Career Switcher Program
The Career Switcher Program leads to middle or high school (grades 6-12) teacher certification in the state of Virginia upon the successful completion of all program requirements. Prior to beginning the program, applicants must submit passing scores for Praxis II and the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA).
- Business and Information Technology
- Career & Technical Education*
- Computer Science
- Dance (PreK-12)
- English*
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Foreign Languages (PreK-12)*
- Health and Physical Education (PreK-12)*
- History and Social Science
- Marketing Education
- Mathematics*
- Middle Education* (6-8)
- English*
- Math*
- Science*
- History and Social Sciences*
- Music (PreK-12)
- Science - Biology*
- Science - Chemistry*
- Science - Earth science*
- Science – Physics*
- Theatre Arts (PreK-12)
- Visual Arts (PreK-12)
All endorsements are for grades 6-12 unless otherwise indicated.
* Indicates critical shortage areas for 2011-12 as defined by VDOE.
LEVEL I
Level I preparation includes a minimum of 180 clock hours of instruction, plus field experience. After completing Level I preparation, candidates are awarded a one-year Career Switcher Provisional License and are expected to obtain employment in a Virginia public or accredited non-public school. For Career Switcher Provisional License requirements, visit the Virginia Department of Education.
Options:
- 4 months (On-campus format only) - Accelerated summer session allows the teacher candidate to complete all coursework in Level I from May to August. Courses are offered on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturday as well as online with the exception of one course offered in one week of daytime, intensive hours. Students may begin the program in the summer semester.
- 9 months - Accelerated course delivery allows the teacher candidate to complete all coursework in Level I in two semesters. Courses are offered bi-weekly on Thursday and Friday evenings, and all day Saturday as well as online. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Level II preparation is taken during first year of teaching and consists of a series of six seminars. Seminar topics include Diversity, Classroom Management Strategies, Direct Instruction, Teaching Reading, and Technology in Education. Trained mentors are assigned to assist candidates throughout their first year of employment.
Format:
One year in a full-time, paid teaching position at a public or accredited non-public school. Seminars and mentorship take place during this time.
Gainful Employment
For more information about our non-degree Career Switcher certificate graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please click here. [June 28, 2011]
