What university or college degree do you need to become a substitute teacher in VA?

In Virginia, the minimum educational requirement to become a substitute teacher is an associate degree. However, some school districts may require a bachelor's degree, especially for long-term substitute teaching positions.

In addition to an associate or bachelor's degree, substitute teachers in Virginia must also complete a teacher preparation program, which includes coursework in teaching methods, classroom management, and student assessment. The specific requirements for the teacher preparation program vary by school district, but typically include a minimum of 120 hours of coursework.

Once the teacher preparation program is complete, substitute teachers must apply for and obtain a substitute teaching certificate from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The VDOE issues two types of substitute teaching certificates: a short-term certificate, which is valid for one school year, and a long-term certificate, which is valid for three school years.

To obtain a short-term substitute teaching certificate, applicants must submit a completed application form, proof of their degree, and a copy of their teacher preparation program transcript to the VDOE. To obtain a long-term substitute teaching certificate, applicants must also submit a passing score on the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.