Courses for Provisionally Licensed Educators
The School of Professional & Continuing Studies provides approved courses for teachers holding a provisional license from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Only VDOE may grant a provisional license upon request of a Virginia public school division seeking to employ an individual with minimal competency gaps.
Review additional details about the VDOE provisional license below. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Julia Burke at jburke@richmond.edu or (804) 484-1584.
What is a provisional license?
Provisional licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) at the request of the hiring school division.
The provisional license is a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed three years. It is issued to an individual who has minimal competency gaps for full licensure as set forth by the VDOE in the Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel. The individual must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
The provisional license, with the exception of those individuals seeking licensure through a career switcher program, is issued for three years. Individuals must complete the requirements for the regular, ten-year license within the Provisional License’s three-year term.
Who might seek a provisional license?
A provisional licensure is one alternative route to licensure approved by the VDOE. For example, individuals who graduate from an accredited college or university without education coursework would not meet the VDOE requirements for an initial teaching license. However, such individuals may seek an alternative route to licensure like the provisional license. VDOE regulations allow an individual with minimal competency gaps to be employed by a school division and be granted a provisional license.
This license must be requested by the hiring school division, not by the individual.
The VDOE is the licensure authority for all teaching licenses for grades K-12 in the state. The VDOE grants licensure to individuals who meet the requirements either via a state-approved Teacher Education program or through an alternative route to licensure.
Where can I learn more about a provisional license?
Please contact a Licensure Specialist in the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure at the VDOE at (804) 225-2022 with any questions specific to a provisional license and/or fulfilling competency gaps during the term of your provisional license.
What courses does SPCS offer for provisional licensed teachers?
The University of Richmond is authorized by VDOE as an “approved licensure program,” meaning approved courses taken at UR will address licensure requirements.
The SPCS Education program offers many courses that are open to provisional license holders seeking coursework related to the VDOE’s professional studies requirements. The following classes are offered on a consistent rotation.
| Course |
Elementary |
Secondary & Comprehensive |
Schedule |
| EDUC 507U Instruction & Assessment in Elementary Science |
Available
|
|
Fall, Spring |
| EDUC 517U Foundations of Education |
Available
|
Available
|
Fall, Spring, Summer |
| EDUC 518U Diverse Learners and Human Growth and Development |
Available
|
Available
|
Spring, Summer |
| EDUC 524U Reading Foundations for Early Literacy Instruction |
Available
|
|
Fall, Summer |
| EDUC 538U Technology-Enhanced 21st Century Teaching and Learning |
Available
|
Available
|
Fall, Summer |
| EDUC 542U Teaching and Learning in Secondary Classrooms |
|
Available
|
Fall, Spring |
| EDUC 550U Content Area Literacy |
|
Available
|
Spring, Summer |
| EDUC 558U Classroom and Behavior Management |
Available
|
Available
|
Spring, Summer |
Additionally, we offer classes related to Gifted Education and Special Education that may be used to complete requirements for add-on endorsements. We also periodically offer classes focused on specific instructional needs, including Arts Integration, English Language Learners (ELL) and Trauma-Informed Care.
Provisionally licensed individuals should confirm with a VDOE Licensure Specialist that a course meets VDOE’s professional studies requirements before registering for any course.
Review the schedule of classes (below) to see which classes are being offered or will be offered in an upcoming term.
Available Classes
EDUC 507U Instruction and Assessment in Elementary Science
Course Offerings (1)
January 19, 2021 through May 1, 2021
Mondays: 4:20 - 6:50 pm
CRN: 27427 (section: 1)
Semester hours: 3
Fee: $800
Live remote sessions as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.
Description
In-depth examination of fundamental science concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on Earth, life, and physical sciences, the nature of science and scientific inquiry, the social and cultural significance of science, the relationship of science to technology, and the historical development of scientific concepts and scientific reasoning. Course content emphasizes and integrates state and national standards, problem-solving approaches, curriculum integration strategies, content area literacy, and current research.
EDUC 517U Foundations of Education
Course Offerings (1)
January 19, 2021 through May 1, 2021
Thursdays: 7:00 - 9:40 pm
Instructor: James Wright
CRN: 20163 (section: 1)
Semester hours: 3
Fee: $800
Live remote sessions as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.
Description
Introduction to the American educational system. Explores the philosophical, sociological, historical, and political roots of schools today. Attention also given to the legal status of teachers and students, including federal and state laws and regulations, school as an organization/culture, and contemporary issues in education. Explores professionalism, ethics, performance standards, and integrity for teachers.
EDUC 518U Diverse Learners and Human Growth and Development
Course Offerings (1)
January 19, 2021 through May 1, 2021
Thursdays: 4:20 - 6:50 pm
CRN: 26892 (section: 1)
Semester hours: 3
Fee: $800
Live remote sessions as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.
Description
Introduces students to the wide range of diversity that exists in schools today. Explores diverse learning styles and students' needs, and connections to cultures, communities, and family values as well as student support through trauma informed care. Provides theoretical underpinnings and contemporary perspective on critical issues, professional practices, and state and federal laws influencing the teaching of students with diverse learning needs, including specific learning disabilities (SLD) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorders.
EDUC 542U Teaching and Learning in Secondary Classrooms
Course Offerings (1)
January 19, 2021 through May 1, 2021
Thursdays: 4:20 - 6:50 pm
CRN: 26052 (section: 1)
Semester hours: 3
Fee: $800
Live remote sessions as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.
Description
Comprehensive introduction to pedagogy to include principles of learning; application of skills in discipline and grade-specific methodology; selection and use of materials; state and national curriculum standards; and evaluation of student performance.
EDUC 550U Content Area Literacy
Course Offerings (1)
January 19, 2021 through May 1, 2021
Wednesdays: 7:00 - 9:40 pm
Instructor: Lynne Bland
CRN: 20060 (section: 1)
Semester hours: 3
Fee: $800
Live remote sessions as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.
Description
Examination of reading, writing and critical thinking in secondary content areas. Specific techniques for teaching and assessing comprehensions, vocabulary knowledge, and study skills will be addressed. The effects of text organization and relationship between reading and writing are investigated. The course integrates theory with practice and is designed to help content area instructors learn how to integrate literacy principles into subject matter instruction. A strong emphasis will be placed on the elements of effective comprehension instruction. Literacy techniques designed to support the needs of diverse learners will be studied. Participants will learn strategies to foster motivation and appreciation of a variety of types of literature utilized for independent and collaborative reading.
EDUC 558U Classroom and Behavior Management
Course Offerings (1)
January 19, 2021 through May 1, 2021
Tuesdays: 7:00 - 9:40 pm
CRN: 27830 (section: 1)
Semester hours: 3
Fee: $800
On-campus sessions on 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 3/23, 4/6 & 4/20. Live remote sessions on all other dates unless notified by instructor. Educators seeking professional development only.
Description
Effective classroom and behavior management skills to build individual responsibility and self-discipline, promote self-regulation, and maintain a positive learning environment. Research-based classroom and behavior management techniques, classroom community building, positive behavior supports, and individual interventions.
EDUC 565U Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education
Course Offerings (1)
January 19, 2021 through May 1, 2021
Tuesdays: 7:00 - 9:40 pm
CRN: 27793 (section: 1)
Semester hours: 3
Fee: $800
Live remote sessions as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.
Description
This is an introductory course that provides an overview of the nature and educational implications of serving students with disabilities and emphasizes the legal aspects of special education at national, state, and local levels. Relevant legislation associated with the identification, education and evaluation of students with disabilities will be included in this foundations course.
