Virginia's Education and Training pathway prepares students for careers in teaching, early childhood education, instructional support, and educational services. This comprehensive program focuses on child development, educational psychology, instructional methods, and classroom management while providing hands-on experience working with children. With Virginia facing teacher shortages and strong demand for early childhood professionals, particularly in Northern Virginia and growing districts, this pathway addresses critical workforce needs while inspiring future educators.
The pathway emphasizes both theoretical foundations of education and practical teaching skills. Students study human growth and development, learning theories, instructional strategies, classroom management, special education awareness, and educational technology. Hands-on experiences include classroom observations, tutoring, practicum placements in elementary schools and early childhood centers, and leadership of instructional activities with children. The curriculum develops professional skills including communication, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making essential for education careers.
Virginia's Education pathway creates opportunities for students to earn early childhood credentials enabling immediate employment in childcare and preschool settings while pursuing teaching degrees. Strong partnerships with Virginia school districts, early childhood centers, and education organizations provide authentic learning experiences and pathways into the teaching profession. Graduates are prepared for employment in early childhood education, continuation to teacher preparation programs at Virginia universities, or paraprofessional positions in schools.
Education and Training at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's Education and Training standards align with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and Council for Professional Recognition competencies. State standards emphasize child development and learning, family and community relationships, observation and assessment, instructional planning and strategies, learning environments, professionalism, and educational technology preparing students for early childhood credentials and teacher preparation programs.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Education and Training I: Foundations | 8600 |
| Education and Training II: Child Development | 8601 |
| Education and Training III: Instructional Methods | 8602 |
| Education and Training IV: Teaching Practicum | 8603 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Preschool Teacher
Entry LevelSalary range: $35,030 - $45,100
Elementary School Teacher
ExperiencedSalary range: $52,230 - $79,260
Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional
Entry LevelSalary range: $57,960 - $80,440
Childcare Center Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $27,960 - $34,950
Instructional Coordinator
ExperiencedSalary range: $64,760 - $99,370
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in classroom observations, tutoring placements, and practicum experiences in Virginia elementary schools, preschools, and childcare centers. Work-based learning includes assisting classroom teachers with instruction, leading learning activities with children, participation in parent-teacher conferences, and summer employment in educational programs and camps. Many programs partner with local school divisions and early childhood providers for structured practicum experiences.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Educators Rising, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
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