication with their designated Coordinator and provide all necessary documentation and requested items. This includes completing and maintaining the required checklist.

Failure to meet the requirements of the Associate Teacher position may result in the non-renewal of the Associate Teacher’s contract for the following academic year.

Praxis Codes

Associate Teachers should review the Praxis requirements for their specific licensure area and confirm the appropriate examination code before registering for the Praxis exam. Please review the Virginia Department of Education's Assessment Requirements for Virginia Licensure.

This list of the Praxis examination codes associated with the various teaching content areas will enable Associate Teachers to easily identify which Praxis examination(s) they are required to take based on their intended area of licensure.

Associate Teachers can learn more about the Praxis registration process and register for the exam at the official ETS Praxis website: praxis.ets.org.

Praxis Preparation Resources

The following free and paid resources are provided to support Associate Teachers in preparing for their required examinations.

• 240 Tutoring: NNPS has partnered with 240 Tutoring to provide free and discounted rates to NNPS employees. Once enrolled, you will have immediate access to 240 Tutoring’s online resource materials, including instructional content,flashcards and authentic practice questions.
• Study.com: Praxis Exams & Praxis Exam Test Prep at Study.com
• Learning Liaisons: Teacher Certification Preparation
• Passage Preparation: Virginia Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses
• Kathleen Jasper, Ed.D.

Free and paid options are presented so that Associate Teachers can select resources that best meet their preparation needs and budget.

VDOE-Approved Special Education Coursework

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has identified Virginia institutions that offer approved teacher preparation programs and coursework in Special Education. Associate Teachers pursuing Special Education licensure may be able to complete one or more approved courses as part of their pathway toward obtaining a provisional license.

By successfully completing the required approved coursework, individuals may become eligible for a provisional license, based on the applicable Virginia Department of Education requirements. View the Approved Courses to Satisfy the Special Education Prerequisite Coursework.

For Special Education licensure, a Praxis examination is not required for the provisional license. However, the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary Education examination is required for full licensure, as applicable to the specific Special Education licensure requirements.

Associate Teachers should work with their designated Coordinator and review current VDOE licensure requirements to ensure that the courses they select meet the requirements for their specific licensure pathway.

Meet Our Team

Questions? Please contact a member of our team with questions about becoming an Associate Teacher at Newport News Public Schools.