Teaching and Learning

The Department of Teaching and Learning offers a myriad of programs approved by the Virginia Board of Education, with recognition from The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, now the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation for aspiring teachers who are competent, caring, effective, and culturally-responsive.

The undergraduate and graduate curriculum is designed for programs that lead to licensure by the Virginia Department of Education.  In addition, the department offers a non-endorsed undergraduate program in Community-based Education that is designed to develop professionals to work in community-based settings that focus on 1) children and youth, adults, and the elderly; and 2) reflective leaders for community based agencies.

Teacher Residency

Virginia State University College of Education and the Department of Teaching & Learning are offering you the opportunity to apply for the “I Too Teach” Teacher Residency program.  This is an accelerated program that will allow you to complete the Master of Education (MEd) in either Elementary or Special Education in one-year tuition-free.

If you apply for and are accepted into this program, you must agree to the following requirements:

1. Take and pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) before completing the first 9 credits in the program.
2. Agree to participate in tutoring for the VCLA and Teaching Reading exams.
3. Take and pass the Praxis II (Elementary only).
4. Take and pass the Teaching Reading Assessment.
5. Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher throughout the Master’s program.
6. Commit to working as an Instructional Aide (Elementary) or a paraprofessional (Special Education) in Petersburg or Prince George public schools for the duration of the program, and as a licensed teacher 3 years post-completion.
7. Sign the Statement of Agreement by Teacher Apprentices to meet all requirements within a year of acceptance.

This is a Virginia Department of Education and Virginia State University partnership designed to assist candidates in achieving a Master’s degree and licensure in one of the teaching shortage areas in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Failure to complete the requirements of the program will result in your having to pay back the funds which will be prorated based on your progress in the program.

Please make us aware of your intent to apply no later than January 2, 2024.  You will need to complete the application for graduate school Graduate Admissions Application and an application for the apprenticeship, I TOO TEACH Application, including references and transcripts.  Classes begin on January 16th, so time is of the essence.  All classes are taught asynchronously.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Shelly Bazemore at sbazemore@vsu.edu, or Dr. C. Adrainne Thomas at cathomas@vsu.edu.