Shenandoah Conservatory muscic, theatre, dance
Career Switcher Program
Career Switcher Program . . . yes YOU can become a TEACHER
The Career Switcher Program was created by the Virginia Department of Education to provide an alternative pathway into teaching for individuals who have not completed a teacher preparation curriculum but who have considerable life experiences, career achievements, and academic backgrounds that are relevant for teaching in grade 6 - 12; the Career Switcher Program is not an approved entry into elementary teaching, Special education, or add-ons to an existing license.
SU provides an alternative route to teaching licensure in the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia, and Central Virginia areas. Shenandoah University (SU) has partnered with the following public schools; Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County, Frederick County, Winchester City, Warren County, Shenandoah County, Rockingham County, Augusta County, Staunton City, Hampton City, Stafford County, and Fredericksburg/Richmond area school divisions. All Virginia School Divisions recognize the Career Switcher Licensure program.
Please note that the Career Switcher Provisional license issued after completion of Phase I is recognized only in Virginia. Once Phase II is completed and the Professional License is issued, there is reciprocity with most states.
EXPERIENCE COUNTS!
Shenandoah University is entering our eleventh year of offering the state-approved Career Switcher program. Some of the unique features to our program include onsite classes, smaller class sizes and a teaching practicum field experience in Phase I. Our program also includes Methods of Instruction classes in a Career Switcher’s area of endorsement and an Interview Skills Workshop to prepare our Career Switchers for their teaching interviews.
For additional information regarding our program, please select the desired sub-topic(s) from our Career Switcher menu on the left side of this page.
“This program not only allowed me to become a teacher but gave me an entirely new perspective on teaching. The work, though consuming and intense, was equally rewarding. I felt honored to have been in this program which allowed me to experience the joys of teaching. I look forward to many more hours in the classroom.” Robin P.