One-Year Local Eligibility License

School boards, with superintendent or board recommendation, may issue one-year, nonrenewable local eligibility licenses valid only within the issuing division. Eligible individuals must hold a baccalaureate degree, possess relevant experience or training, and not seek special education or higher licensure. The division superintendent must complete the Local Eligibility Application form on behalf of the applicant. 

The One-Year Local Eligibility License provides divisions the option to employ licensure applicants that have received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and demonstrates experience or training in a subject or content area as the local school board and division superintendent may deem appropriate for the applicable teaching position or endorsement area. This license option allows more time for applicants to complete provisional licensure requirements. Divisions will support local eligibility teachers through the licensure process while they are teaching.

The establishing legislation creates several requirements, criteria, and conditions relating to a local eligibility license. VDOE Legislative Update: SB142 provides additional information on this legislation, which has an expiration date of July 1, 2030.

Forms

• Local Eligibility License Attestation Form
• LEL One-year Local Eligibility Application Form

Process

1. School divisions must calculate the maximum number of Local Eligibility Licenses that they are permitted to issue based upon 5% of the teachers employed by that school board during the preceding school year.
2. School divisions must identify candidates that are eligible and interested in a one-year local eligibility license.
3. School divisions must:
   • Verify the applicants’ official transcripts;
   • Complete background checks on the applicant; and
   • Receive NASDTEC clearinghouse verification.
4. The division superintendent must complete the Local Eligibility Attestation form signed by the Division School Board Chair.
5. The division superintendent must complete the Local Eligibility Application form on behalf of the applicant.
6. All forms must be sent by mail to:
   • Dr. Bryan Jackson, Director of Licensure and School Leadership
     Department of Teacher Education and Licensure
     Virginia Department of Education
     PO Box 2120
     Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120.
7. The licensure team will notify the division superintendent and division human resources officer once the license is issued.
8. Divisions must track each locally awarded license in its progression towards a provisional license within the one-year time frame.
9. Divisions must submit documentation to VDOE prior to the end of the one-year period for a provisional license for the applicant to ensure that the person can continue teaching in the division. 

 Contact

Mr. Robert Gilstrap, Assistant Superintendent for Educator Preparation