Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
The Virginia Department of Education is committed to ensuring every classroom has a knowledgeable, engaged, and supported teacher.
- 5
The Office of Teacher Education and the Office of Licensure and School Leadership work together to ensure high-quality, licensed teachers are available to all students in the Commonwealth.
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Virginia Department of Education • Office of Licensure and School Leadership
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,000 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Submit the application to Virginia Department of Education~Office of Licensure and School Leadership and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $65,000, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Virginia earn 3% above the national median of $63,000. Virginia ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$65,000Hourly estimate
$31.253% above national median
Difference: +$2,000
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#15 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $65,000 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $75,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,760 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $57,090 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $61,080 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| North Carolina | $56,330 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Virginia Department of Education • Office of Licensure and School Leadership
101 N 14th Street, James Monroe Building, Richmond, VA, 23219-3665
Phone: 8047862302
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $67,950 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $77,980 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $103,270 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,280 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Virginia is $65,000. Salaries range from $49,290 (10th percentile) to $103,160 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Virginia earn 3% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $65,000.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 7,010 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Virginia Department of Education / Office of Licensure and School Leadership. Review agency details at https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/teaching-in-virginia/licensure.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.