Are you contemplating a fulfilling career change into education? The Virginia Career Switcher Program offers a practical and accelerated route to becoming a licensed teacher in Virginia, designed specifically for individuals like you who possess a bachelor’s degree and professional experience. EducateVA provides a streamlined pathway that respects your current commitments, allowing you to pursue your passion for teaching without disrupting your existing job and responsibilities. Since 2004, this highly regarded program has successfully transitioned over 2,000 professionals into the teaching profession.
The EducateVA Career Switcher program is ideally suited for those who have already attained a bachelor’s degree or higher and bring a wealth of at least three years of full-time work experience to the table. If you are seeking an affordable and efficient method to gain teacher licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia, this program is designed with your needs in mind.
Certified by the Virginia Department of Education/Division of Teacher Education, Licensure, and Professional Practice, the VCCS Career Switcher Program adheres to the same rigorous standards as traditional teacher education programs across Virginia. However, it distinguishes itself by offering an alternative pathway that significantly reduces both the time commitment and financial investment. The program’s online coursework and Saturday meeting schedule are specifically structured to accommodate working professionals, enabling you to earn your teaching license while maintaining your current employment and personal obligations.
During your initial year of teaching, you will hold a One-Year Provisional (Career Switcher) License. Throughout this crucial year, you will receive dedicated support and mentorship from the experienced EducateVA faculty, guiding you towards achieving your 10-year renewable Virginia teaching license.
The program is structured in two levels. Level I is completed over one 18-week semester through distance education, incorporating seven modules and seven mandatory Saturday in-person sessions. A vital component of Level I is a Field Placement, requiring 40 hours of practical classroom experience in a local school setting during the semester.
Upon securing a teaching position and enrolling in Level II, you will be paired with a faculty observer who will provide ongoing support and evaluation. You will also participate in regular seminars designed to enhance your teaching skills and professional development. Successful completion of EducateVA Level II requirements, coupled with a successful year of teaching, makes you eligible for recommendation by your school division for a 10-year renewable teaching license in Virginia.
An endorsement designates the specific subject area that will be officially recognized on your teaching license. This endorsement aligns with the subjects you are qualified to teach once you begin your classroom role. To prepare for the required content knowledge exam, known as the PRAXIS II or PRAXIS Subject Assessment, study guides are readily available from various booksellers. Furthermore, ETS offers a valuable free online resource, the PRAXIS Study Companion, tailored to your specific content area.
Explore Endorsement Areas and Test Codes:
- 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)
- Note: Other World Languages may require ACTFL assessments. Contact our office for details.
- 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)
*Please note that all CTE endorsements necessitate an approved industry credential for licensure.
Once you have identified the appropriate PRAXIS assessment from the provided list, you can access the 2024-25 monthly schedule for PRAXIS exams here.
The Virginia Career Switcher Program through EducateVA offers a flexible, accredited, and career-focused pathway for experienced professionals to transition into the rewarding field of teaching. Take the first step towards your new career and explore the possibilities today.
