Alternative Teaching Certification in Vermont
Vermont’s only alternative path to teacher licensure is Peer Review, a portfolio-based process for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must pass the Praxis Core exam, submit a portfolio documenting their teaching readiness to the Peer Review Board, and complete a fingerprint-supported background check. The whole process runs through Vermont’s online licensing system.
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Even if candidates have not completed a traditional teacher preparation program, it does not exclude them from becoming teachers one day. Vermont provides an alternative route to licensure called a Peer Review.
The Peer Review is a demanding process that requires candidates to submit a portfolio documenting why they deserve to earn teacher licensure. This allows candidates to show they have the experience and educational background to become teachers even if they haven’t completed preparation programs. If you’re already licensed to teach in another state, you may qualify for a faster path than Peer Review.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering traditional teaching certification in Vermont.
Alternative Certification Requirements
Education Requirements
In order to be eligible for Peer Review, all teacher candidates must already hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. Additionally, if teachers are seeking certification in endorsement areas, their degree should be in that same area.
Candidates must document their educational experiences and transcripts and include all applicable information in their portfolios.
Examinations
Because building a portfolio for Peer Review is a time-consuming and expensive process, candidates should first pass the teacher examinations that qualify them for Peer Review.
In Vermont, all Peer Review candidates must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills Tests (or an approved alternate test, such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE) before applying, unless exempted. Required passing scores vary by test and are set by the Vermont Agency of Education’s current testing requirements, so candidates should confirm the cutoff for their specific test before scheduling it.
Candidates seeking licensure in certain endorsement areas must also complete PRAXIS II Subject Assessments. These specific endorsement areas include:
- Art
- Elementary Education
- English
- English as a Second Language
- Math
- Middle School English
- Middle School Mathematics
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Social Studies
- Latin
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Music
- Physical Education
- Reading Specialist
- Science
- General Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Physics
- Social Studies
Experience Requirements
Peer Review does not require a separate student teaching placement the way Vermont’s traditional licensure route does. Instead, candidates submit a current resume documenting relevant teaching experience alongside their transcripts and test scores, and the portfolio itself must demonstrate proficiency in Vermont’s Core Teaching Standards.
Candidates with prior classroom experience, such as time spent teaching in a private school or under a provisional license, can draw on that experience to help meet the portfolio’s evidentiary requirements. The Peer Review Board, not the candidate, determines whether the documented experience is sufficient. Some candidates also pick up substitute teaching in Vermont while completing their portfolio and testing requirements.
Document and Application Requirements
The most significant part of obtaining alternative teacher certification in Vermont involves completing a portfolio for the Peer Review Board. The process now runs largely online through the Vermont Licensing System for Educators (VLSE), rather than by mailing paper applications.
Candidates start by submitting official transcripts (emailed to [email protected]), Praxis scores, and a current resume through VLSE, along with a $50 application processing fee. Application processing fees are non-refundable.
Once the Agency of Education accepts a candidate into the program, it sends an acceptance email with instructions for submitting the portfolio and paying the $1,200 portfolio fee through VLSE. Full information on portfolio requirements and specific endorsement area information may be found here.
Attendance at a Peer Review Clinic, a two-hour online session covering the portfolio and Peer Review process, is required before submitting a portfolio. Candidates register for a clinic and direct questions about their application by emailing [email protected].
When submitting a portfolio, candidates must include:
- Cover letter to the Peer Review Panel
- Portfolio Content Checklist
- Copy of clinic attendance certificate
- Copy of test score report(s)
- Copy of transcript(s)
- Resume
- Confirmation that the Professional Attributes and Dispositions Verification form was submitted to Peer Review (given to your current or previous supervisor to complete)
- Copies of relevant licenses
- Three letters of support from professionals who can attest to your work and knowledge
Candidates submit their portfolio by email to [email protected] once accepted into the program. After the portfolio is reviewed, the Peer Review Board schedules an interview with licensed panelists before recommending a candidate for licensure.
Vermont Agency of Education1 National Life Drive, Davis 5
Montpelier, VT 05620-2501
Timeline and Cost
Peer Review’s timeline depends heavily on how much of the portfolio and testing a candidate has already completed before applying. Costs include a $50 application processing fee and a $1,200 portfolio review fee, both paid through VLSE, plus any Praxis testing fees and a separate fingerprint-based background check fee.
Criminal History Background Check
All Vermont educator license applicants, including Peer Review candidates, must complete a fingerprint-supported criminal record check as part of the online application. This is handled through the Vermont Crime Information Center and is a standard part of the licensing process, not an optional step left to individual school districts.
Contact Information
To learn more about alternative teacher certification in Vermont, visit the Alternative Route to Licensure page or e-mail the Peer Review Coordinator at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peer Review in Vermont?
Peer Review is Vermont’s only alternative route to teacher licensure. It’s a portfolio-based process for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree but haven’t completed a traditional teacher preparation program.
What Praxis scores does Vermont require for Peer Review?
Required passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills Tests vary by test and are set by the Vermont Agency of Education. Certain endorsement areas also require passing scores on Praxis II Subject Assessments. Check the state’s current testing requirements for the exact cutoffs before scheduling an exam.
How much does the Peer Review process cost?
Budget for a $50 application processing fee and a $1,200 portfolio submission fee, both paid through Vermont’s online licensing system, plus Praxis testing fees and a fingerprint-based background check fee.
How long does Peer Review take?
There’s no fixed timeline. How long the peer review takes depends on how much of the required testing and portfolio work a candidate has already completed before applying.
Do Peer Review candidates need a background check?
Yes. All Vermont educator license applicants, including Peer Review candidates, must complete a fingerprint-supported criminal record check as part of the online application.
- Peer Review is Vermont’s only alternative path. It’s built around a documented portfolio rather than a second-degree program, with no separate student teaching placement required.
- Praxis scores come first. Candidates need Praxis Core (and Praxis II for certain endorsement areas) before applying to Peer Review, at score cutoffs set by the state.
- A background check is mandatory. All applicants, including Peer Review candidates, complete a fingerprint-supported criminal record check as part of the online application.
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