Career Switcher Program for Accelerated Teaching License with M.Ed. Option

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Application Process – Career Switcher

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of professional work experience are required for both CS (elementary) and CS (secondary). All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Additional Requirements

• CS (Elementary): If you are planning to teach either pre-K-3 or pre-K-6 in an elementary school, click here for an outline of admission requirements.
• CS (Secondary): If you are planning to teach in either a middle or high school, you will need a Praxis II pass in the subject area you plan to teach, plus a pass in the Virginia Communications and Literacy Assessment (VCLA).

Detailed requirements for entry to the CS program will be provided by a Regent University Admissions counselor. To contact Admissions, call 888.713.1595 or edadmissions@regent.edu.

Step 1: Application

Submit your application using our Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit your Unofficial College Transcripts*

We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcript from a U.S.-based school, which indicates successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program, in order to review you for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to regent.edu/items.

Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.

International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.

*Upon conditional acceptance to the program by review of unofficial transcripts, Regent University’s Admissions Office will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution, which indicate successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. We will notify you if your previous institution will not release transcripts directly to us.

Step 3: VDOE Application and Report on Experience

Submit your official VDOE Career Switcher Application and Report on Experience forms with a wet ink signature to the address below. To ensure your documents are correct prior to mailing the official copy, please submit an unofficial copy to regent.edu/items. Prospects are responsible for filings out the documents accurately and incorrect forms can result in a prolonged review period for admissions.

• VDOE Career Switcher Application Form
• VDOE Report on Experience Form

Mailing Address:
Regent University
Enrollment Support Services
1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Note: Prospects should not call the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) concerning this program; any questions will be answered by Regent University.

Step 4: VCLA Scores

Arrange to have official VCLA scores sent directly to Regent University using Regent ETS code: 5135.

• For more information or to register for the VCLA, visit www.va.nesinc.com.
• Preparation for the VCLA

Step 5: Praxis II Scores

We are able to accept an unofficial copy of your Praxis II exam in order to review your file for an admission decision. Please submit your unofficial scores to regent.edu/items.

• For more information or to register for the Praxis, visit www.ets.org.
• Preparation for Praxis II

Step 6: Admissions Interview

If an interview is necessary, the admissions office will contact you to schedule an appointment. The interview can be conducted on campus or over the phone and typically takes about 20 minutes.

Additional Requirements

Background Check: Because the program includes direct contact with students in field experiences, applicants to the Career Switcher Program must submit a background check. Regent University School of Education has entered into an agreement with CastleBranch, a private vendor that conducts background checks for many universities and educational institutions. After you are admitted into the program, you will be provided instructions to set up an online profile with CastleBranch and request your background check. Learn more.

First Aid, CPR, AED Training: Documentation that verifies completion of certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). The certification or training program shall be based on the current national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, such as a program developed by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Note: VDOE no longer accepts training certificates obtained from an online source – training must be conducted in person.

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

How can I use a Career Switcher license?

The Career Switcher Program leads to elementary, middle or high school (Pre-K-12) teacher certification in the state of Virginia upon the successful completion of all program requirements. Regent has the only Career Switcher program in Virginia that has been fully online for the past ten years. Prior to beginning the program, applicants must submit passing scores for Praxis II and the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA).

Can I use my Career Switcher license to teach virtually from home?

No, the Career Switcher license is for face-to-face classroom instruction.

Will Regent help me with field placements and with getting my teaching license?

Absolutely!  Click here to learn about the detailed support we provide for you.

What are the Career Switcher endorsement areas?

Business & Information Technology

Career & Technical Education*

Computer Science

Dance (Pre-K-12)

Elementary Education (Pre-K-3)*

Elementary Education (Pre-K-6)*

English (Secondary)*

English – Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) (K-12)

Family & Consumer Sciences

Foreign Languages (Pre-K-12)*

Health & Physical Education (Pre-K-12)*

History & Social Sciences (Secondary)*

Marketing Education

Mathematics* 6-12 (including Algebra 1)

Middle Education* (6-8)

Music (Pre-K-12)

Science*

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 2022-23 as defined by VDOE.

What are the Steps to Licensure?

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.

LEVEL II

Level II preparation is required by VDOE to be taken during first year of teaching and consists of two courses and mentorships — trained mentors are assigned to assist candidates throughout their first year of employment. Format includes one year in a full-time, paid teaching position at a public or accredited non-public school. Online courses and the mentorships take place during this time.

I’m in the military, can I be a Career Switcher?

Absolutely! Go from serving your country to serving your community as a teacher. Regent’s alumni include former and retired service members from all branches of the military who are now teaching throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our program is designed to meet your needs and enables you to start even before you’ve left the military. Regent University and the Virginia Troops to Teachers Center collaborate to support active military and veterans interested in obtaining their teaching license. Registering for Troops to Teachers is a complementary service to your educational program. Regent’s Military Resource Center is dedicated to helping you identify your military benefits and walk you through the steps of enrollment, financial aid and how to reach your academic and career goals.

Career Switchers have a desire to teach and help children learn. As they embark on their journey to make a difference in the world of education, each has a unique story to tell that bridges former life experiences with a renewed calling. Read these inspiring testimonials from Career Switcher alumni.

Course Sequence

Sequence of course offerings: Level I

From SU23 onwards all six Level I courses will be offered every semester. Candidates wishing to complete Level I in just one semester should plan to start in Sessions A, B, C, D, E, or F.

Sequence of course offerings: Level II

• Fall Session B: EFND 536
• Spring Session C: EFND 537

M.Ed. Option

Regent offers the only Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Virginia for a Career Switcher Program — which now includes an elementary school teaching path — all fully online. Whether you want to teach at the elementary, middle or high school level, we will enhance your understanding of classroom best practices and the latest advances in educational technology. Taking the additional credits to acquire your master’s degree is optional, but our Master of Education in Individualized Studies for Career Switchers builds upon the skills you acquired during the teacher preparation program. Presented from a Christian worldview, this degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

On completing this CAEP-accredited M.Ed. program, you’ll be able to:

• Teach at the elementary or secondary level depending selected path.
• Integrate new and innovative skills to enhance teaching.
• Apply instructional strategies to improve classroom learning.
• Identify, select, modify and use instructional materials to meet the needs of diverse student populations.

For students who entered the program prior to January 2021 the requirement for the degree is 32 graduate credit hours; for students entering on or after that date the requirement is 30 hours.

Level I & II

M.Ed. Option for Career Switchers who have completed Level I

Students must complete at least 14 credits in addition to Career Switcher (18) credit hours:

• EDIP 543 Technology in Education (3)
• EFND 598 Professional Project (2)* (No longer required for students entering the program from January 2021 onwards.)
• ETSL 540 Multicultural Education (3)
• ETSP 570 Instructional Methods for Students with Disabilities (3)

Choose one elective from the following:

• EDIP 541 Developmental Leadership (3)
• EFND 509 Character Education Curricula, Instruction & Assessment (3)
• ETSL 505 Serving English Language Learners in K-12 Classrooms (3)

M.Ed. Option for Career Switchers who have completed Level II

Students must complete at least 8 credits in addition to Career Switcher (24) credit hours:

• EFND 598 Professional Project (2)* (No longer required for students entering the program from January 2021 onwards.)
• ETSL 540 Multicultural Education (3)

Choose one elective from the following:

• EDIP 543 Technology in Education (3)
• ETSL 505 Serving English Language Learners in K-12 Classrooms (3)
• ETSP 570 Instructional Methods for Students with Disabilities (3)

Our Career Switcher team is available to answer your questions:

Mervyn J. Wighting, Ph.D.
Career Switcher Program Chair
mervwig@regent.edu

Brenda Vaughan
Field Placements Coordinator
bvaughan@regent.edu

Ashley Rombs
Certification/Licensure Official
arombs@regent.edu

• B.Ed. in Early & Primary Education (Licensure Track)
• B.Ed. in Elementary Education (Licensure Track)
• B.Ed. in Secondary English (Licensure Track)
• Ed.D. – Doctor of Education
• M.A. in School Counseling
• M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
• Ph.D. in Education