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Lisa Coons, Ed.D.| Superintendent of Public Instruction
RICHMOND — Continuing to follow through on the commitment made in Governor Youngkin’s Executive Directive Three to help address Virginia’s teacher shortage, the Virginia Department of Education has launched its Virginia Licensure Online system (VALO) to help modernize the teacher licensure process and make the application and renewal experience more user-friendly for perspective and current teachers.
“Every Virginia child deserves a high-quality licensed teachers in their classrooms,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said. “When I arrived at the Department earlier this year, I heard from superintendents and educators that the licensing process was not serving them well. We have focused on improving the experience Virginia’s teachers and aspiring educators have when applying to obtain their teaching license. This new licensing system is a solid step forward in making it easier for qualified individuals to apply for a teaching license and will help reinforce to Virginia’s teachers that we value the work they do with students every day.”
Bringing current technology such as smart prompting and enhanced communication tools to the user experience, VALO is designed to assist applicants as they move through the licensure process. VALO will make it easier for prospective teachers to submit complete and accurate applications, keep track of their application status, and timely correct any needed information in their application. VALO is designed to provide applicants with a modern technological user experience that is common across professions.
The new VALO system is now online for all new and initial applicants for Virginia teacher licensure. Potential teachers can access the new system at the Licensing Services section of the VDOE website. Renewals for current licensed teachers will begin in VALO later in the school year.