Elevate Your Teaching Career in Virginia: 3 Proven Strategies

Virginia is a great state for teachers. There’s a strong demand for qualified educators, which leads to long-term job stability and career growth. Virginia boasts a diverse student population, a supportive education community, and — for the time you’ll spend outside the classroom — abundant natural beauty and plenty of outdoor activities to help you rest and recharge.

If you’re a teacher in the Old Dominion state, whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience, below are 3 proven strategies to help you enhance your skills, boost your salary, and grow your career.

1. Pursue High-Demand Teaching Endorsements

Virginia faces ongoing teacher shortages in STEM, special education, and English as a Second Language (ESL). Earning an endorsement in one of these critical areas increases job security, career opportunities, and earning potential. Many school divisions actively recruit educators with these qualifications, offering financial incentives or stipends to attract and retain these teachers.

Teachers looking to specialize in high-demand fields often pursue a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) or an advanced degree in their subject area as well. This is a great way to further your skillset and increase your effectiveness as an educator while boosting your salary.

In Virginia, the average starting salary for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree is $46,250, according to the National Education Association. But if that same teacher has a master’s degree, the average jumps to $49,155 — a $2,905 difference every year.

And that difference only grows over time. The average top salary for a Virginia teacher with a bachelor’s is $73,060, according to the NEA. But with a master’s degree, the average top salary is $77,039, a nearly $4,000 a year difference.

Bottom line: The earlier you earn a master’s, the greater the financial buildup over the course of your career.

Moreland University offers three innovative master’s programs, including an M.Ed. with six high-demand specializations: special education, early childhood, teaching multilingual learners, globalization in education, educational technology, and educational research. Each program is fully online and can be completed in as little as 12 months, providing a flexible, efficient path to higher earnings and deeper expertise.

2. Obtain National Board Certification

Earning National Board Certification (NBC) is a powerful way for Virginia educators to demonstrate teaching excellence and increase their salary. The certification process enhances instructional skills while providing national recognition of expertise.

Virginia offers significant financial incentives for National Board Certified teachers, including a $5,000 bonus upon certification and annual awards of up to $2,500 for the duration of active certification, subject to state funding availability.

Beyond the financial benefits, NBC enhances professional credibility and creates new pathways to leadership roles, with many school districts prioritizing NBC educators for mentor positions, instructional coaching, and professional development roles.

3. Pursue Leadership Positions

Taking on leadership roles is key to career advancement in Virginia. Many educators grow professionally by serving as mentors, leading professional learning communities, or participating in state-sponsored leadership programs. School districts often provide stipends or salary increases for those taking on additional responsibilities such as department chair or curriculum coordinator.

For those aspiring to school administration, obtaining a Level I Endorsement in Administration and Supervision could lead to an assistant principal or principal role.

Then, there are leadership opportunities outside the classroom or typical school day as well. Did you play softball in grade school? Becoming a coach is a great way to get back into a sport you love. Maybe you were a theater kid — you could become a director. Schools have an abundance of extracurricular options, so no matter where your interests lie, you’re bound to find something you love. Coaches and directors typically get a small stipend, and it gives you another chance to invest in students and facilitate their growth and development.

Take the Next Step with Moreland University

Implementing these strategies can lead to significant career advancement, higher salaries, and greater job satisfaction.

If you’re ready to earn your professional teaching license or your master’s degree, Moreland’s programs are fully accredited and 100% online.

Our free application only takes about 15 minutes to complete, and you typically hear back within 2 business days.