Virginia Teacher
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What Exams Are Required to Become a Teacher in Virginia?
To become a teacher in Virginia, you’ll need to pass a few important tests. These tests make sure you have the knowledge and skills needed to teach effectively. They’re required to get your teaching license.
The tests you’ll take are called Praxis exams. These focus on the content area(s) you want to teach.
What Is the Praxis Exam?
The Praxis exams are a series of standardized tests, designed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), that measure the academic skills and subject-specific content knowledge needed for teaching.
These exams are part of the licensure process for many states, including Virginia. They ensure that teacher candidates have both the general teaching skills and the specialized knowledge required for their chosen grade levels and subjects.
How to Register for the Praxis Exam
- Determine Which Test to Take: Your Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) program will help you identify the specific Praxis exams you need based on your intended teaching subject and grade level.
- Create an ETS Account: Visit the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website and create an account. This account will be used to register for exams, view scores, and access study materials.
- Register for the Exam: Select the test you need to take and choose a test date and location. Be sure to register well in advance to secure your preferred testing date.
- Pay the Exam Fee: Complete the registration by paying the required fee. Fees vary depending on the specific Praxis exam.
Praxis Exam Content Areas
Below are some of the content areas you may test in.
PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators
- Reading: Assesses reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Candidates will encounter questions that require them to analyze and evaluate written texts.
- Writing: Evaluates grammar, usage, and essay-writing skills. It includes both multiple-choice questions and essay prompts to measure a candidate’s ability to write effectively and clearly.
- Mathematics: Tests basic mathematical skills and understanding. It covers a range of mathematical concepts including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Praxis Subject Assessments:
- Elementary Education
- Reading and Language Arts Subtest: Focuses on literacy development, reading comprehension, and language skills.
- Mathematics Subtest: Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Social Studies Subtest: Assesses knowledge of history, geography, government, and economics.
- Science Subtest: Includes questions on physical science, life science, Earth science, and scientific inquiry.
- Special Education
- Special Education: Core Knowledge & Applications: Tests knowledge of special education practices and laws.
- Special Education: Teaching Students with Intellectual Disabilities: Focuses on strategies for teaching students with intellectual disabilities.
- Special Education: Teaching Students with Behavioral Disorders/Emotional Disturbances: Assesses knowledge and skills needed to teach students with behavioral and emotional disorders.
- Middle School Education
- Praxis Middle School English Language Arts: measures the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching English Language Arts to middle school students. It assesses understanding in areas such as literature, informational texts, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Praxis Middle School Mathematics: evaluates the mathematical knowledge and skills needed to teach mathematics to middle school students. It covers mathematical concepts and pedagogical strategies specific to middle school education.
- Praxis Middle School Science: tests the scientific knowledge and teaching skills required for middle school science educators. It includes questions on various scientific disciplines and methodologies.
- Praxis Middle School Social Studies: assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching social studies to middle school students. It covers a range of social studies disciplines, including history, geography, government, and economics.
- High School Education
- Praxis Biology: Assesses knowledge of biological concepts and effective teaching methods. Topics include cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and organisms, as well as teaching strategies for conveying these topics.
- Praxis Chemistry: Evaluates understanding of chemical principles and instructional strategies. Topics include atomic structure, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and laboratory safety and techniques.
- Praxis Earth and Space Sciences: Covers geological, meteorological, and astronomical concepts and teaching practices. Includes questions on Earth’s systems, history, processes, space science, and environmental science.
- Praxis English Language Arts: Tests knowledge of literature, language, and writing instruction techniques. Covers British, American, and world literature, grammar, composition, and analysis of texts.
- Praxis Social Studies: Assesses understanding of historical events, social studies content, and instructional strategies. Includes U.S. and world history, geography, political science, economics, and behavioral sciences.
- Praxis Mathematics: Evaluates knowledge of mathematical concepts and teaching methodologies. Topics include algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics, and discrete mathematics, along with methods for teaching these subjects.
- Praxis Physics: Tests understanding of physical principles and effective teaching practices. Covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics.
Accessibility Options for Testing
ETS provides various accessibility options for candidates with disabilities or health-related needs. These accommodations are designed to ensure that all candidates have a fair and equal opportunity to perform on the exams. Some common accommodations include extended exam time, additional breaks during testing, and alternative test material formats (e.g., Braille, large print).
To request accommodations, candidates must:
- Submit a Request Form: Complete and submit the necessary forms to request accommodation, which can be found on the ETS website.
- Provide Documentation: Supply documentation of the disability or health condition from a qualified professional.
- Receive Approval: Wait for ETS to review and approve the request before scheduling the exam.
Prepare for the Praxis with Passage Preparation™
Preparing for the Praxis exams can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Passage Preparation offers a comprehensive suite of study programs specifically designed to help candidates excel in their Praxis exams. iteach offers all candidates 90 days free of Passage Preparation.
These programs are crafted to address the diverse needs of aspiring teachers, ensuring that each candidate receives the guidance and tools necessary for success. By focusing on the individual requirements of each test-taker, Passage Preparation enhances the learning experience and maximizes the potential for achieving high scores. Highlights of the Passage Preparation program include:
- Customized Study Plans: Tailored to the specific needs and timelines of each candidate. These plans are designed to fit into the candidate’s schedule, allowing for flexible study times and focusing on areas that need the most attention.
- Practice Tests: Simulate the actual exam environment to help candidates get comfortable with the test format and timing. These practice tests provide a realistic preview of what to expect on test day, helping to reduce anxiety and improve time management skills.
- Expert Instruction: Courses and materials created by experienced educators who understand the Praxis exam requirements. These instructors offer insights into test-taking strategies, common pitfalls, and effective study techniques that have been proven to work.
- Delivery in Multiple Formats: The material for each Passage Preparation course is delivered in different formats, so you can learn in the way that makes sense to you.
- Preparation for Teaching: Passage Preparation doesn’t just prepare you for the exam. It also highlights how to teach concepts in the classroom, so you can take your knowledge into your first year of teaching.
Preparing for the Praxis exams and other required assessments for teacher licensure in Virginia is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a licensed educator. By understanding the exam requirements, registering properly, and utilizing effective study strategies, you can enhance your chances of success. The effort you invest in preparing for these exams will pay off as you achieve your goal of becoming a knowledgeable and skilled teacher, ready to make a positive impact in the classroom.