Summer Series VCEA Cohort

Earn your Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA) Certification!

The VCEA Catholic Educators Cohort allows practicing Catholic school teachers and teacher aids with a Bachelor’s degree to complete up to two accelerated graduate courses during summer break at a significantly reduced cost.

Coursework is contextualized for Catholic school settings, emphasizing faith-informed instruction, collaboration, and service to the whole child.

Courses are fully online and asynchronous, making it possible to balance professional learning with personal, parish, and school commitments.

Logo with a cross that reads: Leading with Purpose, Rooted in MissionWho This Is For

  • Catholic educators interested in an affordable opportunity to gain VCEA certification and credits towards a Master’s degree in Education
  • PK-12 Catholic school teachers or teacher aides with a Bachelor’s degree who want to strengthen skills in their teacher pedagogy, while earning their VCEA certification
  • Catholic education-centered curriculum: Courses integrating Catholic social teaching and faith-informed approaches to serving students

Program Highlights

  • 5-week accelerated online course format
  • Asynchronous coursework: No required weekly meeting times
  • Cohort model: Learn alongside fellow Catholic school educators
  • Gain up to 6 graduate credits that you can apply toward:
    • Licensure endorsements for PK-6, Secondary, or Special Education (36 credits)
    • Non-licensure Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction (30 credits)
  • High-touch program design with personalized feedback from faculty currently serving in the Catholic School system, weekly office hours for connection with cohort and professors, and applicable coursework designed to immediately transform your teaching practices

If pursuing a Master’s, continue the cost savings and ask our admissions advisors about our Catholic School Teacher tuition discount!

VCEA Cohort Courses 

ED 500: Foundations of Education and the Teaching Profession

  • Participants will examine:
    • The historical, sociological, and philosophical foundations of education and the teaching profession, with emphasis on Catholic-rooted instruction and contemporary trends
    • Organizations and structures influencing Catholic education and private school operations
    • Teacher responsibilities related to professional practice, religious mission, ethical standards, and legal considerations affecting the classroom
    • Foundational principles of curriculum design, standards and accountability, and lesson planning to support the needs of all learners.

ED 571: Classroom Management in PK-12 Learning Environments

  • Participants will examine:
    • Classroom community building rooted in Catholic identity and values
    • Proactive and restorative behavior management strategies
    • Individual and classroom-level interventions
    • Functional behavioral assessment and support across schoolwide classroom and individual contexts
  • Special attention is given to fostering respect, responsibility, and compassion within Catholic school classrooms. 

Course Schedule

Option 1: Take two courses sequentially 

  • Summer Session 1: May 18th-June 21:
    • ED 500SL -V: Foundations of Education and the Teaching Profession
  • Summer Session 2: June 29 – July 31
    • ED 571-V : Classroom Management in PK-12 Learning Environments

Option 2: Take courses concurrently:

  • Summer Session 2: June 29 – July 31
    • ED 500SL – W: Foundations of Education and the Teaching Profession
    • ED 571 – V: Classroom Management in PK-12 Learning Environments

APPLY NOW using the yellow button above or request to speak with an admissions advisor today! Email to have your questions answered.