Online Professional Certificate in Elementary Education (PreK-6)
Fast-Track Your Path to Elementary Licensure in Virginia
Online
22 Months
36 Credit Hours
$490 Cost Per Credit
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Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Advance Your Credentials With a Student-Focused University
- Apply By: 08/17/26
- Start Class: 08/31/26
Develop reflective teaching practices when you earn your Professional Studies Certificate, Elementary Education (PreK-6) online. This CAEP-accredited program examines current issues facing educators and empowers you to design positive learning environments across content areas.
Shenandoah is a member of NC-SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, and this program is intentionally aligned with Virginia licensure requirements. State approval is currently in progress.
Certificate Details
- No application fee
- Flexible, asynchronous courses
- 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- College of Distinction for SU’s Division of Education and Leadership1
Gain Practical Expertise Through Courses That Blend Theory and Practice
14 Courses
Flexibility for working educators
The online Professional Certificate – Elementary Education curriculum offers a direct path to professional licensure in the state of Virginia. This program leverages your current provisional teaching license and includes hands-on experiences in a classroom setting at your current place of employment.
Learn to confidently utilize classroom management theories and strategies as you progress through flexible online coursework. Deepen your knowledge of federal and state education laws, literacy development, language instruction, and other key components of a teacher’s daily responsibilities through this accelerated program.
Required Online Professional Certificate –Elementary Education Courses
PSYP 510: Human Growth and Learning – 3 credits
This course provides a means for teachers and prospective teachers to improve their effectiveness in the classroom, and for supervisors to aid in the strengthening of professional development in teachers. It brings the discipline of educational psychology to the educator along with the summary of research findings that assist in developing a more reflective teacher.
EDU 510: The Teaching Profession – 3 credits
This course helps students understand the historical, social and philosophical foundations underlying the role, development and organization of U.S. public education and instructional design based on assessment data. The legal status of teachers and students including federal and state laws and regulations, school as an organizational culture and contemporary issues in education are addressed. In practica, students observe and participate in limited ways in the activities of the school.
EDU 633: Integrated Language Arts – 3 credits
This course is an overview of curriculum and instruction in the elementary and middle school language arts programs. This course integrates current theory and research in language development, reading methods and diagnostic procedures with specific methods for teaching reading, writing, spelling, grammar, listening and speech in PreK-6 and 6-8 classrooms. Skills in this area are designed to impart a thorough understanding of the complex nature of language acquisition and reading, to include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension strategies for elementary and adolescent learners.
EDU 584: Classroom Managment / School Climate – 3 credits
A comprehensive review of classroom management theories, designs, and strategies that produce positive learning environments, coupled with the study of ways to engineer effective school climates. Individual research resulting in a term paper or the equivalent is required. This course is one of the required courses for teacher licensure in Virginia. Course includes field placement in area elementary/middle/ secondary school.
RDG 523: Foundations of Literacy – 3 credits
This course is designed to impart a thorough understanding of the Virginia English Standards of Learning as well as the reciprocal nature of reading and writing. Reading instruction includes phonemic awareness, concept of print, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension strategies. Writing instruction includes writing strategies and conventions that support the composing/writing expression and usage/mechanics domains. This course includes proficiency in understanding the stages of spelling development, the writing process and fostering appreciation of a variety of fiction, non-fiction text and independent reading.
EDU 536: Science Methods – 3 credits
Students will examine science education at the elementary school level from philosophical, historical and a current and practical perspectives.
EDU 561: Methods of Teaching Social Studies – 3 credits
This course presents effective elementary and middle school teaching of social studies methods and management strategies for improving achievement, aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning. This course examines research-based best practices for large group, small group or individualized instruction, and including students with diverse and/or special needs. This research-based course includes field placement in area elementary/middle school.
EDU 563: Methods of Math – 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a mathematics course that helps them develop ability to do mathematics and have insights into the learning of mathematics. Emphasis is placed on concepts and theories underlying elementary and middle school mathematics. Topics emphasized include early fraction concepts, understanding of rational number computation, proportional reasoning, geometry and measurement.
EDU 639: Assessment of and for Learning (Pre K–6) – 3 creditsThis course focuses on the best practices of evaluating all learners’ performance, including the relationships among assessment, instruction, monitoring student progress and adapting assessments for diverse learners in PreK-6 classrooms. This course includes field practicum in an area school and meets the requirements for PreK-6 initial teacher licensure as outlined by the Virginia Department of Education.
EDU 648: Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Schools – 3 credits
This course focuses on principles of learning, application of pedagogical skills in PreK-6 settings and selection and use of materials including technology. Research-based best practices for large group, small group, individualized instruction and students with diverse and/or special needs are discussed. This course includes practicum placement in an area school. This course meets the requirements for PreK-6 initial teacher licensure as outlined by the Virginia Department of Education.
EDU 610: Management & Mentorship I – 1.5 credits
In this course students will study and implement effective teaching methods and management strategies for improving achievement, aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning according to research-based best practices for large group, small group, or individualized instruction, and including students with diverse and/or special needs. Course includes field placement in area schools.
EDU 611: Management & Mentorship II – 1.5 credits
In this course students will study and implement effective teaching methods and management strategies for improving achievement, aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning according to research-based best practices for large group, small group, or individualized instruction, and including students with diverse and/or special needs. Course includes field placement in area schools.
EDU 615: Management & Mentorship III – 1.5 credits
In this course students will study and implement effective teaching methods and management strategies for improving achievement, aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning according to research-based best practices for large group, small group, or individualized instruction, and including students with diverse and/or special needs. Course includes field placement in area schools.
EDU 616: Management & Mentorship IV – 1.5 credits
In this course students will study and implement effective teaching methods and management strategies for improving achievement, aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning according to research-based best practices for large group, small group, or individualized instruction, and including students with diverse and/or special needs. Course includes field placement in area schools.
Go Further With Teaching Licensure or Endorsements
Continuing your education will unlock rewarding opportunities in your teaching career. Some positions in education require a teaching licensure, certification, or endorsement. Licensure and certification requirements vary among states, but Shenandoah is committed to helping you graduate ready to succeed in a vital and evolving industry.
To explore your options for becoming a professional licensed teacher, or to learn about add-on teacher endorsements, visit our Teaching Licensure and Certification page.
Prepare for Professional Licensure as a Virginia Teacher
Help meet the rising demand for qualified educators with the expertise and credentials gained through the online Professional Certificate – Elementary Education program. This CAEP-accredited program expands your impact in the world of education while opening doors to increased earning potential.
Build Your Career as a Licensed Teacher
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher $62,310 per year2
Preschool Teacher $37,120 per year3
Value of a Certificate
After earning this certificate, you’ll be strongly positioned to sit for the appropriate Praxis examination and transition from provisional to professional licensure as an elementary school teacher in Virginia. As you progress through the program, you will benefit from small class sizes and instruction by expert faculty who hold terminal degrees and K-12 teaching licenses.
Inquiry-based coursework and assignments that align with real-world applications speed your development as a teacher who possesses the classroom skillset and professional disposition needed to thrive in elementary educational settings. While this program is designed to offer a faster path to licensure than earning a full master’s degree, your completed credits can be applied to a higher credential should your goals change.
Give Young Learners a Strong Educational Foundation by Learning How To:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of child development — including physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development — and apply this knowledge to guide meaningful, developmentally appropriate instruction.
- Design and deliver effective instruction across core content areas (literacy, math, science, social studies) using research-based teaching methods tailored to diverse learners, including SWDs, ELLs, gifted learners and students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Implement inquiry-based and integrated STEM instruction that aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards and Virginia SOLs, incorporating computer science and makerspace learning opportunities.
- Use assessment purposefully and effectively by designing, administering and analyzing assessments to inform instruction, including the use of digital assessment tools (e.g., Google Forms, Socrative, Excel).
- Exhibit strong classroom management and learning environmental skills, including building positive relationships, establishing routines, managing transitions, and fostering inclusive and supportive classroom communities.
- Plan, deliver and reflect on literacy instruction using guided reading; targeted interventions; and strategies that strengthen vocabulary development, phonics, comprehension and language acquisition.
- Engage in continuous reflective practice using journals, mentor feedback, digital reflections and self-evaluation to improve instructional decision-making and professional growth.
- Demonstrate readiness for full-time teaching by successfully designing, teaching, and reflecting on extended instructional practice during supervised clinical placements, and producing a Teacher Work Sample and professional e-portfolio.
How to Apply for the Online Professional Certificate – Elementary Education
Application Deadline 08/17/26
Start Date 08/31/26
Get started on your online Professional Certificate –Elementary Education program quicky and conveniently with no application fee or entrance exam requirements. Additionally, you can choose from multiple start dates each year to customize an academic schedule that fits your busy life. After reviewing the following table to ensure you meet the qualifications, submit your application today.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA | Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0. However, applicants with a GPA below a 3.0 are welcome to apply and will be reviewed holistically. |
| Transcripts |
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| Additional Requirements | Must be the current instructor of record in a K-12 classroom and hold a Virginia provisional teaching license. Must also submit the following:
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International Students
If you are an international student, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. To do so, you may be required to meet the minimum requirement for one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Fill out a Request for Information form to speak to an engagement specialist and learn more.
| TOEFL Minimum Requirement | 79 |
|---|---|
| IELTS Minimum Requirement | 6.5 |
| PTE Minimum Requirement | 53 |
| Duolingo Minimum Requirement | 105 |
Accelerate Your Career with a Competitively Priced Certificate
$490 Cost per Credit
36 Total Credits
Add marketable credentials to your résumé with the Online Professional Certificate – Elementary Education program. This flexible academic pathway prepares you for professional licensure and opportunities for increased compensation. Pay your competitive tuition one course at a time to lessen the financial challenges of advancing your education. Enrolling in this respected certificate program is a savvy investment in your professional future.
Tuition & AidSources
- Colleges of Distinction. “Shenandoah University.” Retrieved February 27, 2026, from https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/shenandoah-university/.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers.” Retrieved February 27, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Preschool Teachers.” Retrieved February 27, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm.