Virginia Law

A. The specific language of the endorsement will be noted on the license.

B. Endorsement requirements for foreign language preK-12 - languages other than Latin and American Sign Language. The candidate shall have:

1. Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in a foreign language; or

2. Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and completed a major in the foreign language or 30 semester hours of coursework above the intermediate level in the foreign language distributed in the following areas:

a. Advanced grammar and composition;

b. Conversation, culture and civilization, and literature; and

c. In addition to the 30 semester hours, completed a minimum of three semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels.

3. Endorsement in a second foreign language may be obtained by successfully completing 24 semester hours of coursework above the intermediate level.

4. Candidates who have learned a foreign language without formal academic credit in an accredited institution shall complete the following requirements:

a. Achieve a qualifying score on a foreign language assessment in the appropriate language as prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education; and

b. Earn a minimum of three semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels from an accredited institution in the United States or obtain teacher certification in another country with at least three semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels at a foreign institution.

C. Endorsement requirements for foreign language preK-12 - Latin. The candidate shall have:

1. Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in Latin; or

2. Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and completed 24 semester hours of Latin above the intermediate level. A maximum of six semester hours of Roman history, Roman life, Roman mythology, or Roman archaeology may be included in the total hours. A minimum of three semester hours of methods of teaching Latin at the elementary and secondary levels are required.

D. Endorsement requirements for foreign language preK-12 - American Sign Language.

1. The candidate shall have (i) graduated from an approved teacher preparation program in a foreign language - American Sign Language or (ii) earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and completed a major in American Sign Language or 24 semester hours above the intermediate level in American Sign Language. The program shall include (i) courses in advanced grammar and syntax, conversation, and culture and (ii) a minimum of three semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels.

2. Native users or candidates who have learned American Sign Language without formal academic credit in an accredited institution, as explained in subdivision 1 of this subsection, shall complete the following requirements:

a. Competency in American Sign Language demonstrated by written documentation of one of the following:

(1) Hold a current, valid certification issued by the American Sign Language Teachers' Association;

(2) Hold a current, valid certification issued by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or

(3) Complete requirements by achieving a qualifying score on an assessment demonstrating proficiency in American Sign Language prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education.

b. A minimum of three semester hours of methods of teaching foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels from an accredited institution in the United States; and

c. A minimum of six semester hours in coursework, including grammar and syntax of American Sign Language.