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Career Switcher Program

Are you looking to go into a different career path?

A career in teaching is rewarding and empowering as you actively involve students in discovering themselves and the world around them. Educators are crucial in imparting knowledge to children and adolescents across various subjects.

Are you ready to fast-track your teaching dreams? Imagine the possibility of becoming a licensed teacher in as little as a few months! Our fully online program offers an accelerated pathway designed to help you swiftly transition from your current career to the fulfilling world of education.

The Career Switcher program is carefully crafted to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the classroom. You will receive comprehensive training covering all aspects of teaching, from lesson planning to classroom management, ensuring that you are well-prepared to impact your students’ lives positively. Explore our Career Switcher Program with an M.Ed degree option or our Career Switcher Program with Certificate of Graduate Studies options below; both options comprise the same core courses, and both lead to licensure by the VDOE.

CAREER SWITCHER PROGRAM with M.Ed degree

Whether you come from a military, business, healthcare or engineering background or have dedicated time to raising a family, our online offerings can cater to your interests and requirements.

Obtaining a teaching license plus an M.Ed. is not just a career move; it is a strategic investment in your personal and professional growth. Take the initiative to elevate your credentials, stand out in the educational landscape, and position yourself as a leader in shaping the future of education. With an M.Ed., you can qualify for more teaching roles and advance your career, and most school divisions pay additional compensation if you have the degree. After completing the Level I or Level II requirements, acquire your M.Ed. with just a few additional courses. Visit M.Ed. Degree for Career Switchers for more information.

CAREER SWITCHER program with CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATE STUDIEs

Explore Regent University’s Career Switcher Program with Certificate of Graduate Studies, which is an option to obtain a teaching license but without the additional benefit of obtaining a Master’s degree.

Support while you transition

Changing careers can be daunting, but our program offers a supportive and nurturing environment. Our experienced instructors and mentors will guide you every step of the way, providing personalized feedback and support to help you succeed. You will also have the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded individuals who share your passion for education, creating a solid support system that will continue to benefit you throughout your teaching journey.

One-Year Mentorship & Group Discussions

We’re here to guide and support you as you embark on this transformative journey into the teaching profession. Your course instructors are all experienced educators who understand the world of teaching. For the whole of your first year of teaching, Regent will assign you an experienced mentor to provide one-on-one professional support both in and outside of the classroom. Also, our program includes opportunities for group discussions allowing you to learn from your peers, share ideas, and build a support network within the teaching community.

Hands-On Experience

Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. This practical experience is invaluable as it will enable you to understand the challenges and dynamics of a classroom environment. Working directly with K-12 students will teach you how to effectively engage and motivate them, adapt your teaching methods to different learning styles, and manage classroom dynamics.

Recognized Excellence

Join an institution consistently ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. Our programs have been recognized among Virginia’s Top 10 Online Graduate Education Programs for 11 consecutive years. Our alumni have achieved remarkable success, many of them being recognized as Teachers of the Year across the Commonwealth since 2004.

Regent alumnus, John Pienkowski, enrolled in the Career Switcher program to transition from the Military to a teaching career and won the 2018 National Outstanding New Educator of the Year Award. This is a testament to our educators’ exceptional teaching skills and dedication. It showcases their ability to inspire and motivate students, fostering a love for learning and helping them reach their full potential.

John Pienkowski

WHERE CAN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAREER SWITCHER PROGRAM IN VIRGINIA BE FOUND?

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has a wealth of information for the Career Switcher Program, including state requirements and how to apply.

If you’ve dreamed about becoming a teacher but feel stuck in your current career path, we have the solution. Program graduates have come from all backgrounds and professions, such as ranking military, pastors, engineers, bankers, and stay-at-home mothers. Through this alternative route to licensure, you can apply for provisional licensure to teach in Virginia.

So, why wait? Leap and fast-track your teaching dreams today. Join our program and embark on a rewarding journey that will transform your life and the lives of your future students.