Teacher Licensure

  • Teacher licensure icon All contracted instructional employees working for WPS must hold and maintain an active teaching license issued by the Virginia Department of Education as required by the Code of Virginia. Licensed positions include the following:  Teachers, library media specialists, school counselors, and instructional administrators. The WPS licensure specialist assists employees in applying for initial licensure, making licensure changes and submitting the renewal of a license.

Licensure News and Updates

  • Dyslexia Awareness Training Module

    Effective July 1, 2017, every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall complete awareness training, provided by VDOE, on the indicators of dyslexia, as that term is defined by the board pursuant to regulations, and the evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia.  WPS employees should print the certificate of completion and forward it to the WPS licensure specialist.

    View the VDOE Dyslexia Awareness Training Module 
    For PC and Mac computer users. Viewing on an iPad or smartphone requires the download of the free “mobile player.”

    Hands-on Practice Necessary for CPR Requirement

    Effective September 1, 2017, certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators that is required of every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license as a teacher shall include hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For WPS employees, this training will be offered in-house periodically and dates will be communicated via e-mail.

    Mandatory School Counselor Training

    Effective July 1, 2017, every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license with an endorsement as a school counselor must complete training in the recognition of mental health disorder and behavioral distress, including depression, trauma, violence, youth suicide, and substance abuse. See Superintendent's Memo #313-17 for a list of training options. WPS employees should complete the free on-line training option and forward certificates of completion to the WPS licensure specialist.

    Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Intervention Training

    Effective July 1, 2017, every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall complete awareness training, provided by VDOE, on the Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Intervention training course that meets Board of Education approved guidelines. This training mandates that require a person to report situations they encounter while performing their official job duties. WPS employees should complete the online training module. Once completed, print the certificate of completion at the end of the module and forward it to the WPS licensure specialist.

    Virginia History or State and Local Government Module

    Any individual licensed and endorsed to teach (i) middle school civics or economics or (ii) high school government or history who is seeking renewal of such license is required to demonstrate knowledge of Virginia history or state and local government by completing a module or professional development course specifically related to Virginia history or state and local government that has a value of five professional development points. This requirement applies for purposes of the individual's next or initial renewal occurring after July 1, 2014. Successful completion of the Virginia State and Local Civic Education Module will satisfy this renewal requirement. WPS employees should complete the online training module. Once completed, print the module certificate at the end of the module and submit it, along with renewal documentation, to the WPS licensure specialist.

Licensure Information