Are you considering a fulfilling career change into education? If you possess a bachelor’s degree and have significant work experience, becoming a licensed teacher in Virginia might be more attainable than you think. EducateVA’s Career Switcher program offers a practical and accelerated pathway to achieving your teaching aspirations while accommodating your current life. Since 2004, this program has successfully guided over 2,000 professionals like you into the teaching profession.
Is the Career Switcher Program in Virginia Right for You?
The EducateVA Career Switcher program is specifically designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and bring at least three years of full-time professional experience to the table. It’s an ideal route for those seeking an affordable and efficient way to transition into teaching within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
This program is officially certified by 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, but delivers instruction through a streamlined and cost-effective model. The program’s online coursework and Saturday meetings are structured to fit seamlessly into your schedule, enabling you to pursue your teaching license without disrupting your current employment or personal commitments.
Your Path to a Virginia Teaching License
Upon securing a teaching position, your journey begins with a One-Year Provisional (Career Switcher) License. Throughout your initial teaching year, you’ll receive ongoing support and mentorship from the experienced EducateVA faculty, guiding you towards earning a 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 sessions. A crucial component of Level I is a 40-hour field placement in a local school classroom, providing practical experience.
Level II commences once you have a teaching contract and enroll in this phase. You will be paired with a dedicated faculty observer and participate in regular seminars. Successful completion of EducateVA Level II, coupled with a successful first year of teaching, makes you eligible for recommendation by your school division for a renewable 10-year teaching license in Virginia.
Understanding Endorsements and PRAXIS Exams
An endorsement specifies the subject area you are qualified to teach and will be listed on your Virginia teaching license. Preparing for the PRAXIS II, or PRAXIS Subject Assessment, is a key step in obtaining your endorsement. Study guides are readily available from booksellers, and the PRAXIS Study Companion, a free online resource from ETS, can be a valuable tool in your preparation.
Endorsement Areas Offered by EducateVA:
EducateVA supports a wide range of endorsement areas, each with a corresponding PRAXIS test code:
- 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): Spanish (5195), French (5174), German (5183) (PRAXIS Subject Assessment required)
- 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, you can access the 2024-25 monthly schedule for PRAXIS exams here.
Ready to Make a Career Switch to Teaching?
The EducateVA Career Switcher Program provides a structured, supportive, and affordable route to becoming a licensed teacher in Virginia. Take the first step towards your new career and explore how EducateVA can help you make a successful transition into the rewarding field of education.
