Radford University expands affordable pathways into the teaching profession

Radford, VA (07/17/2026) — Radford University is expanding two affordable and flexible pathways to help more people enter the teaching profession and earn full licensure in Virginia.

Through a state grant of more than $130,000 and a newly approved reduced course rate, the university's College of Education and Human Development is supporting educators at different stages of their careers, from gaining classroom experience through a registered apprenticeship to completing professional licensure requirements.

The Virginia Department of Education grant will support a third cohort of Radford's Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program beginning in August. The funding will cover tuition, fees and other program-related costs during the first year of the two-year program.

The "Grow Your Own" initiative allows apprentices to work full time alongside experienced teachers in school divisions across the New River and Roanoke valleys while preparing to become licensed educators.

"This investment allows us to continue building innovative, accessible pathways into the teaching profession while directly responding to the needs of our region's schools," said Tamara Wallace, dean of Radford University's College of Education and Human Development.

Radford is also lowering costs for teachers working under provisional licenses. The university's Board of Visitors approved a reduced rate of $855 per course for the Provisional to Professional Pathway, which offers online, self-paced, graduate-level coursework.

Educators can enroll at any time, continue working in their classrooms and apply what they learn immediately. More than 100 courses were completed through the program during the past year by provisional teachers across Virginia, and the coursework may also be applied toward a master's degree.

"This reduced course rate reflects our commitment to affordability, access and the long-term success of educators and the communities they serve," Wallace said.

Together, the initiatives combine financial support, flexible coursework and hands-on preparation to strengthen the pipeline of qualified teachers serving Virginia's schools.

For more information about the Provisional to Professional Pathway, contact program coordinator Lea Monday at lcmonday@radford.edu. Additional information about Radford's teacher preparation programs is available through the College of Education and Human Development.