By Kelsey Kendall
At Old Dominion University, future educators find hands-on learning opportunities and support through the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies (DCEPS).
In Virginia, the teacher shortage has prompted lawmakers in recent years to take steps to address the issue, whether through budgetary action or regulatory changes to expand the teacher pipeline.
Within Darden College, there are multiple opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students alike to gain the needed experience and licensure to start teaching in their own classrooms.
Interim Director for Clinical Experiences Jennessa Libby-Reynolds ’04 shared what Darden College excels at: preparing soon-to-be teachers to lead their classrooms with the experience and knowledge needed to succeed.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in teaching and how can ODU help them get there?
Teaching is a rewarding and impactful career, and at ODU’s Darden College of Education & Professional Studies, students are never alone on their journey. The strong sense of community and support within DCEPS is what sets it apart. Faculty are deeply involved in every step of the process from coursework to licensure and beyond. As both a current student and an alumnus, the sense of belonging and support has continually brought me back. DCEPS provides personalized guidance through the Career and Advising Resource Center(CARC) and the Learning Resource Center, offering tutoring, career planning and mentorship to help students succeed. Additionally, the Office of Clinical Experience ensures students gain hands-on classroom experience well before graduation, building confidence and readiness. DCEPS’s faculty, staff and network of educators will support and prepare you every step of the way, ensuring you enter the classroom with the tools, knowledge and confidence to make a lasting impact. DCEPS’s faculty-led research opportunities, ODU's School-University Partnership and ODU's work-based learning initiatives provide valuable hands-on experience for those passionate about making a difference in education.
How does ODU support students in getting classroom experience before they graduate?
Having gone through ODU’s teacher preparation program myself, I can personally attest to how well the University supports future educators in gaining real-world classroom experience before graduation. The Office of Clinical Experiences ensures students move through a structured, progressive field experience model that aligns directly with their coursework, preparing them for the realities of teaching.
Early on, students observe experienced teachers, learning instructional strategies and classroom management techniques. As students progress, they engage in hands-on practicums, where they begin assisting with lessons, leading small group instruction and applying what they’ve learned in real classrooms. The final student teaching internship is where students take full responsibility for teaching, lesson planning and assessment under the supervision of mentor teachers and University faculty. For those needing paid, work-based learning, programs like the Apprenticeship Program and Teacher in Residence (TIR) Program offer real teaching experience while earning a salary. STEM majors can also take advantage of MonarchTeach, which allows them to earn a teaching license while completing their math or science degree, preparing them for high-demand careers.
ODU’s faculty mentorship, strong school-University partnerships and extensive support systems played a direct role in shaping my success as an educator. With over 17 years of classroom experience, I was honored to be named Norfolk Public Schools’ Division-Wide Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2022. I attribute much of this to the foundation built at ODU, where DCEPS faculty and school partnerships ensured I had the skills, mentorship and confidence to lead my own classroom. At ODU, you are never alone in your journey to becoming a teacher. The University provides not just the knowledge, but the real-world experience and support to help future educators thrive.
How does ODU help students with licensing requirements and certification exams?
ODU ensures that students are fully prepared for licensure and certification exams by integrating exam preparation directly into coursework and providing access to high-quality tutoring and academic resources. The content-specific Praxis assessments – which are required in the commonwealth – are embedded within methods courses, allowing students to build the necessary knowledge and skills while receiving targeted support from faculty. This alignment ensures that students are not only prepared for their coursework but also for the exams required for licensure. Additionally, ODU offers 240 Tutoring to help students prepare for Praxis and other certification exams, ensuring they meet state licensure requirements. For those in financial need, ODU's donor-supported testing assistance program offers eligible students the opportunity to apply for free testing vouchers to help cover exam costs. Supporters who want to invest in future educators can contribute to these efforts through the DCEPS Pages of Giving, ensuring aspiring teachers have the resources they need to succeed.
As the national conversation continues to highlight the ongoing teacher shortage, what support/tools does ODU offer to soon-to-be teachers as they prepare to enter the workforce?
With the national teacher shortage at the forefront of education, ODU is dedicated to preparing future educators with the support, training and resources they need to confidently step into the classroom. Through flexible, high-quality teacher preparation programs, students gain the skills and hands-on experience necessary to succeed. DCEPS’s Apprenticeship and Teacher in Residence Programs provide paid, real-world teaching experience while students complete their degrees, helping them build confidence and ease the financial burden of their education. Additionally, public school teachers looking to expand their credentials can take advantage of a 25% tuition discount to earn additional licensure or endorsements. To ensure students are workforce-ready, ODU’s Career and Advising Resource Center and DCEPS advising teams offer one-on-one guidance for job applications, resume-building and interview preparation. This personalized support helps graduates successfully transition from student to educator, making an immediate impact in the field.
For further information about the tuition and testing fee assistance, reach out to Libby-Reynolds at jlibbyre@odu.edu.