Interested in obtaining your Virginia Teaching license through an accelerated route?
If you currently hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and have at least five years of full time work experience or its equivalent, the Career Switcher program may be for you! The Career Switcher Program was created by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) 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. View all of the program prerequisites.
Please note: the Career Switcher Program is not an approved entry into elementary teaching, special education, or as an add-on to an existing license.
Learn more about Shenandoah University’s Career Switcher Program by attending one of our upcoming Open House events.
Some of the unique features to our program include:
- All face-to-face instruction
- Small (restricted) class sizes
- A teaching practicum field experience in Phase I
- Methods of Instruction modules in your area of endorsement
Learn more about the program’s curriculum
Apply NowStudent Testimonials
The program was very thorough and I felt was well organized . . . I feel that I am fully prepared and confident to teach now.”
– David C.
This is a phenomenal program with phenomenal instructors. The past four months have been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Anyone who wants to teach should seriously consider the career switchers program through Shenandoah University. The program personnel have been friendly, efficient, and helpful from start to finish.”
– Cheryl L.
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.