Are you contemplating a fulfilling career shift into education? The Teacher Career Switcher Program offered by EducateVA provides a streamlined and accessible pathway to become a licensed teacher in Virginia. Designed for professionals with existing degrees and work experience, this program allows you to pursue your passion for teaching without disrupting your current life. Since 2004, EducateVA has successfully guided over 2,000 individuals into teaching careers.
Why Choose a Teacher Career Switcher Program?
For those holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and possessing at least three years of full-time professional experience, the EducateVA Career Switcher program presents an ideal route to the classroom. This program is specifically tailored for career changers seeking a practical and cost-effective method to obtain teacher licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Career Switcher Program holds certification from the Virginia Department of Education/Division of Teacher Education, Licensure, and Professional Practice. EducateVA adheres to the same rigorous standards as traditional teacher education programs in Virginia. However, it delivers instruction through an alternative pathway, significantly reducing both time and expense. The program’s flexible online and Saturday course structure allows you to earn your teaching license while maintaining your current employment and personal commitments.
During your initial year of teaching under this program, you will be granted a One-Year Provisional (Career Switcher) License. Throughout this period, the experienced EducateVA faculty will provide continuous support as you work towards achieving a 10-year renewable Virginia teaching license.
Program Structure and Endorsements
Program Duration
Level I of the teacher career switcher program is completed within one 18-week semester. This level includes seven online modules and seven mandatory Saturday in-person meetings. A crucial component of Level I is a Field Placement, requiring 40 hours of classroom observation and participation within a local school setting during the semester.
Upon securing a teaching position and enrolling in Level II, you will be paired with a dedicated faculty observer and participate in regular seminars. Successful completion of EducateVA Level II requirements, coupled with a satisfactory first year of teaching, makes you eligible for recommendation by your school division for a 10-year renewable 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 will typically 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 offers a free online resource called the PRAXIS Study Companion, which can be invaluable for your preparation.
Available Endorsement Areas and Test Codes:
EducateVA supports a wide array of endorsement areas, catering to various teaching interests:
- 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 – please 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)
* Important Note: All CTE (Career and Technical Education) endorsements necessitate an approved industry credential for licensure.
Once you have determined the appropriate PRAXIS exam for your chosen endorsement, you can access the 2024-25 monthly schedule for PRAXIS exams here.
Embark on your journey to a rewarding teaching career with the EducateVA teacher career switcher program – your efficient and effective path to making a difference in education.
