Superintendent’s Memo #152-16
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education
June 23, 2016
TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: Steven R. Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT: 2016-2017 Industry Credentials for Teachers Seeking an Initial Virginia License with an Endorsement in Career and Technical Education
The 2016-2017 Industry Credentials for Teachers Seeking an Initial Virginia License with Endorsement(s) in an Area of Career and Technical Education Guidance Document, is available on the Virginia Department of Education’s Web site. This document provides: (1) the teacher-eligible list of approved industry certification examinations; (2) name of the issuing organization; and (3) the specific career and technical education area(s), including the corresponding endorsement codes. The Web-based list allows users to access contact information and details for each credentialing assessment.
Background Information
The 2015 General Assembly passed House Bill 2137 that amended and re-enacted Section
§ 22.1-298.1 of the Code of Virginia, regarding teachers seeking an initial license with an endorsement in an area of career and technical education, effective July 1, 2015.
The 2015 legislation states, in part, the following:
- 1.A. As used in this section:
"Industry certification credential" means an active career and technical education credential that is earned by successfully completing a Board of Education-approved industry certification examination, being issued a professional license in the Commonwealth, or successfully completing an occupational competency examination.
- D.6. Every teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education shall have an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the Board may, upon request of the employing school division or educational agency, issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential.
Related legislation was first enacted in the 2014 General Assembly as referenced in Superintendent’s Memorandum No.150-14.
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Career and Technical Education staff, at cte@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-2052.
SRS/LBH/aab