Discover a career that connects you with others and enables you to make a difference for future generations. Become a teacher.
Shenandoah University’s comprehensive Professional Studies Certificate program prepares you to be an effective K-12 teacher. You’ll complete coursework necessary to earn Virginia licensure (coursework can be adapted for teachers who are provisionally licensed), and spend 300-500 hours gaining hands-on classroom experience. Classes are available at two campuses or online and taught by faculty who hold terminal degrees and K-12 teaching licenses. Our programs are fully accredited by CAEP.
You’ll construct an e-portfolio, create a Teacher Work Sample and complete assignments that align directly with “the real world.”
Through the program’s integration of theory and practice, you’ll become a reflective learner and practitioner. Although the program focuses on school leadership, you’ll develop a broader grasp of leadership and school finance. Our accredited program meets Virginia and national standards, and is approved by the Virginia Department of Education. Shenandoah graduates serve as leaders in schools throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia.
Shenandoah University offers coursework to meet the VDOE’s endorsement requirements for the following subject areas:
Middle (6-8)
- English
- Social Studies
- Science
- Mathematics
Secondary (9-12)
- English
- History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Business & Information Technology
For questions, please contact Dr. Stephanie Malone at smalone@su.edu.
Learn More About This Program
Shenandoah University’s Division of Education & Leadership prepares practitioner-leaders by offering programs of study that conform to the following principles: practicing in a spirit of collaboration; thoughtful examination of the foundations, current contexts and future possibilities of the fields of study; encouraging proactive, problem-centered philosophies of educational and professional practice; producing graduates who will be knowledge-driven, competent decision-makers whose thinking is informed by reflective practice; and preparing caring, capable and reflective teachers, administrators, human services and public sectors practitioners.
Our master’s and doctoral programs are unique in their emphasis on the application of theory to real-world problems and lived experiences. Administration and Supervision Licensure and Teacher Education Licensure programs have each earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Career and Salary Possibilities
Shenandoah’s program prepares you to become a leader in the challenging, ever-evolving world of public education, and provides you with the knowledge and tools to address key issues such as accountability and standards.
School leaders earn from $60,000 to $250,000-plus in larger districts.
Classes
Shenandoah University offers small, face-to-face and hybrid courses on its two campuses. The faculty is comprised of experienced school leaders with a wealth of practical experience and knowledge. You’ll also gain exposure to the many facets of school administration through hands-on experience in a practicum or internship.
Customize Your Program
- Professional Studies Certificate Program for Elementary School Teacher Education (PK-6)
- Professional Studies Certificate Program for Middle School Teacher Education (6-8)
- Professional Studies Certificate Program for Secondary School Education (6-12)
- Professional Studies Certificate Program for Health and Physical Education (PK-12)
Course Requirements
Elementary Teacher Education
| Course | Title | Hrs. |
| PSYP 510 | Human Growth & Learning | 3 |
| EDU 510 | The Teaching Profession | 3 |
| RDG 523 | Foundations of Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 584 | Classroom Management & School Climate | 3 |
| EDU 633 | Integrated Language Arts | 3 |
| EDU 648 | Curriculum & Instruction PreK-6 | 3 |
|
Passing scores on Praxis II, VCLA, and RVE |
||
| EDU 690 | Internship in Elementary Schools |
6 OR |
| EDU 613 | Management & Mentorship | 3 AND |
| EDU 614 | Management & Mentorship II | 3 |
| TOTAL | 24 | |
Middle Grades Teacher Education
| Course | Title | Hrs. |
| PSYP 510 | Human Growth & Learning | 3 |
| EDU 510 | The Teaching Profession | 3 |
| EDU 584 | Classroom Management & School Climate | 3 |
| EDU 633 | Integrated Language Arts | 3 |
| RDG 635 | Literacy in the Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 649 |
Curriculum & Instruction Middle/Secondary
|
3 |
|
Passing scores on Praxis II and VCLA
|
||
| EDU 692 |
Internship in Middle/Secondary Schools
|
6 OR |
| EDU 613 | Management & Mentorship | 3 AND |
| EDU 614 | Management & Mentorship II | 3 |
| TOTAL | 24 | |
Secondary Teacher Education
| Course | Title | Hrs. |
| PSYP 510 |
Human Growth & Learning
|
3 |
| EDU 510 |
The Teaching Profession
|
3 |
| EDU 584 |
Classroom Management & School Climate
|
3 |
| RDG 635 |
Literacy in the Content Area
|
3 |
| EDU 649 | Curriculum & Instruction Middle/Secondary | 3 |
|
Passing scores on Praxis II and VCLA |
||
| EDU 692 | Internship in Middle or Secondary Schools |
6 OR |
| EDU 613 | Management & Mentorship |
3 AND |
| EDU 614 | Management & Mentorship II | 3 |
| TOTAL | 21 | |
Application Information
Shenandoah University’s Division Of Education & Leadership provides inquiry-driven, problem-oriented examinations of public education and organizations.
View application deadlines and submit your Shenandoah Application.