Teacher Education Program
We Learn. We Do. We Serve.
The mission of the Teacher Education Program is to prepare reflective, engaged teachers of good character who adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and are committed to cultivating a love of learning in all students and in the diverse communities where they teach. The state-accredited program is approved by the Virginia Board of Education and reviewed by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
We Learn
Academic knowledge grows through Batten University’s integrative general education coursework and content majors. Professional and pedagogical knowledge evolves through a carefully planned course of study that includes pre-admission coursework, professional studies courses, and early site-based experiences — giving candidates the foundation to develop, implement, and assess innovative curriculum in diverse contexts.
We Do
Diverse on- and off-site field experiences help candidates apply theory to professional practice. Field experiences begin in pre-admission courses, continue throughout the program, and lead to formal practicum experiences and student teaching. Batten University teaching candidates average over 400 hours of authentic teaching experience before completing the program.
We Serve
Through an extensive network of partnerships, Batten University teaching candidates take part in service-learning experiences within and beyond their coursework. The Downstream Collaborative Project, the Environmental Explorers Program, and Marlins Read are among the many programs where candidates work together to make a positive difference in their communities.
Programs & Pathways
Three undergraduate majors, two graduate degrees. Whether you’re aiming for a Virginia teaching license or exploring education on your own terms, the TEP has a pathway for you.
Undergraduate • Licensure Track
Elementary Education (PreK–6)
Prepare to become a licensed elementary school teacher in Virginia in four years. Rigorous coursework combined with early and multiple field experiences in diverse PreK–6 classrooms.
Undergraduate • Licensure Track
Special Education: General Curriculum (K–12)
Earn your Virginia teaching license in Special Education in four years. Prepares candidates to work with students with diverse learning needs across grade levels.
Undergraduate • Non-Licensure
Education Studies
An education major for students who want to explore education, learning, and human development without pursuing a Virginia teaching license. Strong foundation for graduate study, policy, or nonprofit work.
Graduate • On Campus
Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
A one-year graduate program for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a content area and want to earn secondary or preK–12 teaching licensure. Apply as early as your sophomore year.
Graduate • Online
Master of Education (MEd)
A fully online graduate degree for licensed educators seeking advanced professional development and leadership skills without returning to campus.
Scholarship Program • NSF-Funded
Project TEEMS
Training Effective Educators of Math and Science. NSF Noyce-funded scholarships for STEM majors pursuing secondary teaching licensure. Up to three years of funding with placement support in high-need schools.
Endorsement Areas
The TEP offers 15 endorsement areas for initial teaching licensure across undergraduate and graduate programs. All are CAEP-accredited and approved by the Virginia Board of Education.
Undergraduate (Initial Licensure)
Secondary Endorsement Areas (6–12) — MAEd
PreK–12 Endorsement Areas — MAEd
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Latin
- Vocal/Choral Music
- Theatre Arts
- Visual Arts
All Batten University Education Programs that lead to initial teaching licensure are approved by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Program Outcomes
CAEP accreditation requires Batten University to publicly report outcome data on completer effectiveness, employer satisfaction, and employment placement. Here’s how our 2024–25 completers performed.
4.57/5
Employer readiness rating — completers rated “Fully Ready” or “Mostly Ready”
3.43/4
Average Gateway 3 performance on InTASC professional knowledge standards
100%
Of 2024–25 completers met all Virginia licensure requirements
87.5%
Of completers employed as teachers within their endorsement area in 2025–26
Measure 1: Completer Effectiveness
All 2024–25 completers completed an intensive impact study during their final internship and demonstrated positive impact on student learning across all subgroups. Batten University partners with the Virginia Education Assessment Collaborative (VEAC) to survey employers 1–4 years post-graduation; the 2024–25 mean employer readiness rating was 4.57 (n = 14) on a 5-point scale.
Measure 2: Employer Satisfaction
Employers rated Batten University completers 3.57 out of 4 for use of developmentally appropriate technology — a solid improvement over 2023–24. Completers received a 3.50 rating on collaborating with the learning community to meet the needs of all learners, and a 3.59 on commitment to equitable practices (VEAC Completer Survey, 2024–25).
Measure 3: Candidate Competency
All 2024–25 completers successfully passed their licensure tests, met expectations on Gateway 3 performance assessments, and completed an intensive internship at an accredited school.
Measure 4: Employment
87.5% of 2024–25 completers were employed as teachers within their endorsement area during the 2025–26 academic year.
Explore the Teacher Education Program
Contact the Teacher Education Program
Director of Teacher Education
