+If exempted from this course for any reason, the student must notify the Office of Teacher Education and complete a state mandated training module that is linked to this course.

Additional Graduation Requirements

Students are required to achieve passing scores on assessments prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education, both for program completion and for licensure. Virginia’s mandated licensure assessments are graduation requirements.

CPR/AED/First Aid Training - Candidates seeking initial license in Virginia are required to complete training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the use of an automated external defibrillator, and first aid. Training courses are available through national emergency care organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. CPR training must include “hands-on” training. Evidence of certification must be presented when applying to the VDOE for licensure.

Endorsement Courses for Secondary English

In order to be licensed as a secondary English teacher (6-12) in Virginia, English majors shall receive a degree with a major in English or a minimum of 36 semester hours distributed in the following areas:

Literacy and reading - 12 semester hours with courses to include:

Survey of British literature
Survey of American literature
World literature
Literary theory and criticism

Language - 3 semester hours, to include the development and nature of the English language

Composition - 12 semester hours with experiences to include:

A grammar course integrating grammar and writing
The teaching of writing, based on current knowledge and most effective practices, including the use of technology for this purpose
An advanced composition course emphasizing rhetorical practices of expository, persuasive, argumentative, and analytical writing
Teaching research including ethical accessing, evaluating, organizing, crediting, and synthesizing information

Oral language - 3 semester hours, to include the teaching of public and presentation speaking, including nonverbal communication and the role of communication in small group and mass communication

Electives in English - 6 semester hours