The teaching profession is as much a calling as a career. If you feel your purpose is to inspire and make a difference in the lives of students, Mary Baldwin University offers a way for you to quickly achieve that goal.
The online Post Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (PBTL) program is designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. It provides a direct path to initial Virginia teaching licensure without the need to earn a master’s degree.
At MBU, we provide aspiring teachers the support, community, and purpose-driven education they need to step confidently into the classroom and make a powerful impact on future generations.
Mary Baldwin University’s PBTL program builds on the school’s centuries-long legacy of providing high-quality education. You’ll graduate equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to become the kind of teacher who makes a lasting impact.
The online PBTL program grants an initial teaching license in one of 11 endorsements. They are:
● Elementary Education (PK-6)
● Special Education (General Curriculum, K-12)
● Middle Education (6-8): Language Arts
● Middle Education (6-8): Mathematics
● Middle Education (6-8): Science
● Middle Education (6-8): History & Social Science
● Secondary Education (6-12): History & Social Science
● Secondary Education (6-12): English
● Secondary Education (6-12): Mathematics
● Secondary Education (6-12): Biology
● English as a Second Language (K-12)
You’ll learn from instructors with K-12 experience in their content area, providing practical strategies for addressing real-world classroom challenges.
Students in this program don’t need to be Virginia residents to seek licensure — they can complete practicums in any accredited school. However, all activities, competencies, and Standards of Learning that are addressed in each experience must apply to Commonwealth of Virginia guidelines.
Mary Baldwin’s online Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Competency for each area of endorsement complies with those required by the Virginia Department of Education. Key features of the program include:
● 100% online
● 18 months to completion
● Start dates in the Fall, Spring, and Summer
● Tuition discounts ($250 per credit vs. $460 per credit) for students who work at one of Mary Baldwin University’s partner schools
● Admission to PBTL program results in automatic enrollment in MBU’s Teacher Education Program (TEP)
Upon completion of PBTL program and TEP requirements, students are prepared to obtain an initial teaching license by Commonwealth of Virginia standards.
“Everyone involved in the PBTL program at MBU goes above and beyond to make this program a complete success. Advisors and faculty are friendly, communicative, and at the end of the day want you to be successful, so they do everything in their power to help you out as a student.”
Mary Baldwin University’s online PBTL program emphasizes leadership, inclusiveness, innovation, and collaboration.
There are no electives in the program. You will have practicums and student teaching within your local community. Depending on the area of endorsement, you will complete a minimum of two practicums. All students complete a full semester of student teaching. Students must meet general education course requirements specified by the Virginia Department of Education.
All endorsement areas focus on high leverage and evidence-based practices, and encourage students to be facilitators of inquiry learning. Courses in each endorsement area include the following.
● Foundations of Education
● Language Acquisition and Literacy Development I
● Mathematics Methods for the Special Educator
● Lifespan Human Development
● Characteristics of Exceptionalities
● Assessment & Evaluation For Special Education and Gifted
● Foundations & Legal Issues in Special Education
● Transition in Special Education Environment
● Collaboration to Support Exceptional Learners
● IEP Development & Implementation with Practicum’
● Classroom & Behavior Management
● Assessment Of and For Learning
● Cultural Responsive Teaching and Communication
● Integrating Literacy to Improve Content Area Reading
● Practicum in Education
● Student Teaching: Special Education
● Practicum in Education
● Foundations of Education
● Lifespan Human Development
● Characteristics of Exceptionalities
● Language Acquisition and Literacy Development I
● Assessment Of and For Learning
● Classroom & Behavior Management
● Subject Area Methods Lab
● Integrating Literacy to Improve Content Area Reading
● Middle/Secondary Methods & Practicum
● Student Teaching: Subject Area
● Practicum in Education
● Foundations of Education
● Lifespan Human Development
● Characteristics of Exceptionalities
● Language Acquisition & Literacy Development I
● Assessment Of and For Learning
● Classroom & Behavior Management
● Language and Linguistics for Educators
● Cultural Response Teaching & Communication
● ESL Assessment & Curriculum Design
● Literacy Instruction for ELLs
● Integrating Literacy to Improve Content Area Reading
● Methods of ESL Instruction with Practicum
● Student Teaching: Subject Area
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure program prepares you for a Collegiate Professional Teaching License in Virginia. Depending on the endorsement, you are qualified to work in the following positions:
● Elementary School Teacher (PK-6)
● Middle School Teacher (6-8) specializing in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, or History & Social Science
● High School Teacher (6-12) specializing in English, Mathematics, Biology, or History & Social Science
● Special Education Teacher (K-12) — General Curriculum
● English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher (K-12)
● Co-teacher or Inclusion Specialist
● Intervention Specialist
● Tutor or Academic Coach
● Curriculum Developer
● Educational Consultant
All applicants to the program must have earned a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Regionally accredited institutions approved transfer courses are accepted for transfer credit into the program. The program does not require work experience, letters of recommendation, personal statements, or an interview.
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (PBTL) program from Mary Baldwin University is your opportunity to turn your passion for teaching into a meaningful, in-demand career, without the need for a master’s degree. With flexible online learning, expert faculty, and a supportive community, you’ll gain the skills and credentials to lead confidently in today’s classrooms.
Take the next step and explore how the PBTL program can help you make a real difference. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
