Are you contemplating a career change and passionate about education? EducateVA offers a robust Career Switcher Program in Virginia, providing a practical and accelerated pathway to become a licensed teacher. If you possess a bachelor’s degree and have at least three years of professional experience, this program could be your ideal route to a fulfilling career in education without disrupting your current life. Since 2004, EducateVA has successfully guided over 2,000 career switchers into the teaching profession.
The EducateVA Career Switcher Program is specifically designed for individuals like you – those who have already achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher, bring a wealth of experience from at least three years of full-time employment, and are seeking an accessible and budget-friendly method to enter the teaching field in Virginia.
Certified by the Virginia Department of Education/Division of Teacher Education, Licensure, and Professional Practice, our program adheres to the same rigorous standards as traditional teacher education programs throughout Virginia. However, EducateVA provides an alternative, more efficient pathway to meet these standards, significantly reducing both the time and cost involved. With fully online courses and convenient Saturday meetings, you can pursue your teaching license while maintaining your current employment and personal commitments.
Upon securing a teaching position, your first year will be under a One-Year Provisional (Career Switcher) License. Throughout this initial year, you’ll receive dedicated support from EducateVA faculty, guiding you towards earning your 10-year renewable Virginia teaching license.
Program Structure and Duration
The program is structured in two levels. Level I is completed within one 18-week semester through distance education, incorporating seven modules and seven mandatory Saturday sessions. A Field Placement, requiring 40 hours of classroom observation in a local school, is also a component of this semester.
Once you’ve secured a teaching contract and enroll in Level II, you will be paired with a faculty observer and participate in regular seminars. Successful completion of EducateVA Level II requirements, coupled with a successful first year of teaching, makes you eligible for recommendation by your school division for a renewable 10-year teaching license.
Understanding Endorsements
An endorsement defines the specific subject area you are qualified to teach and will be indicated on your teaching license. To gain endorsement in your chosen subject, you’ll need to pass the PRAXIS II exam, also known as the PRAXIS Subject Assessment. Study guides for these exams are readily available from booksellers. Additionally, ETS provides a free online resource called the PRAXIS Study Companion for each content area, which can be a valuable tool in your preparation.
Available Endorsement Areas and Test Codes:
EducateVA supports a wide range of endorsement areas, catering to various interests and expertise:
- Middle School English/Lang. Arts (6-8): (5047)
- Middle School Science (6-8): (5442)
- Middle School Social Studies (6-8): (5089)
- Middle School Mathematics (6-8): (5164)
- Mathematics (6-12): (5165)
- English (6-12): (5038)
- Biology: (5236 – effective 7/1/2023)
- Chemistry: (5246 – effective 7/1/2023)
- Earth Science: (5572 effective 1/1/2024)
- Physics: (5266 – effective 7/1/2023)
- Social Studies (6-12): (5581 effective 1/1/2025)
- World Languages (PreK-12) requiring PRAXIS Subject Assessment: Spanish (5195), French (5174), German (5183)
- For other World Languages requiring ACTFL assessments, please contact our office.
- Health and PE (PreK-12): (5857)
- Marketing: (5561)*
- Business and Information Technology: (5101)*
- Technology Education: (5053 effective 8/1/24)*
- Family and Consumer Sciences: (5122)*
- ESOL (PreK-12): (5362)
*CTE endorsements require an approved industry credential for licensure.
Once you have identified your required PRAXIS assessment from the list above, you can access the 2024-25 monthly schedule for PRAXIS exams here.
Embark on your rewarding teaching career with the Career Switcher Program in Virginia through EducateVA. Gain your licensure efficiently and affordably, and start making a difference in students’ lives.
